Spiritual Eye

When God can not teach you anything he makes you a teacher. You have to make sure in
this lifetime you are going to learn something. This subject is so vast we are going to start
with the God you are going to meditate on. You want to meditate on God but you do not
truly know the kind of God you are looking for. Paramahansa Yogananda, a spiritual
master from India, is the only master who described the duel God whom the Romans
called the jealous God. The God of two faces; the God connected with doors and gates
which is a perfect explanation.

First we have the asp2234ect of God in creation that is cosmic intelligence which created the
world and the entire universe without form with his infinite intelligence. He permeated
every atom of creation with this intelligence. But that intelligence which is in our brain
and mind pertains to our soul not to our ego and therefore we have great difficulty and that is why we are living in ignorance. This can be proven to you. When you begin to develop cosmic intelligence you will know where you came from, you will know who you are, you will know where
you are going and you know the God you are looking for. The masters from India tell us are real name is "Sat Chit Ananda" which means ever blissfully conscious of your eternal existence.
But you can not be that cosmic intelligence until you work one hundred percent
to open up the gate to that intelligence --the key is your conscience. Your conscience is
God's cosmic intelligence vibrating through you. Each time you interfere with your
conscience you are back into ego consciousness, ignorance and duality. You have human
intelligence which endlessly lies to you then you have divine intelligence and your
conscience and then you have cosmic light.

Since God needed some bricks to build his
universe; he built the entire universe as light but at the same time we have cosmic
darkness. That light is right between the eyebrows. To those who meditate do you see any
light? Most of us see nothing but darkness, complete darkness and that is the Kali Yuga
state. You want to meditate and you get so bored with it then you quit because you see
nothing, feel nothing and hear nothing and when God stirs the galaxy and solar systems it
makes a sound, a great sound of Aum. There are two powers within that sound: attraction
and repulsion. There is beautiful music like the music of Mozart and there is heavy
metal and rap. One leads you to uplifting mood and the other leads you down the drain.
The whole universe is made of a positive and negative approach in everything.

Furthermore we have cosmic wisdom in order to create religions to unite all beings under
one God. We have cosmic wisdom but we do not know. The role of every religion in the
world is to teach union, but instead of teaching cosmic wisdom, they are
teaching separateness and cosmic confusion. There are endless wars between religious
people in the name of one God, and everybody is willing to kill each other and die for
their religion. Suicide bombers are killing themselves and others every day in Iraq
thinking they are going to heaven by dying for their beliefs. Mankind has great
knowledge but absolutely no wisdom. Anybody we hurt on the other side of the earth
affects us all physically. It is like hitting your foot with a hammer and oh! my head hurts.
Everything happening on this globe today affects our daily life in thoughts, words,
feeling and actions. We have cosmic love and cosmic hate and these forces keep
every nation separated from each other with different customs, different languages and
different everything that causes total confusion. We have cosmic joy and then we have
cosmic sorrow.

People suffer separation at death because the concept of death creates
universal sorrow. The concept of death stems from the greatest ignorance of who we are.
Therefore, when we lose a child, a father, or a mother, we grieve, when they
experience death. We need to realize we are immortal. In the future this concept will not
even exist. There is cosmic peace and there is cosmic unrest that is not perpetual
motion but perpetual commotion. There are people that the moment they enter a
room they become perpetual commotion. We have unrest everywhere. Then there is
cosmic beauty and cosmic ugliness in human behavior towards one another. Torturing in
concentration camps and the devastation of world war two are perfect examples of cosmic
ugliness, oppression, and dictatorship and so on. Then there is cosmic love and cosmic
hate. Worshiping God with the mind no matter what type of yogi we are will endlessly
put us through the experience of these dualities. As long as we worship God with our ego
no matter how advanced our ego is we will experience duality. There is a certain kind of
yoga devoid of these dualities and that is cosmic bliss. If one can make the effort to
anchor oneself in that which is changeless one may obtain that cosmic bliss which is
nothing else but ones own soul divine nature. We can experience all these states of God
without duality. To seek God, put your mind (ego) aside, shut-off the five senses and look
at the door of the infinite. There is this hidden stair that will take you up there where God
can be perceived without duality known as the spiritual eye.

Why are we meditating? What are we trying to achieve when the great sages and spiritual masters from India say there are two kinds of people in the world? There are those who meditate and seek God and those who dont. Those who meditate, have a clear advantage over those who do not meditate. In meditation the conscious mind is used as an instrument through which the soul transmits knowledge to our physical brain. This instrument then gradually establishes a close relationship with the soul until they become literally one and knowledge merges into wisdom. Visualization is not meditation or a form of it. Meditation is not thoughts, it is focusing your attention on the object of meditation. For example, if you want to know what a lake is, you can jump into the lake, swim into the lake and absorb into the lake. Likewise, meditation is absorbing oneself into the object of meditation. True meditation is absorption in God and it has absolutely nothing in common with the unscientific techniques of breathing taught by a host of ill-advised zealots. According to the scriptures human beings require one million years of healthy, normal evolution to perfect the human brain in order to achieve the sublime state of cosmic consciousness. There is a technique called Kriya Yoga. It is a method through which human evolution can be quickened. A book titled "Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramahansa Yogananda, a spiritual classic, explains the actual meditation technique of burning off karma, which is freely given by the Self-Realization Fellowship in Los Angeles California in lesson form, mailed to your home.

During meditation you must break the connection between the body and the mind.
As long as you are conscious of your body you cannot go deep into meditation. You have
to have complete forgetfulness of your body and that means a state of absolute
immovability. As long as you move even once, like to scratch yourself, you have broken
that magnetic field and you have to start over again at that point to gain depth in
meditation. Desires constantly agitates the meditator and wisdom can only be perceived
when one stops moving. Intuition comes the moment you are still to guide you. That is
why some people quit meditating; they cannot go deep enough to gain any results
therefore they lose interest. Some have what is called the yo-yo syndrome; this
alternating condition is when two tendencies over power each other then alternately like
two lovers who sometimes become angry affect alternately with deep enthusiasm for
meditation and then sudden dryness and indifference, then in one moment they get very
interested and drop everything else.

It is impossible to resist the temptation of this world unless we have something better given to us through the practice of meditation. Meditation is the
cultivation of concentration upon the spiritual eye. The moment your eyes go down you
fall asleep and lean forward like many do when concentration is not locked up at the point
between the eyebrows. You cannot enter into these higher states of consciousness until
the ego becomes relaxed. The western mind is so intellectually uptight that it has to
rationalize everything; that is why it takes a long time before we can feel anything. We
must go beyond the ego self to be able to relax and to experience real feelings. No wonder
we are unable to love one another!

Copyright 2006 Gary Zalben
You may reprint this article as long as the source is kept intact. For more information about the author and self-improvement writings see 10D3http://www.howtoselladeadhorse.com

About the Author
Gary Zalben - Original Author, Article titled: How to Sell a Dead Horse

Cultivate a Spiritual Relationship

What is a spiritual relationship?

A relationship is how we relate to other. A spiritual relationship is a relationship that aims for the highest good for those in the relationship. It is one that facilitates our spiritual growth.

Here are some tips on how to cultivate a spiritual relationship with anoth2238er.

1. A Spiritual Being in Physical Experience

Most people believe they are physical human beings, with perhaps some tendency or inclination to seek a spiritual experience. Living with this belief automatically limits our spiritual experience for it puts our spirituality in the backseat.

Instead, choose to believe that we are spiritual beings in physical manifestation. This choice automatically brings your spiritual experience into center stage, and you will begin to see every relationship as an opportunity for spiritual growth.

Remember, whatever you choose to believe in, you're right, for a belief is merely a perception of reality.

2. Free Will

As a spiritual being, we have free will and complete control over our life. However, this is only true IF we have full control over our mind. The more mindful or conscious we are, the more free will we have.

Therefore, in every situation in a relationship, we have a choice as to how we choose to respond. We have the freedom to respond positively or negatively. Responding positively not only helps us to grow spiritually but also offer the other person an opportunity to do so as well. When we respond negatively, we miss an opportunity for growth.

3. Do not judge

To judge implies that we are superior to another. It implies that we know better or are more evolved. This is the working of the egoic mind. Every time we judge, we validate and strengthen our egoic mind.

Our egoic mind is the proverbial devil in disguise. If it cannot win by force, it will try to win through cunning and trickery. It is so good and subtle at this that we are often fooled by it.

To judge also implies that we are forcing our own beliefs, concepts, desires and expectations on another. In other words, we are not honoring their free will.

Each time we judge another, we are doing ourselves and the other person a disservice. We are perpetuating a negative tendency that continues to validate our egoic mind. At the same time, we encroach on the other person's space and choice, and are more likely to create a resistance in him or her, rather than a positive respond.

4. Do not blame

To blame also implies superiority over another. To blame another also means we do not take responsibility for our share in the relationship.

A relationship is a two-way thing. It takes two to tango. You cannot clap with one hand. This means that in a relationship, both are equally responsible for the outcome.

When we blame another, we are actually saying, "It is your fault, not mine."

However, we should also remember not to blame ourselves. Since every relationship is an opportunity for spiritual growth, take every situation as an opportunity to learn and evolve. There is no need to blame oneself or others.

5. Acceptance

Learn to accept ourselves and the other person, together with all the strengths and weaknesses. We are here to evolve into a spiritual being with full consciousness in our physical manifestation. Each of us are here for certain unique lessons.

Through acceptance, we help each other to grow. Through acceptance, we let go of our tendency to judge, blame and control.

In cultivating a spiritual relationship, we are BE-ing unconditional love.

Dr. Tim Ong is a medical doctor who runs his own thriving medical practice. In his free time, he enjoys giving public talks, teaching meditation and offering his service to hospice work in the community. He also has keen interest in self improvement, mind science and spirituality. Dr. Ong is the author of "From Fear to Love: A Spiritual Journey" which was recently launched. He is the webmaster of http://fromfeartolove.com and http://theselfimprovementsite.com

A Spiritual Perspective on Resolving the Grief of Sudden Infant Death

If home is where the heart is, so also dwells there a place for healing the grief and anguish of losing a child or any loved one.

All we need do is step inside our heart by means of a heart-centered meditation.

The heart isn't only a physical organ or merely an intellectual concept. The heart is the very center of our self-awareness--our consciousness as created souls. The heart is where mind, body, feelings, and spirit come together and where issues within self and between self and others can be examined and resolved in a loving manner.

It is also where parent and child may meet again, even if the child is no longer in a physical body. The heart space is accessible to the energy of consciousness of both the living and the so-called dead.

The process is simple.

Step One: Find a quiet, comfortable, secure place where there will not be any disruptions or intrusions. Those accustomed to meditating may already have such a place. Lying on a bed is fine, as is leaning back in a comfortable recliner or lounge chair. Whatever helps put the seeker of resolution at ease will do. Make sure a box of tissues is within reach.

Step Two: Close your eyes to help calm the body and the mind. It may not be possible to empty it of all thought, so don't try to do so. Don't try to do anything or not do anything. Simply be still, physically and mentally.

Step Three: Focus on breathing. Breathe in and out. Each time in, hold it a little longer before exhaling. Each time out, hold it a little longer before inhaling. Repeat this until inhaling for as long as it s comfortable and exhaling for as long as it is comfortable. This is an easy and gentle means of lengthening and slowing your breathing rate. Please take it slowly.

Step Four: Imagine standing before the doors to your heart. At this point, if you are familiar with your guides (angels), invite them to come along with you. Then imagine those doors opening and move into your heart space.

Step Five: If your heart space seems dim or confined, ask for more light and clarity. Guides can help with this, although they are not necessary to receive assistance. When the space is lighter and freer, look for a pool or stream of water. There is always water within the heart, even if it is just a trickle. Water is how the soul or spirit energy that anchors within our heart space appears to us in spirit.

Step Six: Sit beside this water. If desired, take a drink of it or even bathe in it. It is your own spiritual energy and is healing and reassuring. Once comfortable beside the water, invite the dead child into your heart as well. Don't be surprised to find that the child comes eagerly and may even have preceded your invitation into your heart. If the child seems hesitant, send out love and reassurance and ask the child's guides to encourage the visit.

Step Seven: Once your child is by the water, allow all emotions to flow freely. There will be tears, and they are healing, so do not repress them. Use the tissues close by and continue. Talk with your child. Tell the child about your feelings. Ask the child why s/he left the body. Listen to the answer, which may come as images, thoughts, feelings, or even as distinct words. Embrace each other again, and ask for God's blessing on both and on all of those affected by the child's passing. Take your time in this stage. There is no hurry.

Step Eight: Once you have resolved your feelings and gotten answers to your questions, feel free to invite the child's other parent and siblings, if any, into this heart space. Embrace each other. Talk to each other and listen to what each soul says. Play together. Laugh and cry together. Help your spouse and other children resolve their issues over their loss. Go ahead and ask God again for another blessing for this group.

Step Nine: Say farewell to all souls who have visited your heart, and grant them free passage in and out of this space. Know that it is possible to return to this space at any time and be with the departed child in spirit and feeling.

Step Ten: Open your eyes and sit up. By all means, discuss your experiences and new understandings with those you trust.

A heart-centered meditation permits us to communicate with others at the emotional and spiritual levels, which provides insights not available to the conscious mind. Such insights are one of the keys to attaining resolution for spiritual and emotional wounds. Souls need to understand why as part of the healing process.

Although powerful, heart-centered meditation is not the only spiritual method to help resolve the grief of loss. Future columns will review yet another such approach.

Candace (C.L.) Talmadge is the author of the Green Stone of Healing(R) http://greenstoneofhealing.com epic fantasy series and a political columnist syndicated by North Star Writers Group http://northstarwriters.com

Consider Installing a Standby Generator

Now is definitely the time to consider installing a standby generator. Hurricane season starts in a couple of months and there is no reason to believe that the shortage of electrical power will be corrected in the near future. Weather systems have been producing severe weather throughout North America and other parts of the world, in areas that have not seen these phenomena previously. The installation of a standby generator will provide you and your family with security and comfort in the event the power grid or local disaster stops the flow of electrical power to your home.

Standby generators come in a variety of sizes for both residential and commercial applications. The size governs the maximum power that you will have available in the even of a power outage. Some homeowners want the comfort and security provided by a total replacement of the incEAAoming power, while others are satisfied with having enough energy to maintain, heating, refrigerators, freezers, and some basic lighting.

Convenience is also a consideration when considering the size of the standby generator that you require. As an example, the stove and hot water tank (if they are electric) create the highest amount of power consumption in a home. A standby generator can be installed so that you can have hot water and your stove but not at the same time.

Heating and air conditioning are also heavy electrical energy draws. Again, a homeowner may be satisfied with the loss of air conditioning for a few days rather than pay for a standby generator that can deliver enough power to keep the house cool. If you have forced air heating, the blower uses a motor that requires electricity to operate. Without an operating blower, the furnace will not work even if gas or fuel oil supplies are still available.

A standby generator is not the same as a portable generator although a portable generator can be used to supply temporary power. Standby generators are generally installed so that they start automatically and switch the load, in the event of a power failure. A portable generator usually requires set-up, including the physical connection to whatever load it is to service, and must be started manually. The amount of fuel available is usually substantially different. Where a standby generator is usually equipped with enough fuel for at least 72 hours of uninterrupted operation a portable generator may have three to five hours of run time with its fuel supply.

Standby generators are available to operate from natural gas (NG), liquid propane (LP), or diesel fuel. If your local zoning will allow, I recommend the installation of a LP standby generator. LP has the advantage that it is stored on your property so that should the natural gas delivery system also be affected because of the natural disaster (in many instances the natural gas pipeline will be shut down after a natural disaster to avoid potential explosions from fallen wires), it will not affect your ability to generate electrical power. Diesel standby generators are generally used in commercial facilities. Diesel, although stored locally on the site, has the disadvantage that after a period of time it needs to be replaced, if not used. This can be a costly expense.

Whichever type of generator you purchase make sure you follow the manufacturers installation instructions and your local building codes. The installation of a standby generator does require a building permit. Remember that any electrical generator, portable or stationary, uses a combustion engine to power it. Where there is a combustion engine operating, you have will have carbon monoxide gas, which is toxic.

Proper planning is the key to a successful standby generator installation.

For additional information on standby generators for your home or other home improvement projects, visit Renovation Headquarters

Metal Gazebo - The Best Gazebo For Your Yard

A gazebo is a great way to add functional space to your backyard with grace and charm. Envision entertaining your guests in your handsome gazebo on a warm summer evening as the stars twinkle above you. The uses for a gazebo are many including a dining or sitting area or an enclosure for your hot tub or spa. They are becoming ever more popular for large gatherings like w5B4eddings and corporate events. A metal gazebo will offer structural strength without the mass of other materials such as those made of wood.

A metal gazebo will offer a wide range of protection against the weather depending upon which design you choose. If your metal gazebo has roofing or a tarp, this will provide you with protection against the sun and rain. With a screened metal gazebo or a gazebo with netting, you will enjoy being protected against those pesky, biting insects that can ruin even the most casual evenings.

When you are in the planning stages of your gazebo, you can include metal structures when researching the type of gazebo you want without fear of the metal gazebo rusting. Most metal structures are made out a non-rusting material such as coated steel or aluminum. A metal gazebo can add elegance and appeal to any backyard setting and it will last for years to come without requiring too much up-keep.

When you opt for a metal gazebo, you will find many unique and unusual styles that are not available with other materials. You can be as elaborate or as understated as you like. You are sure to find the perfect gazebo to fit yours and your familys lifestyle when you see how much is available. They are easily assembled, and often provide legs for giving extra stability. You can purchase your metal gazebo in a kit and do the assembly yourself, or have someone from the store you purchased it from, 527come and install it for you.

You will never be sorry you chose a metal gazebo to construct in your backyard. It will make everyday family events seem like something special. You can decorate your metal gazebo to reflect the changing seasons and your unique personality. Start looking into getting a metal gazebo for your outdoor needs and begin enjoying the al-fresco lifestyle you deserve.

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Confusion Surrounding Sealing

There would seem based my own experience that there is a lot of confusion amongst the general public and some builders as to what sealing natural stone actually means.

When we talk about sealing a surface we normally mean that an impenetrable barrier is painted on or applied in some way. For example tiled floors are often sealed to give them added protection and make them shine. To do this a series of coats of emulsion polish are applied to the surface and allowed to dry. This seals the floor and gives it protection. Other surfaces such as wood are often sealed with a coating of a polyurethane product. This adds strength to the surface and protects it. Many other normally porous surfaces can be sealed with a layer that sits on the surface acting as a barrier to penetrative agents and gives protection also.

The sealing of natural stone su16B3ch as marble, granite, limestone and slate is very different. Natural stone is made up of crystals that interlock together. The actual minerals that are present as crystals in the stone give it its colour and striations. However there are spaces between the crystal and the smaller these spaces are and the more the crystals have been compacted together the less porous the stone is. So these spaces will determine the porosity of the stone. A combination of pore size and mineral content of the stone will also determine its hardness and thus its durability. These spaces in the stone are air filled when the stone is dry and water filled when the stone is wet. Bacteria inhabit these spaces and these are often vital for the maintenance of the stone. Very little research has been carried out into these bacteria but what has been done would suggest that they are essential in maintaining the integrity of the stone.

Consequently we have the picture of stone as quite a complex mix of minerals, bacteria and spaces. You must imagine the stone to be something akin to a very hard sponge! If you drop a liquid onto the stone it will be absorbed and spread through the spaces. This is why what initially looked like a small spillage can end up as quite a large stain in the stone. To remove the stain it has to be flushed out of these spaces. All a stone sealer does it fill up these spaces. Many of the stone sealants in use are based on fatty acids rather than synthetic sealants. These natural sealants are better because they do not destroy the bacteria but often enhance them. Synthetic sealants will destroy these bacteria that has longer-term consequences on the stones makeup. Sealants based on fat however have a shorter lifespan and must be renewed periodically.

Whatever sealant is used it simply fills up the spaces between the crystals it does not cover the surface of the stone. Its purpose is simply to delay the penetration of liquids into the stone. So if corrosive materials get onto the stone then it will be damaged. Stone sealants do not form a protective seal on the surface of the stone. Consequently stone is only protected from absorbing liquids. It is not protected from surface damage.

David Andrew Smith is the owner of http://www.wesparkle.co.uk a cleaning services company which also specialises in the cleaning, care and maintenance of natural stone surfaces.

Concentration Is The Power

Have you ever taken note how you breathe when you feel in love with the whole world or with some one special and that noble emotions which thrills you. When you are fille111Cd with good thoughts, you breathe a plentiful supply of oxygen into your lungs and love fills your soul. Love develop a person, this feeling changes them physically, mentally and socially. They breathe deeply when they are happy and they will gain life and strength; they will steady their mind and will develop a power in concentration and become magnetic and powerful. If you want to get more out of life you must think more of love. LOVE is the GIVER. Unless you have real deep affection for something or some one, you have no sentiment, no sweetness, no magnetism. So arouse is your love and deep affections by your will you enter into a FULLER life. A FULLER life is sweetness in itself. The Energy , the POWER.

The hand of love always magnifies, but it must be steady and controlled. Love can be concentrated in your hand shake, and this is one of the best ways to influence another. The handshake that is steady and firm will be the controlled mind.

The next time you feel yourself becoming irritable, use your will and be patient. This is a very good exercise in self-control. It will help you to keep patient if you will breathe slowly and deeply. If you find you are commencing to speak fast, just control yourself and speak slowly and clearly. Keep from either rising or lowering your voice and concentrate on the fact that you are determined to keep your poise, and you will improve your power in concentration.

When you meet people of some importance, assume a reposeful attitude before them. Try Do this at all times. Watch both them and yourself. Static exercises does develops the motor faculties and increase the power in concentration. If you feel yourself getting irritable, nervous or weak, stand squarely on your feet with your chest up and inhale deeply and you will see that your irritability will disappear and a silent calm will pass over you.

If you are in the habit of associating with nervous, irritable people, quit them until you grow strong in the power in concentration, because irritable, angry, fretful, dogmatic and disagreeable people will weaken what powers of resistance you may have.

Any exercises that give you better control of your ears, fingers, eyes, feet, will help you to steady your mind; when your eye is steady, your mind is steady. One of the best ways to study a person is to watch his physical movements, for when we, study they actions, we are studying their mind.

As actions are the expressions of the mind. As the mind is, so is the action. If it is uneasy, restless, erratic, unsteady, its actions are the same. When it is composed, the mind is composed. Concentration means control of the mind and body. You cannot secure control over one without the other.

Many people who seem to lack ambition have WEAK or SLUGGISH minds. They are steady, patient and seemingly have good control, but this does not say they are able to concentrate. These people are indolent, inactive, slow and listless, because they lack energy; they do not lose control because they have little FORCE to control. They have no temper and it therefore cannot disturb them. Their actions are steady because they possess little energy. The natural person is internally strong, energetic and forceful, but his energy, force and strength, thoughts and physical movements are well under his control.

If a person does not have energy, both mental and physical, he must therefore, develop it. If he has energy which he cannot direct and hold to a point he must learn to do so. A man may be very capable, but, unless he WILLS to control his abilities, they will not do him any good.

I have heard so much talk about the benefit of physical culture, but the real benefit of this is really lost sight of. There is nothing that holds the faculties at work in a sustained and continuous manner as static exercises do. For, as I stated before, when you learn to control the body, you are gaining control over the mind. I would suggest to you to read my blog "Motivate Yourself To Achieve Anything".

How to Gain What You Want Through Concentration

The ignorant person may say, "How can you get anything by merely wanting it? I say that through concentration you can get anything you want. Every desire can be gratified. But whether it is, will depend upon you concentrating to h5B4ave that desire fulfilled. Read my previous article. By merely wishing for something will not bring it. Wishing you had something shows a weakness and not a belief that you will really get it. So never merely wish, as we are not living in a "fairy age." You use up just as much brain force in "vain imaginings" as you do when you think of something worth while.

Be careful of your desires, make a mental picture of what you want and set your will to this until it materializes. Never allow yourself to drift without helm or rudder. Know what you want to do, and strive with all your might to do it, and you will succeed.

Feel that you can accomplish anything you undertake. Many undertake to do things, but feel when they start they are going to fail and usually they do. I will give an illustration. A man goes to a store for an article. The clerk says, "I am sorry, we do not have it." But the man that is determined to get that thing inquires if he knows where he can get it. Again receiving an unsatisfactory answer the determined buyer consults the manager and finally he finds where the article can be bought. He was persistant to have what he wanted. He made certain that that he would get what he came for. "NO" was not in his vocabulary.

I love helping people who need advice on Home Environment wh4A8ich include help with advice and tips for families with debt and personal problems in sickness, weight loss, back pain, tips on how to save money at home and away from home, internet products. After all love is about giving. If you like this post sign up for my newsletter by clicking on the right and receive some cool stuff and more post that you ask for. You can also bookmark this post by clicking on the icons at the bottom of the post. By the way if you are interested in weight loss I have tried and succeeded in losing 25 pounds. Just let me know.

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Building Your Holiday Home in Australia

Build Your Holiday Home in Western Australia

Many people are now buying Holiday Homes or investment property abroad. Why not take a look at Western Australia; wherever you go in this country, you are never far away from miles and miles of golden sandy beaches, blue seas and beautiful weather.

In Australia, non resident can buy either newly built properties or building plots. The majority of the properties are usually in the suburbs of the cities, popular holiday resorts or large towns. If you wish to be a little more remote or individual you only have to buy a plot of land and build. This really is not a problem, plots are sold with all the services and there are plenty of builders, large or small just waiting to take you by the hand and build your dream holiday home for you.

Buying and building a property may sound daunting but it is not at all, the pain has been taken out of it; because a large proportion of Australian's who live in WA build their own homes. This is mainly because they dont want to live in the popular busy places on big housing estates or they prefer to have a house that is individual to their needs, also building land and builders are very available. WA is growing fast and there is getting to be a shortage of built properties so they buy a plot and build.

WA has grown over the last few years, as many people have moved from the high prices in the East; if you venture away from the cities you find that there are no newly built housing estates built by one builder but fields that have been sub-divided and sold off as individual plots with all the services and roads ready for you to connect too.

Finding either a single builder plus an architect to design your dream place and oversee the build or a large building company who will have a selection of plans for you to choose your holiday home from. Both will take you by the hand and build your property without problems, it is not the headache you may think it will be, as they have been building individual places for people for years and most of the problems have been ironed out.

It will take you about a year from buying the plot to completing your property and taking possession; this is certainly not as stressful as buying a shell and modernizing a property in a country were you dont even speak the language.

Cost of plots have gone up over the last few years but you can still pick up very cheap plots if you are willing to go away from the tourist areas and nowhere is far from the beach.

In many areas of Western Australia it is like walking back in time but with all the mod cons of today and everyone is so very friendly. Perth is the jewel in the crown, with the Swan River winding its way through the beautiful city. Take a bus ride up to Kings Park and see the amazing panoramic view over the city of the river and the sea beyond, it is a spectacular view not to be missed. This city has so much to offer both the young and old with its many beaches, beautiful shops and restaurants with the old Port of Freemantle to discover nearby.

Travel through WA to the far north you will come to the wild remoteness of Broom, then journey back you can visit the coral reefs of Exmouth and the Dolphins at Sharks Bay. This country is so diverse that an hours train journey from Perth inland, you will find scrub and desert, where the first prospectors found and mined gold at Kalgooli, here is one of the largest open cast mines in the world, a spectacular sight where incredibly large dumper trucks look like tiny Dinky toys. Journey South from here you come to the wheat belt and the vineyards in the South and the country town of Albany. But better still go and take the journey yourself and discover the freedom it offers.

Title. Build Your Holiday Home in Western Australia
Author. Anne Fenwick
Word Count.702
URLwww.parkfenbookshop.com
Were you will find my ebook on building properties in WA
Mail to anne@parkfenbookshop.com

Communication Steps to Keep Your Personal Power

These 4 steps, if practiced to the point of being second-nature, will bring you to a whole new level of effectiveness in all your interpersonal relationships.

This article (Part 2) provides some practical application, but first, a review from Part 1 of "Personal Power: 4 Communication Steps to Get It and Keep It":

INFORM: In a neutral tone of voice, simply reflect back to the person what they are doing. "Do you realize that you are late?" "Do you realize that you are shouting?"

REQUEST: You make a simple, calm request for them to stop the behavior. "I ask that you be on time." "I request that you stop shouting."

INSIST: You insist that the person stop. (It would be unusual to get to this level. Most people respond to either step one or two.)

LEAVE: If the person still has not responded to your reasonable statements and requests, you may have to leave the room, or perhaps leave the relationship.

The really great thing about this communication model is that when you do step one Inform, you are giving the other person a graceful exit. Most people are well-meaning, and do not want to hurt or offend, and simply may not realize that1056 their behavior or statements have the effect they have. So, by you saying in a neutral Do you realize that (whatever), they have the opportunity to apologize, learn your boundary without being threatened, and move on to a healthy conversation and relationship.

REAL LIFE APPLICATION:
I once I saw these steps executed expertly by a friend and colleague of mine at work. We had a boss who was extremely disrespectful, and out of control, and who would launch into personal attacks on a whim.

One day, my friend demonstrated all four of these steps with amazing calm. When the boss raised his voice and began to shout, she simply said

Do you realize that you are yelling?.

She repeated this a few times before moving on to step two.

I ask you to stop yelling at me.

He kept on. She responded with something like

I must insist that you stop yelling at me or I will have to leave the room.

He didnt stop, and she left. He was baffled! Did it change his behavior? Unfortunately, in this case it did not. But, my friend kept her sense of self, pride, and her power. Plus, she earned the respect of every single person who was in that meeting. I will never forget it.

POTENTIAL REAL LIFE SCENARIO:
How about the friend who is habitually late when you agree to meet for lunch. You can start by saying

Do you realize that you are 20 minutes late?

If they continue in this habit, say

I ask that you not be late when we are scheduled to meet.

If this is still not enough to promote a behavior change, then the next time,

I insist that you meet me on time, or I will leave the restaurant.

Next time theyre late - leave. The friend will arrive late, and be surprised that you have actually followed through, and were able to articulate each of these phases of the model with such calm, unemotional, clear, self-respecting aplomb.

Beware! Our natural tendency is to skip over steps 1 and 2 and go right for 3 and 4 and by that time, we are usually not able to keep the neutral tone of voice.

OK, time to practice.

List the people in your life who are crossing your boundaries and write down a simple sentence to inform them. For example, Julie, do you realize that you are usually several minutes late for our lunch meeting? Or Bob, do you realize that you interrupt me frequently when I am speaking?

Dont make any requests at this point. This is new territory for both you and those in your life. You have allowed them to cross your boundary for a long time, so give them a few chances to get it.

Practice, practice, practice saying them in a neutral tone. As you get comfortable with these 4 steps, you will become the queen (or king!) of good communication and boundary-setting. You'll earn the respect of others, self-respect, and healthier relationships than ever before!

Visit LifeHouse Coaching and sign up to receive more f*r*e*e* weekly tips in "Blueprints for a Dream Life." Edi Sowers works with professional women who face the challenge of balancing personal and professional priorities.

5 Lighting Tips That Will Improve Your Home

Q. How can I improve the lighting in my kitchen? I'm always preparing meals in the dark!

A. There is a general idea that a big central ceiling fixture will provide all the light needed for cooking, meals and cleaning up. A central overhead light provides good overall lighting, but is a weak light for tasking. Everyone working under that kind of light will be working in their shadow. Undercabinet lighting is a good solution for food preparation because it efficiently illuminates the counter work surface. There are many plug-in varieties of xenon and halogen units that work well for this kind of task illumination.

For island counters, where food is prepared or served, pendants hung to illuminate the entire work surface are also a good solution. Pendants are hanging lights, either on downrods (stems), cords or chain, they can be positioned singly or in groups, just above the task area and light up the surface to make the tasks at hand well lit and enjoyable. Some pendants come in brightly colored glass shades for a contemporary look, or more traditional with faux alabaster glass shades and wrought iron, pewter or bronze finishes.

Q. We have a family room that has two table lamps in the corners of the room and a central overhead fixture. This lighting is not enough for my kids doing homework at the table, or me, reading or knitting on the sofa. What can you suggest?

A. Check to see if you are using the correct wattage in your lamps and replace your lampshades if they are darkened and clouded with age ( over the years this can happen slowly, the shade emitting less light because of deterioration). Again, an overhead fixture is limited in the light it can provide for tasking.

A good alternative is track lights which will provide good downlight to specific areas in the room. Track heads with little spot or flood bulbs can beam lighting down on tasking areas. Floor lamps that have multiple "goosenecks" or adjustable lights that can be directed towards many working areas can adequately illumintate reading and other activities in a multiple areas. Wall sconces placed in work areas provide a pleasant, semi-direct light and enhance ambient lighting.

Q. I'd like to have better light around my house when I come home at night.

A. Low voltage light kits provide good light along driveways and walkways. They come with various lamps and styles with transformers to match. It's easy to install low voltage lighting--these kits usually consist of a several lights which are on spikes that can be set in the ground and linked with wire which can be placed above ground, buried several inches down in soil, covered with mulch or behind shrubbery. Low voltage (12 volts of current) is safe for children and pets-the voltage is so low it does not present a shock hazard).

The transformer, which converts the standard 120 household volts to 12 volts, is plugged into a regular house exterior or interior outlet. Higher voltage (120 volts) provides the most powerful light for your driveway, walkway and landscape lighting. There is no transformer, wires to the light sources which can be spiked or installed around walkways, driveways, etc. have to be buried at a safe depth because of safety regulations--these will be in the directions for installation.

They are excellent for illuminating a driveway or walkway, showcasing trees, the house or the landscape. Placed strategically, the effects with this 120 voltage landscape lighting are dramatic and provide all the illumination you may require.

Q. My electric bill is too high! What can I do about it!

A. Replacing all of your present incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs will definitely lower your electric bill. CFL's (compact fluorescent lights) come in many wattages and styles. The CFL technology will expand over the next year to include dim-able bulbs and smaller bulbs in three-ways for lamps. Also, consider dimmers for any room in your house. When a light is dimmed, the wattage is decreased (you save money!) and dimmers present the option of just the right light at the simple slide or dial on the wall switch.

Q. My husband and I have a bathroom with double sinks. I like a lot of light for putting on make up in the morning. My husband likes to shave in the practically in the dark.! He says bright light is only acceptable after a cup of coffee. Right now we have a standard vanity fixture with six bulbs that are too dim for me an too bright for him. What can we do?

A. A dimmer will solve the light adjust ability problem, but only if you use the bathroom at different times. If you use the double sinks at the same time, you should consider separate lighting above each sink --that would require installing separate receptacles and wiring, and then, separate dimmers. You could then have the correct wattage for your applying make-up and your husband could have his preferred lighting for shaving.

Welcome to my lighting blog

Lois DeWitt is a certified lighting specialist, a cookbook author, "Pop It In The Toaster Oven," a poet and a Standard Poodle admirer. She cooks gourmet meals for friends, walks along the shore with her dog, Charley, and tends her vegetable garden in Wilmington, NC. She also works part time in the Lighting/Electrical Department at The Home Depot.