The Human Perception and Our Well-Being

Every human being finds part of their identity, personality, and essence of who they are from their upbringing as a child. Children with parents that act or do things a certain way will emulate their parents as they mature to adulthood, inheriting some similar traits that they picked up during childhood. Children are very impressionable, and easily influenced by older authority figures, so anything done around children will make a meaningful impact on them in their later adult lives. Sometimes, these inherited parental traits that people carry into adulthood are negative qualities. It's the unfortunate way of the world that often times children with abusive parents often grow up to becomes abusive parents themselves.

But it doesn't have to be that way from the very beginning. Many people brush off their negative inherited traits as something that can never change because it is part of "who they are" as a person. They are readily accepting these negative qualities, whether it be excessive anxiety or a bad temper, because they think they cannot change what has become part of them. They usually feel as if trying to change part of who they are is too difficult and drastic a change to implement, so they prefer to stay with bad qualities that actually negatively affect not only themselves but the people around them. But it is all due to the human perception. They believe they cannot change their identity because they perceive it to be that way. Once a person's perception changes, the rest of their mind, personality, and spirit follow suit. A perception of oneself, and one's own circumstances, drastically affects the outcome and situations. A good attitude and positive perception will reflect in one's own personality and even improve physical well-being. It has been said that physical healing must start in the mind, and it is completely true. A positive attitude affects day to day emotions, feelings, and thoughts.

Emotions strongly influence daily life. Harboring negative emotions such as hatred, or anger, will result in creating a "blockage" in your body (a blocked chakra point). This blockage will lead to further problems, and even physical pain or hurt. Often times, distractions are used to dull the pain, such as drinking, smoking, overeating, etc, but they only relieve the pain for a short time through distraction, and in the long run they worsen the pain. A way to release and get rid of all that negative energy and emotions is to change perception of life and identity. Adopting a hopeful outlook and changing the human perception will affect the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being for the better and ultimately lead to a healthier future.

Misty Woodard is a psychic teacher and spiritual counselor, and has been doing psychic healing, spirit channeling, and clairvoyance for over fifteen years. She has taught thousands of students worldwide on helping them to reach top-level spiritual and psychic potential. More quality information about becoming a psychic and entering the psychic realm can be found at her website Unlocking Mystic.

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Solve Relationship Problems and Enjoy Happy Relationships - Surefire Tips You Can Use Today

Turn Your Everyday Relationships Into Gold

Mastering the art of happiness involves taking care of your relationships. Even if you have good relationships, you can always make them a little better... and the rewards and benefits are fantastic! New research shows us how to master our relationships to improve our health and well being. Relationships are our greatest investment. Yet most of us have put at least one important relationship on the back burner. Here are Richard's top ten tips for igniting the fires of old relationships and turning new relationships into pure gold.

Top Ten Art Of Happiness Tips

1. Give a little more time and attention to your relationships on a regular basis... doing little things daily... like making a surprise telephone call or sending an electronic greeting, an occasional reminder of your devotion, can go a long way toward increasing the excitement in a relationship. Whatever you do, don't ignore your relationships. Keep in touch!

2. Improve any relationship in need of special attention or repair. Relationship problems can often be solved by simply doing little things to remind someone of your affection. Don't have time? Just giving your spouse, for example, a hug every morning can mean a great deal to you both!

Little gestures of affection can make the other person feel good. If you need to apologize for something, do it. How long does a simple apology take? If you need to talk about a misunderstanding, do it. Stay focused and be BRIEF and optimistic! In the end, tell the other person how much you care about the relationship.

Say it loud and clear.

3. Speaking from your heart can make a big difference. The art of happiness entails honesty and direct communication. Sometimes we want to say heartfelt things, but chicken out. Take a deep breath and summon the courage to say what's in your heart. Your relationships are worth it.

4. Just be yourself inall your relationships. Even if you fear you are not good enough, or you won't be liked, being who you are will help you to avoid playing games and to put your best foot forward.

Avoid trying to impress people... or you'll stick out like a sore thumb!!!

Just be yourself and trust yourself. You'll avoid relationship problems and misunderstandings by being true to yourself. You never want to abandon yourself while seeking to impress others. And others will be more attracted to the real you than if you try to be someone you are not.

5. Be an optimist. People will love you for it and stand by you.

In a recent study, optimistic women were 25% LESS LIKELY TO GET BREAST CANCER than those who were not optimists. Optimism helped women to deal with traumatic events, as well.

In another study of men aged 65 - 80, optimistic men had half the heart attacks of men who were not optimistic. Optimism can help you live longer, according to other studies. We can all be more optimistic, with a little effort, and we'll solve our relationship problems more easily.

6. Be more grateful. Why? Gratitude is a validated strategy for decreasing depression.

When we are thankful for our gifts and blessings, express gratitude to others and give them credit for contributing to our happiness or success, we unleash an avalanche of positive feelings and good changes in our minds and bodies. Dwelling in gratitude will make you feel like a new person.

7. Be kind and helpful to everyone in your life, even your so-called enemies. No, it ani't easy! But it's a wise and powerful way to live. And there is research behind it. Plus, sages have advocated it for thousands of years.

Anyone can make a concerted effort to practice forgiveness, be kinder and more helpful. You can be kinder in simple ways, such as smiling more often, putting a spark in the tone of your voice and giving people the benefit of the doubt. And be sure to take note of how you feel when you do a good deed for someone.

Kindness is food for the soul, and it's a great relationship strategy. You'll not only decrease your relationship problems, and bring people closer to you, but you will feel wonderful!

I tell my clients all the time... kindness is a powerful ani-depressant!

Cultivate the art of kindness with your friends and strangers you meet, and you will be well on the way to mastering the art of happiness. Don't shun, avoid or speak down to someone who has hurt or disappointed you, just be kind to him. You'll put a positive energy into a negative situation.

8. Find the silver lining in any cloud. In the therapy world, we call this strategy "reframing." It's how we help people to perceive problems as more solvable and to see the possible good that can come out of them.

Epictetus, the Greek philosopher, said, "No matter what happens, it is within my power to turn it to my advantage."

It may take a little creative thinking, but you can turn any unwelcome event to your advantage. This skill will help you to convert relationship problems into new possibilities for change, growth and transformation.

9. Those who master the art of solving relationship problems kick the fault finding habit. Nothing could be more helpful to your relationships than this one little trick. Finding fault tears relationships down and works against your success. Like criticism, it is of little value and causes much damage.

In a marriage, criticism and fault finding do a number on relationship bliss and happiness, creating disharmony, distrust and distress.

10. Instead of finding fault, look for and identify strengths. Use your sleuthing powers to find the hidden good in others. You'll have the art of happiness working for you, and you'll be far more successful than those who seek to belittle or put other people down.

It really pays to be MORE positive in your relationship with yourself, too. Take very good care of yourself (it isn't selfish but necessary) and you'll increase your happiness level... plus you'll develop plenty of happy relationships.

In Short

Solve relationship problems and enjoy happy relationships by taking just a few minutes of your day. Be kind, optimistic and forgiving in all your affairs. Your relationships will support you in countless ways, and assist you in achieving your goals throughout life's hard journey. If you cultivate the best possible relationships, you will build a rock-solid foundation for success in your quest for genuine and lasting happiness.

Richard Hamon is a professional therapist and coach with 30 years of experience. Richard helps people to solve their relationship problems, enjoy truly extraordinary marriages and find exceptional success in all areas of their lives.

You'll find all kinds of articles on how to spice up your relationships and lead a happier life at Richard's website, Happy-Relationships.com. Take a happiness quiz and see how you stack up. Find out about therapeutic services and personal coaching programs to assist you in quickly fulfilling your special needs and goals. Discover eBooks and other products, such as a free relationship quiz to help you assess your relationship.

For more information on conducting state-of-the-art relationships, the latest research on lasting happiness, and Richard's products and services, please go to: http://happy-relationships.com

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Health and Well-Being in Your Relationship

When two people care deeply about themselves and each other, they strive to take care of their physical health. The reason is simple: They want to be around a long time to enjoy and share their life together. Relationship vitality is both a metaphorical expression and an actual goal for many.

In loving and positive relationships, each partner is often motivated and inspired to help the other maintain a healthy lifestyle. When you love someone very deeply there is a natural tendency to nurture and protect. We all take each day we live too much for granted. We expect to live forever; and to live without limits or restrictions. However, we all know that sometimes the harshness and unfairness of life can strike any one of us, or someone we love, at a moment's notice.

There is no greater sense of hopelessness and despair when we find out that a loved one is ill, perhaps terminally. Everything seems to stop and the once important events in life become unimportant. We hear stories that a husband will say he would give away everything he owned to make his wife better. The big house, the expensive car, and the promising career are now inconsequential. Take an inventory today, right now of what is truly important to you. If your spouse or significant other is at the top of your inventory list, ask yourself what you are doing to promote and ensure their health and well being.

Are you looking the other way with their eating choices? Do you ignore their excessive consumption of alcohol? Are you encouraging your partner to seek regular medical checkups? There is no question each one of us is the only one responsible for our own health. I'm not suggesting that you must bear the burden of taking care of all of the physical needs of your partner. After all, we are all responsible for the choices we make and for the outcome of our lives - but we all do have the responsibility in our intimate relationships to speak-up and voice our concerns and to model positive and productive lifestyle choices.

The other part of bringing health and well-being into your relationship is to keep an eye on what you are doing to stay healthy. I'm sure whoever you are sharing your life with does not what you take risks with your health. Smoking, not exercising, and ignoring sound medical advice is not only irresponsible, it is also selfish. Your partner is counting on you for so many things. Taking care of your health is fundamental to being around and to fulfill your commitments and promises to the person you love.

Alex Blackwell is the author of The Next 45 Years - a website dedicated to sharing and creating happiness, life balance and success for the rest of our lives. To read all five actions for a successful relationship, please visit: http://www.thenext45years.blogspot.com

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Top 10 Tips for Health & Well-Being

Tip 1: Drink 2 Litres of Water per day

• The cells in your body are made predominantly of water and they need to stay hydrated in order to function well.
• 2 Litres = approx 8 glasses
• If this is a lot more than you currently drink increase your intake by an extra glass every 2 days until you reach 8 glasses.
• Place a 1 litre bottle or jug on your desk to help you monitor intake. Sip slowly all day rather than gulp several glasses at a time.
• Drink before you feel thirsty. When your body feels thirsty it is already dehydrated.
• Tea, Coffee and Softdrink (Soda) do not count towards your 8 glasses. Minimise your intake.
• If you are exercising you need to drink extra water before, during and after your workout.

Tip 2: Exercise 3 times a week

• 30 minutes of exercise that gets your heart and lungs working is the minimum.
• Choose an activity that you enjoy - walking, dance class, tennis, gym, swimming etc
• 3 x 30 minutes is better for you than 1 x 90min
• Join a club, social group or find a buddy to help you stick to your plan.

Tip 3: Eat Breakfast

• Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
• Your metabolism slows down while you sleep and does not increase until you eat something. Breakfast kick starts your metabolism for the day.
• If you are not a big breakfast eater start with something light such as fruit salad and yoghurt.
• Choose cereals that are low in sugars and high in grains.
• Choose Wholemeal or Multigrain bread rather than White bread. It will keep you full for longer and has more nutrients.

Tip 4: Eat more Greens

• Increase the amount of green vegetables on your dinner plate each night.
• Green Vegetables have lots of antioxidants and can decrease your chances of diseases such as cancer.
• There are so many green vegetable to choose from - you don't have to eat the ones you don't like.

Tip 5: All things in moderation

• Having a balanced diet does not mean you can never eat chocolate, a hamburger or a glass of wine. It means eat in moderation.
• Most of your diet should consist or fruit & vegetable, wholegrains/cereals, dairy, lean meat or protein and water.
• Minimise use of salt, saturated fats and sugars.
• Take responsibility for your eating choices. Nobody is force feeding you so choose wisely.

Tip 6: Have regular checkups

• Are you up to date with your health checkups? Dental, Eyes, Ears, Cholesterol etc
• Mark the due date in your diary or Outlook calendar so you don't forget - time flies!
• Make it a priority - health problems caught early can be dealt with.

Tip 7: Sleep & Relaxation

• Sleep and relaxation are essential for your body's rejuvenation and immune system.
• Most people need 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
• Create a habit of going to bed at the same time most nights and getting up at the same time each morning. Routine make sleeping easier.
• Relaxation during the day will help manage stress levels in your body.
• Yoga, mediation, reading, listening to music are all easy ways to relax.
• Put a journal by the bed. Write anything you are worried about or wanting to remember in the journal 30 minutes before bedtime. That way you can sleep knowing the thoughts will still be there for you in the morning.

Tip 8: Laugh Daily

• Have one really good belly laugh every day.
• Laughter assists the immune system
• Laughter is generates endorphins. Endorphins are nature's anti depressant.
• Children laugh 400 times a day; adults laugh about 15 times. Drs.Gael and Patrick Flangan. California Loma Linda University

Tip 9: Fresh Air

• Feeling sluggish late in the afternoon? Instead of making another cup of coffee take yourself outside for 10 minutes if fresh air.
• Go for a walk around the block or sit quietly under a tree and breathe deeply.
• Fresh air will help you feel more alert
• Fresh air will give more oxygen to your body helping it work better.

Tip 10: Listen to your Body

• LISTEN to your body .. it knows what you need. RESPECT your body ... it is the only one you've got!
• Your body will keep talking to you until you listen. If you don't hear the gentle message your body is forced to get nasty with you!
• Your body gives you messages about things like stress, fitness, what you are eating, and emotional health.
• If you need a day off work - take it. If you need to cancel a social engagement - cancel it. If you need to say "no" to a request - say it.
• "If anything is sacred the human body is sacred." Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass

Linda Anderson is a Certified Professional Coach working with Small Business Owners and Professionals in Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Linda helps her clients lead bold and successful lives. In 2002 Linda and her partner sold all their belongings, hit "pause" on their respective careers, and spent 365 days traveling the world. Linda brings this passion for challenge, new experiences and adventure to her coaching. Visit Linda at: http://www.a2acoaching.com

What would you like to achieve? Receive a free chapter of best selling e-book "Don't Just Dream It ... Do It!" [http://www.a2acoaching.com/page/page/2849956.htm]

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Challenging Situations of Social Isolation

"If you meet a loner, no matter what they tell you, it's not because they enjoy solitude. It's because they have tried to blend into the world before, and people continue to disappoint them." 
~Jodi Picoult


Anyone who has dealt with the felt sense of an overriding betrayal of a friend or group, akin to any sort of community, knows, by bitter experience, the truth in the above statement.

There are times when we have all sought our solitude, because it was the only safe place to run. People may say they love their alone-time, and that is occasionally the case, because there is the need physical, mental, or emotional renewal, but when people actively seek prolonged seclusion there is usually the presence of hurt within.

The fact is, as humans we have the preponderance for affinity; for connection.

We need to connect, and anyone challenging this idea could ask themselves, "Am I hurt by people (or hurting because of people) in any way?"

In my own life, I recall times in my late teens where I would routinely shut myself out from my social world for days at a time because I was sick of the way my peers treated me. There seemed to be some inner satisfaction in doing this; though I was not a believer at this stage, I perhaps felt the reassuring Presence of God, somehow. But, realistically, this reassuring presence - known to exacerbate and justify the isolation - was probably more reassurance from the devil, for Satan loves to get us isolated and get into our heads that way. But I certainly drew strength from having the power to segregate myself and to dream up goals in the manner of: "I'll show them!"

THE SOURCE OF CHURCH AND FAMILY HURTS

Because churches, individual bodies' of Christ, exist around social bounds under God, there will always be friction to the point of people feeling out of touch, misunderstood, not listened to, unloved - rejected. If only we could understand this as an ever present threat. These dynamics affect any 'family' set-up in the crisis of felt betrayal.

Particularly for the person who is prone to feelings of abandonment - those who have some union to an anxious attachment - this is a real threat. They will, from time to time, feel rejected by anyone who may not concur with their line of thinking; who resists closeness of heart and mind to them. These feelings of rejection, if we were wise, would be challenged in truth, so we could see the role fear is playing to disturb our sense for connection - pressuring our sense of connectedness.

If we would honour the truth, and see these feelings as they are, we may avoid the need to isolate ourselves.

We may rise above the felt pettiness of others in order to glorify God in our hurt.

NEVER GIVING UP ON FINDING A PLACE TO BELONG

All of us belong somewhere. If truth were known, we actually belong in any good place, but we need to feel like we belong.

Many are the experiences of people against that flow, however.

They may never have felt that; a sense of true belonging. But our passionate commitment to find a place where we truly belong is rewarded when we resolve to never give up. But in order to find such a place we need to do our own inner work of preparation.

The fact we must come against is, we will be hurt.

People hurt people, but it is our role to utilise the wisdom and power of God to reconcile that hurt, rising above it. It is hurt people who hurt people. When we see this, we see a fearful individual (or individuals) who has/have hurt us, and we can have compassion for them. And sometimes it is us who are plain wrong, and in those cases we need to have the humility to admit we're wrong. Many, many schisms come about because of sinful pride. Let's be honest; being honest and swallowing our pride is a far better personal result.

If we are to get on we must aim to get on. Doing that is about compromise; a meeting of the minds and hearts, or at least agreeing to disagree without caging resentment.

***

Because, as humans, we were made to connect, isolation may be one of the worst kinds of life there is. We cannot know love, and be blessed by love, in isolation. And neither can we grow in isolation. The best of life exists where we feel we belong. Upon bouts of feeling isolated we need to, again, expand out into our world in courage to reconnect.

© 2013 S. J. Wickham.

Steve Wickham is a Registered Safety Practitioner and holds Degrees in Science, Divinity, and Counselling. Steve writes at: http://epitemnein-epitomic.blogspot.com.au/ and http://tribework.blogspot.com.au/

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Seven Tips for Improving Your Health

Having a happy social life may be as important to your health as not smoking.

People in a study who not only made good physical health decisions, but also worked on maintaining a satisfying social life, were more likely to be completely healthy compared to people who only followed physical health guidelines. Keep your social network strong by picking up the phone this weekend and calling an old friend.

Your brain doesn't know you're kidding.

Random thoughts such as, "He gives me a pain," or "This job makes me sick" are viewed by the right brain as instructions. Think healthy thoughts!

A forgiving attitude in close relationships may be especially helpful to your health.

Research suggests that forgiving someone who has wronged you can enhance feelings of well-being. And a recent study revealed that the association between a forgiving attitude and enhanced well-being is particularly strong in the context of a relationship with a life partner.

Struggling to hide your true feelings may not always be the best health bet.

A recent study revealed that when people discussed a controversial topic but suppressed their emotions about the subject, their blood pressure readings tended to climb. Over time, chronic spikes in blood pressure could prematurely age the cardiovascular system. Let your partner know how you really feel about important matters.

Are you a hot head? A less hostile outlook may help keep your heart rhythms steady.

Studies in men revealed that men who are generally hostile or often openly angry may have as much as a 30 percent greater risk of developing irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is a risk factor for stroke.

A more carefree attitude may help keep your mind young.

Chronic worry was linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline in a recent study. Obsessive worriers had more than double the risk of decline compared to their more carefree peers. Kick worries to the curb by writing them down in a journal or talking them out with people you love. Also, work on decisive plans of action for worries that won't go away.

Are you afraid to try new things? Diving in more often could mean living a longer life.

There may be a link between a fear of novel situations and a shorter life span, according to research. Of course, shyness and vigilance have their time and place. But if you've nothing to fear but fear itself, take a leap of faith the next time you are presented with an opportunity to experience something new.

Linda Simmon, C.Ht., is a highly sought after consultant, hypnotherapist, life coach, speaker and a graduate of The Hypnosis Motivation Institute. Visit http://www.newhypnotherapy.com for more information on Linda, her CDs, articles, telephone and downloadable sessions, E-Book ("Realize Your Full Potential" now available on Kindle at this link:http://tinyurl.com/778ypvd ) and workshops.

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