The blessing of the present moment

At each moment in our daily lives, we have an unprecedented opportunity. Generations before us did not have this blessing of spiritual awareness that is available today. Humanity as a whole is awakening, and we are actively participating in this process even if we are not consciously aware of it.

One of the simplest and most profound of spiritual teachings asks us to be in the present moment. This is an ancient teaching, and today has even greater meaning. With the advent of global telecommunication, daily life can be full or even stretched to capacity with communication, tasks and events to deal with. How then are we to remain centered, guided spiritually, and present to God's love in the midst of such a rapidly changing landscape?

Today's meditation practice can no longer be separated from the events of daily life. The serious nature of the times we live in now requires us to be fully in life, and present to address the many challenges we all face. Though it continues to be helpful to consciously set aside a few minutes of silent, contemplative time each day, our lives are asking that we carry this contemplative awareness more fully into our daily lives.

A regular meditation or prayer practice trains the mind and the body to create space around habitual and reactive mental patterns that keep us separate from God's love. Meditation is profoundly useful for purification and freeing oneself from negative of self defeating patterns. Even five minutes a day of meditation can refresh the body, mind and spirit, and can even transform difficult experiences.

To take this one step further, allow your entire day to be a meditation and a prayer. This is not meant as drudgery but as joyful freedom. How do you do such a thing? It starts simply with awareness first, and the intention that you become closer to God throughout your day.

Today, as you go about the affairs of your daily life, notice how God is guiding you. What thoughts and feelings are present within you? What events come into your day unexpectedly? What challenges do you face? How do you respond to your fellow souls that share this Earth with you? Notice the opportunities God offers to share love with others. Do you joyfully embrace these opportunities, or turn a deaf ear because you are busy with other things?

Each day and each moment is a spiritual teaching. God is constantly revealing how we can love more, how we can learn more about ourselves and the Divine. God speaks in each moment, even if we do not think we can hear. The voice of spirit lives within our bodies, our hearts, our minds and our consciousness. Each day is a blessing that is given to us freely. What we do with this blessing has a profound impact on the others around us, on our loved ones, families, friends, and the larger network of human consciousness that we are a part of.

The Earth herself benefits from the blessings that we share through being fully present our daily lives. The vibration of love that opens when we attune to God creates a healing presence that affects the physical and energy bodies of the Earth, and offers support during this very difficult time when so much is changing on a planetary level. Give yourself blessings, praise and love each time you breathe and take a moment to attune spiritually in the midst of your busy day. By full embracing the blessing of the present moment, you are helping your fellow human beings as well as yourself.

A primer on bradley vs. lamaze childbirth methods

The Bradley method of childbirth was developed in the 1940's by Dr. Robert A. Bradley, an American Obstetrician. It is based on the philosophy of 'natural childbirth' (drug free) and was pioneering in the involvement of fathers during the birthing process.

The Lamaze technique was also established in the 1940's by Dr. Fernand Lamaze, a French Obstetrician. Lamaze was influenced by Soviet childbirth practices and he particularly endorsed the role of Midwives during labor. His method began to gain popularity in the USA in the late 1950's and is now the most commonly used childbirth technique.

While both the Lamaze and Bradley techniques lead to the same outcome, they differ in a variety of ways. The most significant contrast between these birthing methods is the issue of pain management and how parents confront this challenge. But what do these two methods reveal and how do they differ?

The Bradley Technique

The Bradley Method is a twelve week course that teaches parents how to control the pain of childbirth. It advocates natural childbirth philosophies and is also called 'the husband coached' birthing technique. It encourages parents to use deep breathing and relaxation exercises as a means of coping with labor.

The Bradley approach rejects the idea of 'distraction' as a way of dealing with childbirth and disputes the use of painkillers and cesarean sections unless absolutely necessary.

However, classes that focus on the Bradley technique do prepare parents for unexpected complications which may result in a cesarean section or other forms of intervention. His methods also include advice on nutrition and diet for the Mother during her pregnancy, which inevitably has a positive effect on the growth and wellbeing of the fetus. The expectant Mother is always encouraged to take reasonable and regular exercise, so that she is properly conditioned to give birth.

The Bradley Technique also educates parents about the different stages of labor and teaches them how to react to the Mother's changing body. The Father is assigned the role of 'Coach' during the birthing process, keeping the Mother focused on the task at hand, helping with breathing exercises and giving plenty of reassurance. Different forms of massage can also be used.

The Lamaze Technique

The Lamaze Technique uses a Pavlovian response to the pain of childbirth. Lamaze believed that giving birth was a physical exercise that requires both energy and concentration. His method focuses on arming the expectant couple with various tools to ease discomfort and conserve energy in order to control pain as it occurs.

The Lamaze Technique encourages the couple to use deep breathing exercises and various 'distraction' techniques, which can include concentrating on pleasant memories, as a way of distracting the woman from the pain of labor.

Lamaze childbirth classes often recommend the benefits associated with changing positions during the birth, as well as the use of hot and cold packs and 'birthing balls' to ease contractions.

The Lamaze Philosophy is not as regimented as the Bradley Method. It gives parents all the facts, yet allows the couple leverage to use the information in ways that work for them. It's more liberal approach offers a neutral position with regards to pain medication along with other medical and surgical options. This is left for the couple to decide.

Conclusion

There are many subtle differences and similarities between the Bradley and Lamaze birthing techniques. The primary difference is that the Bradley method instructs women to focus on controlling their pain. While according to the Lamaze technique, they are taught to distract from it. Similarities include the use of deep breathing techniques, the encouragement of appropriate exercise for the Mother during her pregnancy, and the involvement of both parents in the birthing process.

For expectant families the best option is to gather as much information as possible from either their Obstetrician or Midwife, before making a firm decision on which childbirth class to attend. It is always preferable to choose the birthing method that most appeals to each, individual couple, as it will allow them to feel in control and therefore experience the form of childbirth which best suits their needs.

Gratitude - top ten reasons to adopt the law of gratitude

What would your day be like if you started and ended it by simply noticing all that you have in your life? If you count all your assets, you always show a profit. Gratitude is a natural high.

When you live in tandem with your spirit, appreciating all of life and what you have, you discover more joy and kindness in the world. Miracles happen everywhere all the time, but only those with an “Attitude of Gratitude” seem to notice them. This circle of peace grows and you return to your natural state of joy, love and peace, knowing you are whole and complete just as you are.

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent

of all the others.” ~ Cicero

The following is a list of the top ten reasons to adopt the Law of Gratitude in your life:

One. Being in Gratitude Only Has Positive Side Effects.

Positive emotions make you feel good and offer a sense of comfort. When we take a few moments to express our appreciation inwardly or to another, immediately we begin to feel happier, more relaxed, more optimistic.

Two. Feelings of Gratitude Provide Short-Cuts to Miracles.

Negative thoughts and feelings create an interruption in the natural flow of life. When you are feeling positive and grateful you accelerate what it is that you desire. Consciously appreciating what you already have is the short-cut to manifestation and the secret to personal fulfillment.

Three. Thoughts of Gratitude Flood Your Body with Immune-Boosting Endorphins.

Studies also provide evidence that a positive, appreciative attitude enhances the body’s healing system and general health. When you hold feelings of thankfulness for at least 15 to 20 seconds, beneficial physiological changes take place in your body. Levels of the stress hormones cortisol and norepinephrine decrease, producing a cascade of beneficial metabolic changes. Coronary arteries relax, thus increasing the blood supply to your heart. And your breathing becomes deeper, raising the oxygen level of your tissues.

Four. Feeling Grateful Puts you Back into the ‘Flow of Life’ at the Speed of Thought.

Thoughts create things. If you are feeling and thinking positive thoughts, you create positive situations. You draw positive people to you. Like attracts like.

Five. Gratitude Unlocks the Fullness of Life.

Feelings of gratitude turn what you have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast or a house into a home. Gratitude makes sense of your past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.

Six. Feelings of Gratitude Give You a ‘Natural High’.

Grateful people tend to be more optimistic, a characteristic that researchers say boosts the immune system. Studies indicate that daily gratitude exercises result in higher reported levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism and energy. Grateful people experience less depression and stress, are more likely to help others, exercise regularly and tend to make more progress toward personal goals. People who feel grateful are also more likely to feel loved.

Seven. Gratitude Provides an Immediate Sense of Well-Being.

Gratitude, it turns out, can help us better manage stress. Gratitude research is beginning to suggest that feelings of thankfulness have tremendous positive value in helping people cope with daily problems, especially stress.

Eight. Feeling Grateful is the Main Cause of ‘Sustained Joy’.

Focusing on the gifts one has been given is an antidote to envy, resentment, regret and other negative states that undermine long-term happiness. Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.

Nine. The More You Give—The More You Receive.

You always get more of whatever you appreciate. When you express love, gratitude and sincere appreciation, you naturally expand. Consciously appreciating what you already have is the short-cut to manifestation and the secret to personal fulfillment. The more you assist others, the more you will assist yourself.

Ten. When You Are Genuinely Thankful Anger and Fear Disappear.

One of the incredible truths about gratitude is that it is impossible to feel both the positive emotion of thankfulness and a negative emotion such as anger or fear at the same time.

To Practice This Thought:

• Be lavish in your gratefulness.

• Make gratitude a daily ritual.

• Be thankful for whatever

forces you to deal with your own strong emotions.

• Set aside an hour or two to do nothing much except be grateful.

Focus on what is working in your life and what IS right in the world. It doesn’t matter how small or seemingly insignificant it may be. Before long you will notice that more things will fall into place with little or no effort on your part. Gratitude is a wonderful tool to use to feel good fast.

Amirah © 2006 All Rights Reserved.

You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated.

How to identify a good golf school

A successful golf career requires a good education, plenty of proven experience, or both. In this respect, the golf industry is just like any other industry. Choosing a good golf school might not seem as easy as it is to identify a good four-year college, because there are fewer word-of-mouth reviews about them. Here are some tips for taking control and making sure you choose the school that will give you the best education you can get.

Ask employers in the golf industry. Large golf establishments, such as facilities and resorts, know which schools produce the best graduates. If you don’t yet have a golf school in mind, ask a few employers in your area which schools they prefer seeing on applicants’ resumes. If you are considering a few different golf schools already, ask employers which school they would prefer to see on your resume.

Ask about the school’s curriculum. Different golf schools tend to offer different courses in their degree programs. Compare the programs from different schools. It is important that you receive as well rounded an education in the golf industry as possible, so choose the school that covers the most ground with its curriculum.

Ask what standards the school uses in employing its instructors. A golf school that employs anyone who can wield a golf club probably won’t be able to offer you a high quality education. On the other hand, a golf school that only hires educated, experienced instructors most likely has what it takes to help you launch your career.

Ask how the school helps its students gain work experience prior to graduation. A good golf school should have some sort of internship program, or at least be able to help its students find part-time work in the field while they are in school. Having on-the-job training to go with your degree will help you find a job more quickly and easily after graduation. With the proper work experience, you might even be able to get a better job than you would otherwise.

Ask about the school’s classroom equipment and training technology. This is a good question to ask during a tour of the campus. A good golf school will be proud to show you its state-of-the-art facilities. Learning on the newest and best equipment and technology ensures that you will be up-to-date when you enter the work force.

Ask what kinds of student services and amenities the school offers. Student amenities can range from health insurance and student housing, to internship programs and job placement assistance, so make sure you know what you need before asking this question. However, the best golf schools will have the resources to offer students a variety of services.

Ask if the school offers job placement assistance. Entering the work force after graduation can be one of the most difficult parts of launching a new career. Along with the normal anxieties and insecurities involved in searching for a job, there is the unfamiliarity with the field that new graduates often have. A decent golf school will offer resume writing help, but a really good school will also provide listings of job openings and maintain relationships with local businesses.

Asking these questions will help you eliminate golf schools that are less favorable, and hopefully enable you to launch a successful career. An education is the most important step on the path to success, so be sure to choose wisely.

Climbing is an invigorating sport

Climbing is a competitive sport that requires people to be in good physical and mental condition. The rugged terrains that are often encountered while out rock climbing in the wild, have the tendency to test a person's endurance levels past anything they have experienced before in their life. Rock climbing leaves people with a heightened sense of awareness and a greater appreciation for the outdoors.

They learn to enhance their self-esteem just by completing simple climbs that to a professional might seem boring, but once they have conquered that small task, they have built up confidence in their own abilities. While they are testing those abilities during the various stages of their training, they are also becoming more familiar with the equipment that could very well save their life one day. Every climber will gain experience and learn from everything they do that involves rock climbing.

People will get so stimulated by climbing rocks that they will choose to participate in rock climbing competitions to achieve more thrills. There are rock-climbing courses that are fashioned for beginners in the sport, and others will meet the needs of climbers who have perfected their talents to the intermediate and advanced levels. A person can achieve a good sense of well-being from just completing one course in the competitions and the true winners will be the ones who had the courage to sign-up in the first place. Some people learn a lot about themselves and others while participating in climbing competitions.

Climbing is a sport that grows on a person. It is certainly not something that is done without prior planning or thorough training. One of the first things that climbers will learn is that they never climb alone because beautiful scenery up in the mountains is meant to be shared by family and friends. Some families get interested in climbing when they go on whitewater rafting trips and see people climbing rocks above them along the river's path.

Some people do not have the discipline it takes to enjoy rock climbing on a continual basis. These are the people who are not wiling to listen to experienced climbers and think that they can accomplish a rock climb without having the necessary techniques under their belt to do it successfully. These people are the ones that guides have trouble managing and will not ever take up a mountain again until they display considerable progress on being able to work as a team member while climbing.

Rock climbing can be an invigorating but dangerous sport. Every member of a rock climbing group must have their wits and sensibilities about them at all times. Mistakes can cost people their lives and climbers who are not ready for various tasks should be comfortable with letting others know about it without just automatically doing it to save face in front of friends. No two climbers will see things alike and being an individual is still an important feature of climbing even if the person is in a group.

Steps to manage your small business credit card

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Business credit card is the most popular form of credit card available and since the receiving end of credit is always a pleasure business credit card increase this pleasure that meet your business needs. Small business card provides various intangible benefits to small businesses in addition to the regular perks.

Effective small business credit card management
1. Apply at home
You should always apply for your small business credit card at your existing financial institution because your banking relationship can help you in the approval process. So when you need to have a line of credit you will have an established relationship with your lender that could help you with credit applications over $100,000 not using automated scoring systems.

2. Limited card hopping
If you sign up for multiple credit cards to get the advantage of deals this could leave a negative impact on your credit rating and shall make your credit card management even more difficult.

3. Make use of grace
Most of the small business credit cards offer 21 day grace period before they ask you to make payment on your purchases. You can improve your cash flow using a credit card instead of checks because a new check 21 act creates quicker clearance of checks.

4. Online payment
If you make online payment of your small business credit card, it will save your time and any extra costs involved as would be the case when you pay at your local branch or through mailing your payment.

5. No cash advance
You need to reduce your credit card fees and interest costs by not using the cash advance feature on your card. Cash advances incur more fees and costs and therefore you can use your business account debit whenever you require immediate funds.

6. Don’t make late payments
You should avoid late fees and high interest rates that can erode the advantages of using your small business credit cards quickly. Try to be responsible by paying off your business credit each month.

Always treat your business credit card ownership as a privilege and you can avoid the disastrous effect of credit card mismanagement. Visit our recommended website credit-card-debt-consolidation-guide. info

Comparing home insurance

Mortgage or home insurance is important. When you take out your loan your lender may had attached PMI coverage for your home. This is only a security blanket for the lender. You want to find a policy that benefits the lender as well as you.

You can find home insurance on the market that offers both you and your lender a security blanket. Some home insurance plans will protect your home in the event natural disasters occur. When you own a home, since this is a large investment you want to find a policy that will cover:

Natural disaster, such as fire, theft, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc, and any damage from vandalism, or unnatural disasters;

Insurance may include liability. This is a good idea, since if someone is hurt on your property you want to make sure that you have an insurance policy that will cover any medical, mental damage, legal coverage and so on.

Some of the home insurance policy also has life insurance. Life insurance will cover you in the event if you die. Some insurance policies will pay burial and cover your mortgage. This is a great insurance, since you do not leave the burden of finances on your loved ones.

You may want to inquire about wind damage insurance. Many companies will not offer this plan, since it is an act of God. Some companies will offer the coverage however, yet you have to purchase the coverage separately.

You want to make sure that your belongings are covered. Rather than spend a fortune out of your pocket to replace your furniture, equipment, electronics, etc get coverage that will offer you a backup plan in the event disaster occurs.

Most plans offer some sort of protection for your belongings. How much you pay in premiums and deductibles determines in most instances how much the insurance company will pay.

When you take out insurance coverage, make sure that you inquire or find out how soon the insurance company wills payout on life insurance, home insurance, etc. Some companies will take longer than others will to payout on repairs, burial, et cetera. You want to avoid these companies, rather choose a company that will not take up your time.

Take some time to explore insurance plans, policy, stipulations, clauses, premiums, deductibles and so on when searching for home insurance. Use the quote systems online to compare companies, policy, and cost and so on.

You have many options with insurance, so go online and check out the variety of packages and plans. Don't forget you can get your premiums lowered by agreeing to pay higher deductibles. If you agree to pay $1000 out of your pocket for example, your premiums may go down a certain percentage, depending on the company.