Seven

Lies that
Prevent Powerful
Results
NAVIGATOR
Highlights
Seven Lies that Prevent Powerful Results
Home Appliances
Cancer and Sleeping Well
Being Who You Are
Humor Found on Headstones
Right Speech: Talking the Talk
Incredible Coincidences
Pros Offer Tips on Moving
October 2005
Life
By Kathy Gates
Have you ever considered that most of what
happens in your life happens because of the
way you think? Your thinking directs your
emotional reaction, which in turn directs your
behavior. The way you react to a situation is
not just a representation of the events; your
reaction also depends on what you think the
events mean.
Everyone has something in his or her life that
he or she would like to change. Nobodys life
circumstance and environment is perfect. But
what do you tend to tell yourself about these
circumstances? Often times, its easy to fix
blame on others. Consider, however, that
your feelings are not caused by your cranky
boss or the construction on the street, or the
inconsiderate friend; but rather your feelings
are caused by what you TELL yourself about
your circumstances. One writer gives the fol-
lowing example: Imagine that a friend is late
to meet you for dinner. Depending on what
you THINK (i.e., she was in an accident, shes
rude, I wanted to do something else anyway),
you might be worried, annoyed, or relieved.
These feelings (ignited by the thoughts) can
then dictate how you react, that is, calling the
police, having angry words for her, or being
glad she bailed on you.
What you tell yourself, or what you think
about your circumstances, may keep you
stuck in a bad situation. That is why recogniz-
ing the lies you tell yourself is very important.
These lies prevent us from being as powerful
as we really are.
1. Itll never happen.
Its true; we have all seen our lives change in
a heartbeatsometimes an upturn, and
sometimes a downturn. But generally, suc-
cess towards any goal is a longer road that
takes daily work to make it a reality. It will
happen. Dont expect it to happen overnight,
but expect it to happen. Dont give up.
Powerful results come from taking baby
steps, one after another, day after day, until
you reach your goal.
2. Complaining is OK.
The Law of Attraction states that you will
attract whatever you put out there. If you
have a habit of complaining, you will attract
more complainers to you. Life reflects back
to you what you are expending. Or, as the
Bible puts it, you reap what you sow. One
of my favorite cartoons, The Far Side, shows
a character contemplating spring, and she
says, Time to go out in the garden and see
if the bulbs I didnt plant didnt come up.
Powerful results come from planting seeds
for what you want to grow.
3. Ill fix it later.
Winners recognize that it doesnt always
matter how the hole got in the boat. It mat-
ters that it gets fixed so that you can get on
with the fishing. However, it DOES matter if
you keep running over the same rock day
after day, and you are patching the same
hole over and over. It is important to find the
SOURCE of the hole and stop allowing it to
happen. Powerful results come from creating
a lifestyle that supports your desires.
4. Having an idea instead of a plan.
Did you miss becoming a doctor, or dancer,
or chef, or actor, or CPA because you were
absent the day they were handing out those
careers? Of course not. All of those careers
require that a person choose to go to school,
sometimes for many years. If you dont pur-
posefully choose the path to go down,
something else will choose it for you. Those
who dont create their futures have to endure
the futures they get. Powerful results come
from creating a plan and getting into action.
5. Ignoring your talents.
Thomas Leonard, founder of Coach
University, suggests that you customize
what you want out of life so that it fits you
perfectly. This means using your natural
talents in a way that works best for you, in
all that you do. So often we put ourselves
into a role or get so busy responding to
lifes daily crisis that we end up frustrated
with busy work instead of taking the time to
sort out what were good at, let our
strengths help us, and be willing to ask for
help with the rest. Powerful results come
from customizing whatever you do so that
its a better fit for you.
Work

6. Having elusive goals instead of doable
goals.
An elusive goal is lose weight. A doable
goal is walk for 30 minutes, 3 times a
week, or stop eating ice cream after
dinner. Thats a plan of action that has
measurable results. Powerful results
come from specific actions that have
measurable results.
7. Adopting a what I do doesnt matter
attitude.
Its easy to say to yourself that other people
and circumstances prevent you from doing
something. Its easy to think that they are
more powerful than you are, so your puny
contribution wont matter in the long run. But
this attitude tends to paralyze you, and
keeps you out of the action of creating better
circumstances. Powerful results come from
being honest with yourself, listening to your-
self, and then doing what needs to be done.
(Source: Kathy Gates, Personal Coach.
www.reallifecoach.com)
WEB SITE PICKS
www.appliance.com
This site provides information on all types
of home appliances. You will find descrip-
tions of new products, comparisons, lists of
makers and brands, and FAQs. Buyers
Guides answer questions and help in the
decision-making process when you are in
the market for a new appliance.
HEALTH TIP
Want to Prevent Cancer? Make Sure
You Sleep Well.
Many of us rush through our
days and nights without tak-
ing the time to get a good
nights sleep. Would you
pay more attention to your
sleep habits if they could
help to prevent cancer?
Well, they certainly can, so
if you feel you need a good
excuse to get some quality
sleep, this is it.
How well you sleep can seriously alter the
balance of hormones in your body. This
can then disrupt your sleep/wake cycle,
also called the circadian rhythm. A dis-
rupted circadian rhythm may influence
cancer progression through shifts in hor-
mones like melatonin, which the brain
makes during sleep.
According to Brain Behavior
Immunology, October 2003, having a reg-
ular circadian rhythm may be necessary in
order for your body to defend against can-
cer, and sleep/wake rhythms that are
disrupted due to stress or other issues
may promote cancer growth.
Melatonin is an antioxidant that helps to
suppress harmful free radicals in the body
and slows the production of estrogen,
which can activate cancer. When your cir-
cadian rhythm is disrupted, your body may
produce less melatonin and therefore may
have less ability to fight cancer.
Exposure to light during the night can also
reduce melatonin levels, which is why it is
important to sleep in total darkness to
decrease the risk of cancer. Another link
between cancer and the disrupted circa-
dian rhythm lies with a hormone called
cortisol, which normally reaches peak levels
at dawn then declines throughout the day.
Cortisol is one of many hormones that help
regulate immune system activity, including
the activity of a group of immune cells
called natural-killer cells that help the body
battle cancer.
Yet another mechanism that may be related
to the cancer/sleep association is the hor-
mone insulin. University of Chicago
researchers have repeatedly shown that
insufficient sleep will result in an increased
rate of diabetes due to increased insulin
resistance, and insulin has been clearly
linked to cancer in previous studies.
We all know that sleep is important. The
research is quite clear that insufficient rest
will result in increased rates of cancer and
diabetes, while optimizing your sleep can
slow down the aging process.
I recently attended a conference with Dr.
Deepak Chopra and thought that many
other people could also benefit from the
following tips from his Insomnia Protocol:
The natural human biorhythm is to
sleep between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
This means you should be in bed,
with the lights out, by 10 p.m.
and be up by 6 a.m. If this is dif-
ficult for you, keep in mind that
people naturally followed this pat-
tern before the advent of
electricity. When the time switches,
ideally you should be in bed by 9 p.m.,
since this is equal to 10 p.m. prior to the
time switch.
Decrease your mental activity after din-
ner. Journaling may help in this process by
allowing you to put your anxieties on paper
to get them out of your mind.
Make preparations for the next day, such
as determining what youd like to accom-
plish, so you dont have to think about it.
Take a hot bath for up to an hour with
calming fragrances (lavender, vanilla,
sandalwood) 30 minutes before bedtime.
Use the bath to let go of your daily stress,
include soothing lights and music, and
massage your body with oils.
Use your bed for sleep and sex only.
Even reading should be done elsewhere
unless the subject matter has a calming
effect, such as spiritual literature.
Turn all lights off. Lie on your back and
focus on they way your body feels (your mind-
body awareness) and on your breathing.
Try reciting a mantra for five minutes.
This could be some sort of favorite sound
or prayer that you recite continuously.
Holding something warm, like a hot water
bottle, may help soothe your anxieties,
especially when placed between the navel
and the bottom of the rib cage.
If you wake during the night, try repeating
some of the techniques above or try mas-
saging your head or feet.
If you find it difficult to sleep in your bed,
pick another area of the house to sleep in.
(Source: Dr. Joseph Mercola, with Rachael
Droege, at www.mercola.com)
To perform beyond your limits, you must
first think beyond them.
Unknown
WORDS OF WISDOM
Being Who You Are
Living Your Truth
When we are young children, we live authenti-
cally, seldom afraid or embarrassed to seek
out what we want or to speak our minds. As
we grow older, we tend to tuck that authentic-
ity away, putting it aside while we chase our
dreams, afraid that it might hinder us in our
success. But we never let that freedom go
completely. We may conform to society while
embracing secret passions when alone. We
may withhold certain opinions, though doing
so doesnt change the fact that we possess
them. It is important, however, to never stray
too far from that youthful brashness and self-
interest, for these are qualities that help make
you who you are. The authentic you is your
true self and, in living authentically, you live
your truth, making time for the things you love
and projecting who you really are. The sim-
plest way to live your truth is to leave the
expectations of others behind and live the way
you feel is most worthwhile.
Being who you are requires you to be selfish
in a healthy way, by doing what you know is
best for you, regardless of the opinions of
otherseven the opinions of close friends
and family. Living authentically means that
you make choices without fear, trusting in
your soul s wisdom. If you value personal
pursuits, dont feel forced into a certain job
just to make enough money to keep up with
your neighbors. Conversely, if you prize suc-
cess in business, dont let others perception
of whats right for you hold you back. Denying
your unique truth can lead to feelings of fail-
ure and dissatisfaction, because you arent
acknowledging your true self. In living your
truth, there are no pretenses. Everything you
do will reflect who you truly are.
If you are unsure of who the authentic you
really is, look inward and ask yourself what
your purpose, values, and needs are. Honor
your strengths and dont let yourself be
guided by what others expect of you. Finally,
discover your passions by trying new things,
and sticking with those things that stir your
soul. Finding who you really are and then
making the choice to embrace your true
dreams and desires will take your life in a
direction that is both satisfying and deeply
meaningful.
(Source: www.dailyom.com)
HUMOR
Found on Real Headstones
(continued from last issue)
A lawyers epitaph in England:
Sir John Strange.
Here lies an honest lawyer,
And that is Strange.
John Pennys epitaph in the Wimborne,
England, cemetery:
Reader, if cash thou art
In want of any,
Dig 6 feet deep;
And thou wilt find a Penny.
In a cemetery in Hartscombe, England:
On the 22nd of June,
Jonathan Fiddle went out of tune.
Anna Hopewells grave in Enosburg Falls,
Vermont:
Here lies the body of our Anna -
Done to death by a banana.
It wasnt the fruit that laid her low,
But the skin of the thing that made her go.
On a grave from the 1880s in Nantucket,
Massachusetts:
Under the sod and under the trees,
Lies the body of Jonathan Pease.
He is not here, theres only the pod.
Pease shelled out and went to God
In a cemetery in England:
Remember man, as you walk by,
As you are now, so once was I.
As I am now, you soon will be.
Prepare yourself and follow me.
To which someone replied by writing on
the tombstone:
To follow you,
Ill not consent,
Until I know which
way you went.
From Boot Hill, in Tombstone, Arizona:
Here lies Lester Moore
One slug from a 44
No Les
No Moore
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Right Speech: Talking the Talk
For most of us, once we learn how to talk,
were at it almost nonstop until the day we die.
But do we practice right speech? Do we know
how to truly talk our talk?
Taoist philosophy identifies four different ways
of engaging in speech. Read about them, and
see if you practice right speech, here:
The Four Ways of Engaging in Speech
1. If someone truly and absolutely knows,
what purpose does it serve to talk about
it? Communication is, in a sense, an
attempt to clarify mentally. Speech itself
serves as a vehicle moving back and forth
between knowing and not knowing. The
speech expresses what one already
knows, explains what one wants to know,
requests what one seeks from self and
others, and defends the habitual position
of merely knowing.
2. Speech is a self-promise, a way to encour-
age oneself, and build trust within the self. The
twofold purpose of speech is:
a) to establish a relationship and build mutual
trust, and
b) to cling to fixated habits and grasp firmly the
attachment to body/mind.
The order of business in making a promise is
to ensure engagement, to commit to the
process, and to bind to the result of what has
been planned. The virtue of a promise must be
realized as a promise to only oneself.
A promise can be a way to deal with inse-
curity; it is a powerful form of ego
protection and fear suppression. The more
insecure one feels, the deeper the fear one
encounters. A promise is also a bargain
involving trust. Much of this trust involves
not just words, but giving ones word.
3. Speech is an expression of the belief sys-
tem of the mind, individual and collective,
personal and cultural. It is a premise or a
statement to which the mind adheres. It is a
technique of binding and rejecting. Individual
identity, group dynamics, and social con-
struction are all based upon the effective
and powerful use of speech. In this manner,
the individuality and personality merge with
the social and cultural environment.
4. Speech is a way of revealing inner trust
and confirming the capacity for trustworthy
relationships between the inner self and self-
concept, and between the self and others.
Based on this inner trust, peoples statements
about their inner voice are universally
accepted and understood. This highlights the
authentic meaning of speech, a tool and vehi-
cle for trust and trustworthiness.
Right Speech
Each of the preceding types of speech can
have either a positive or a negative impact.
The focus is on the intent. This is where
the practice of right speech intersects with
self-awareness and discipline. What are
the motives for your speech? As we
become more aware of ourselves and
more honest with ourselves, we cultivate a
natural sense of when to speak and when
to remain silent.
Right speech means speaking in ways that
are trustworthy, harmonious, supportive,
and authentic. When you practice these
positive forms of right speech, your words
become a gift to others.
(Source: Copyright: Adapted from The
Secret Teachings of the Tao Te Ching, by
Mantak Chia and Tao Huang (Inner
Traditions, 2005). Copyright (c) 2005 By
Mantak Chia and Tao Huang. Reprinted by
permission of Inner Traditions and posted
at www.care2.com)
Yesterday is a cancelled check; tomorrow is
a promissory note; today is cash on hand.
Unknown
POINTS TO PONDER
Incredible Coincidences
Synchronicity
Everyone has experienced the pleasantly
surprised feelings left behind by a mean-
ingful coincidence. The situation itself may
be insignificantthe book whose title you
couldnt remember falls off the bookstore
shelf, or the appearance of an acquain-
tance that seems to enter your life again
and againbut the message inherent in the
coincidence may not be. Synchronicity, or
the unlikely conjunction of events, can be
an eye-opening experience. Psychologist Carl Jung theorized that
synchronicities occurred when universal forces were aligned with
the experiences of an individual, leading to coincidences that
appear to be more than just chance. These incidents happen
because everything is innately connected. He believed that such
events can be called forth by an individuals unconscious needs.
Nothing occurs randomly. Rather, we draw certain people, situa-
tions, and blessings to ourselves.
A synchronistic event, such as a chance encounter, can be posi-
tive, negative, or neutral, and feel deeply mysterious or
commonplace. Some coincidences are obvious, while others are
not apparent until after careful analysis. Perhaps during an ongoing
financial crisis, you have always found just enough money to get
by. Or maybe a recurring dream prepares you for an eventual phys-
ical event. Many times, synchronicities represent opportunities to
learn about ourselves and the external world. If you feel touched by
multiple coincidences or intrigued by a single one, ask yourself why
you may be attracting the people involved or the situations. Is it
highlighting some aspect of your life or suggesting a course of
action? The soul, believed Jung, whispers to us through syn-
chronicity calling us to attention.
Seeking the meaning behind a synchronistic event can help you
know yourself better, kick-start your creativity, or show you future
pitfalls to avoid. The most profound coincidences often occur at
lifes crossroads, stopping us in our tracks and leaving us to find
the meaning within.
(Source: www.dailyom.com)
FINANCES
Pros Offer Tips on Mastering the Basics
of Moving
Moving from one home to another can be stressful enough, but the
American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) says you can
reduce that stress by mastering some of the basics.
Understand binding and non-binding estimates. Binding estimates
guarantee the moves cost based on items moved and services listed
on the estimate sheet. Remember, items or services added later will
result in higher charges and may cause delays. By law, once the
mover arrives at the destination, the driver cannot ask you to pay
more than the binding estimate before unloading unless you added
items or services not included in the estimate.
A non-binding estimate is not guaranteed. Final cost is determined
after certified weighing of the shipment, and the final cost could
exceed the estimate. However, the driver cannot legally demand pay-
ment for more than 110 percent of the non-binding estimate before
unloading. You then have at least 30 days to pay remaining charges.
The not-to-exceed estimatesometimes called guaranteed price
or price protectionis based on the binding estimate or actual
cost, whichever is lower. Like a binding estimate, it must be in writ-
ing and is binding on the mover. The driver cannot collect more at
the destination before unloading.
Be present when goods are packed. Proper packing by a trained
packer using specially designed materials is crucial. Schedule the
mover to pack a day or two before loading the van.
If packing yourself, its never too soon to start. Although this can
save money, movers usually wont accept liability for damaged
items packed by owners. Consider packing non-breakable items
only, like clothes and bedding.
After the driver makes an inventory of your goods, resolve any dis-
agreements prior to signing it. Copies should be legible and all items
numbered. List valuable items separately. If appliances require servic-
ing prior to moving, your mover can do this.
You may be asked to select several consecutive days for loading, and
a second series of dates for delivery. This allows the mover flexibility
to keep the move on schedule.
Adequately insure your goods. Unless you purchase additional cover-
age, all interstate household goods shipments move under limited
liability of 60 cents per pound. Without additional coverage, (for
example, if a 10-pound stereo component worth $1,000 is lost or
destroyed), your mover is liable for only $6 (10 pounds X 60 cents).
We recommend purchase of full (replacement) value protection, the
most comprehensive protection available. Cost depends on the value
declared for your goods. Articles lost or damaged will be repaired,
replaced, or a cash settlement will be made for repairs or replacement
at current market value, regardless of age. For more complete infor-
mation on loss and damage coverage, see AMSAs consumer advice
Web site at http://www.moving.org.
Report loss and damage promptly. If goods are damaged or lost,
report this promptly and in detail on the drivers copy of the inventory
sheet before signing. If you notice damage after unpacking, you must
file a claim within 9 months after delivery.
The mover must acknowledge receiving the claim within 30 days and
deny or make a settlement offer within 120 days. When making a
claim, keep in mind the amount of liability that you declared on your
shipment. If the value you declared was $10,000, the movers maxi-
mum liability is $10,000.
When moving day arrives:
Discuss delivery arrangements fully with your mover.
Have beds stripped and ready for packing.
Save energylet the moving crew disassemble goods.
Read the Bill of Lading (contract) before signing.
Tell your mover how to reach you at the destination. If he cant
reach you your goods may be stored, adding cost to your move.
Keep in contact with the mover while in transit.
Check goods for damagedont sign the inventory until you inspect
furniture and carton exteriors.
Sometimes, to keep costs down, belongings are trans-
ported along with other families belongings that are
heading in the same direction and delivered
when agreed upon. Make sure the mover
knows how to contact you to schedule
actual delivery.
(Source: American Moving and
Storage Association)
Questions/comments to:
Evelin Saxinger, Work/Life Program Manager, [email protected] or 358-1311.
An online version of this newsletter may be found at http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/codec/cc/Pages/navig_10_05.pdf.