Book Review - Refuse To Choose By Barbara Sher

Have you always wondered why you get bored easily, never stick to anything for long periods of time, quickly lose interest in things or change your mind about what you want to do and end up doing nothing? Good news: according to Barbara Sher's book you might just be a 'scanner'.

Summary

Barbara Sher brings us closer to a type of person who, just as described above, doesn't follow the traditional 'find out what you want, get a career and follow it with might and passion for the rest of your life' scheme.

More in details

The subtitle of this book is 'A Revolutionary Programme for Doing All That You Love' and alludes to the fact that scanners often find themselves arguing about not being able to choose one thing and stick with it. Barbara suggests otherwise: Refuse to choose.

The author identifies seven types of scanners, divided into two groups: cyclical scanners and sequential scanners. The first 3 belong to the cyclical scanners:
Double Agent: These are people who have fantasies of being two people, one who does the right thing and another who is free to live their dreams.Sybil: This is someone who has many areas of interest and they return to these over and over but rarely finish anything.Plate Spinner: They are energized by having many things going on at the same time, they love solving problems but all of this leaves little time for any of their own projects.

The cyclical scanners know what their interests are, unlike the sequential scanners who always discover a completely new interest. The following six types belong to the sequential scanners:
Serial Specialist: They often excel at whatever field they are in, commit completely but then, often when on top of their game, quit and start something new.Serial Master: For these people, interests come and go, but the love of mastery always stays. Once they have mastered something, they go looking for a new project.Jack-of-all-Trades: Jacks enjoy learning for its own sake. They are usually not passionate about any one career but the love of learning something new and helping people.Wanderer: This is someone who loves random experiences and allow themselves to move toward whatever looks attractive and interesting.Sampler: These people look for a special kind of richness in their lives and find that there are very few ways to fill it.High-Speed Indecisive: They are maybe the most misunderstood of all Scanners as the get pulled away to something new sooner than any other, but not because they lost interest, rather because they see something more fascinating.

Besides the in-depth description of the different types of scanners, Barbara also shares many valuable tools and techniques that will make scanners lives easier.

About the author

Beside being an author of six self-help books Barbara Sher is also a motivational speaker, workshop leader, business owner and has collected much experience working as a counselor, working with many scanners. In addition to that she has appeared both on national and local radio and television, including shows like Oprah, Today, 60 Minutes and Good Morning America. She lives in New York City.

Recommendation

This is a great book if you feel that you might be a scanner, have lived your life wondering: Why is it that everyone finds their passion but I can't seem to find it, start and stop many projects or never finish anything?

In my work with clients I have found it extremely valuable to assist people in finding their freedom and passion through the realization that they achieve by reading this book.

Want to know more? Have a look at my blog.

Nathalie Himmelrich is the founder of 'Reach for the Sky Therapy' on Sydney's Northern Beaches and specialises in 'relationship related issues'. She is working with individuals and couples using techniques ranging from Counselling, Neuro Linguistic Programming to Journey Therapy. She supports clients in their personal growth in a supportive and professional environment.

Visit my website: http://www.reachforthesky.com.au/ or visit my blog: http://reachforthesky.wordpress.com/ and sign up for our newsletter today.

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Book Review - Next Stop, Reloville By Peter T Kilborn

Relocation always brings challenges and Peter Kilborn writes a journalistic account of a special segment of people who move: families who are required to move in order to keep their jobs or maintain career growth. They earn high incomes by most standards - $100,000 - $400,000 - and their companies move them lavishly. One company even flew the wife's mother to babysit with the children while the couple went on a househunting trip.

These families represent middle and upper management. None was described as a CEO but some were VPs of mid-sized companies. Some worked in cubicles.

Author Kilborn focuses on the impact of moving on family dynamics. His approach is typical of contemporary journalism: focus on a handful of families in depth and chronicle every aspect of their lives that might remotely relate to moving. Thus we have children who start over in school, wives who volunteer, husbands who are away from home for long periods. We see variations from one family to the next but as I read, their stories blended together.

Kilborn notes the pressure to conform. For instance, these families need to buy homes with high resale value, so they tend to seek new homes in new neighborhoods. As a result, older neighborhoods fall into decline.

We see how some families try to escape the pressures. One family was thrilled to find a home outside a homeowners association. Surprisingly few get divorced; one woman is shown in front of her new antique store, which she opened after divorcing her mobile husband and remarrying.

This book describes a small, privileged sliver of corporate America. And, although the book's subtitle refers to a "new" rootless professional class, I don't think it's all that new. I remember when IBM used to stand for "I've Been Moved." If anything, I'm hearing that companies are cutting back because spouses now enter the picture.

And that's my major quibble with this book. Are all members of this corporate America male and married? The book finds one young single woman who talks about the difficulties of getting a boyfriend. But I've known single and divorced women over 40 who reported enormous problems fitting into this mobile class. One woman moved into a nice neighborhood; after all, she earned a good salary and she could easily afford a big house. Her female neighbors were threatened at first. They actually worried she would chase their husbands (as if she had time or inclination).

The book doesn't address other issues, such as relocating professionals who are gay, non-Christian, or of another race. In these Relovilles, will these people stand out? Will they be ostracized? Or are these towns so filled with corporate execs who have higher tolerance than longer-dwelling residents of these small towns?

Ultimately I'm not sure what we are supposed to learn from this book. Wisely, the author chooses not to draw lessons and move to the self-help genre. Perhaps the ultimate lesson is to choose a career where you are self-employed or where you just don't have to move. You might sacrifice the big pay checks (or not), but you will gain the most valuable commodity: time. And if you do choose this path, nobody can say Kilborn didn't warn you.

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., has written a book about relocation. This book deals with the stresses and psychological challenges common to a variety of people who relocate - not just corporate families. This book includes challenges of being single, moving on a shoestring, and finding new friends. Download immediately at http://www.relocationstrategy.com/

Cathy offers one-to-one consulting for career moves that involve relocation. Subscribe to the 12-session Midlife Career Strategy ecourse to learn more about these services.
http://www.midlifecareerchoice.com/

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Brilliant Treatise on Future of Psychology - Book Review of "Humanizing Madness" by Niall McLaren

"Humanizing Madness" is an intriguing and insightful book into the nature of psychiatry, although it may not be aptly titled. The book does discuss psychiatry and the cognitive neurosciences, but more specifically its purpose is to discuss what is currently wrong with the major theories in psychiatry and to suggest a theory that will provide a future path for psychiatry to follow. This book may not be for the beginner in psychiatry, but students of psychiatry will find it a valuable alternative view on what they may otherwise be taught in university programs without questioning many of psychiatry's outdated and as McLaren expresses, ineffective and flawed theories which tend to disagree with each other anyway.

McLaren divides "Humanizing Madness" into three sections, the first giving an overview of psychiatry, its history and theories. Then he demonstrates what theories can be used to create a focused future path for psychiatry, and finally, he discusses mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and anorexia and how changes need to be made in their definitions and understanding to bring about more effective diagnoses.

Among the theories McLaren shows as severely flawed are behaviorist models, psychoanalysis, and eclectic models of psychiatry. Most importantly, McLaren states that no real foundational theory exists for psychiatry. While definitions of mental disorder exist, no real definition of mental order or normality has been determined. Until it is determined what a normal mental state is, psychiatry cannot accurately determine what is a mental disorder.

To determine what is the suitable definition of mental disorder and normality, the field must be narrowed down to being based on specific tenets. McLaren makes clear that psychiatry must focus on being rational, understanding that human behavior is not random, and that any theory of the mind must be able to account for mental disorder. He rejects simple ideas that mental disorders result from chemical imbalances, although he spends considerable time arguing that the mind can affect the body. (Whatever the mind is, the definition for which he also debates).

In the end, McLaren's thesis is that "human behavior is the outcome of a complex interaction between an emergent mind and the physical body." While psychiatry has focused on depression as the most popular mental disorder, McLaren believes the focus should be on anxiety, which is the result of the "fight or flight" instinct in most creatures; traumatic events that cause anxiety can lead to depression, so consequently anxiety deserves to be studied as a source of depression. McLaren emphasizes that the human mind does affect the human body, as in cases of mass hysteria, anxiety, and fear that create panic attacks.

Ultimately, McLaren says that any theory of the mind has to provide a rational explanation of mental disorder. He boldly speaks his mind throughout the book, backing up his points with multiple examples, and he is not afraid to cry "Humbug!" when necessary. McLaren has been practicing psychiatry since 1977 in Australia. His discussion of his own education and the shortcomings of the education system he went through as well as weaknesses in current psychiatric practices demonstrate that psychiatry has many more steps to take before it is a completely effective science. I believe "Humanizing Madness" may well lead to a new understanding of mental illness in future years as younger psychiatrists read his book and follow his example in rejecting the ineffective theories he derides.

For more information about Niall McLaren and "Humanizing Madness," readers may visit http://www.LovingHealing.com While this book is academic and not light reading, anyone interested in the mind will benefit from reading "Humanizing Madness," and students of psychiatry will find it invaluable.

Tyler R. Tichelaar, Ph.D., author of The Marquette Trilogy

Tyler R. Tichelaar holds a Bachelor's and Master's Degree from Northern Michigan University and a Ph.D. from Western Michigan University. His family's long relationship with Upper Michigan and his avid interest in genealogy inspired Dr. Tichelaar to write his Marquette Trilogy: Iron Pioneers, The Queen City, and Superior Heritage. Dr. Tichelaar is also a professional book reviewer and editor. For more information about Tyler R. Tichelaar, his writing, and his author services, visit:
http://www.marquettefiction.com/

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Persuasion Expert Reveals How to Become an Expert Persuader in Twenty Days Review

Persuasion expert Michael Lee reveals in his new book, "How to Become an Expert Persuader in 20 Days" powerful and if acted upon, life changing secrets. This is truly not hype or any sort of marketing tactic, but as someone who has read this book and been instantly changed by the real results it has inspired through the power of the content locked in its pages, I felt it was my duty as an author to give this book a review so that others can see how they too can become an expert of persuasion.

Michael Lee goes in depth in his book revealing actual case study statistics taken from psycho-social scientific experiments where the human behavioral system and mind is dissected and laid bare in critical detail and then explained in such a way that communicates understanding to the simplest of readers like myself.

Such laws of persuasion and how to use them to your advantage are taught step by step such as:

*Commitment and its power in not just every day relationships but how it can increase sales in business beginning immediately is revealed with examples and real life case studies that show how you can put it to work for you now.

*Reciprocation and how to really put it to work for you on a massive scale is shown with examples.

*Herd mentality and how to recognize it and also how to use it for your own advantage while helping others is covered.

*Communication in words and body language and how just using certain words and asking questions can turn situations overwhelmingly into your favor everytime is explained so easily.

*Love relationships with the opposite sex exposed and how to become the man or woman of your dreamlover's dreams is given in step by step detail. This is really powerful stuff.

*The secret to getting a promotion at work is given and once you see how easy this is to use right away and why it works, you'll laugh your way to a higher pay check.

There are literally over 20 chapters in this book and each of them give a gift of years of experience and in depth study from the masters of persuasion.

To tell you the truth, I think I was even persuaded subconsciously somehow to write this review even though the book is even better than I can describe it and a tremendous gift to give yourself and those you care about at any price, a real investment with returns several hundred fold.

If You Want to Discover How to Become a Persuasion Expert Quickly and Easily Guaranteed, Just Click Here=> Persuasion Course [http://persuasioncourse.com]

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Know Someone Who is Depressed? Why Not Read Up on the Subject to Help Them

All of us are affected by depression, whether we have such issues or not. For instance, 19% of our population in the United States takes depression drugs. So, with nearly 20% of our citizens taking depression drugs and considering all the depressed folks who don't but may have problems with alcohol or illegal drugs to cope, well you can see the problems we all face.

Still, how many of us really understand depression or what others around us may be going through? You would think that something so serious would be better taught in schools but it is not. Nevertheless, since this issue affects so many and perhaps even our close friends, family or those we work with, then shouldn't all of us take it upon ourselves to study this topic and subject matter?

Well, of course we should, and you ought to make it a personal mission to acquire this knowledge in your life. May I be so bold as to recommend an excellent book on the study of depression for you and your personal knowledge and on-going education?

"Understanding Depression; A Complete Guide to Its Diagnosis & Treatment" by Donald F. Klien, M.D. and Paul H. Wender, M.D.; 1993 Oxford Press, New York.

This book was written by psychiatrists with decades of experience and yet, it was written so a layman could understand. The doctors explain the symptoms of mood disorders and the issues with hereditary and environment; nurture and nature issues concerning depression and manic depression. Learn all about the potential treatments and what you can do to help your friends, family members or co-workers. Think on this.

"Lance Winslow" - Lance Winslow's Bio. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/.

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Meaning of Dreams - What Your Dreams Telling You

Ebook for Dream Explorers

You could have been trying to find out what your dreams mean through various channels and resources possible. You probably have looked into publications on dreams, psychoanalysis and even looking up a dictionary that is supposed to provide you a general guide on what your dreams can mean to you. In the process, you realize that some books provide different meanings and some of it turns out to be quite untrue and far off from your personal experiences. If you've felt this way after going through various reading materials on dreams and interpretation techniques, then you have yet to read "Meaning of Dreams."

Customizing Your Journey

Find your special formula to unlock the key to the meaning of your dreams that will provide more meaning to your life more than any other meaning given to you from previous reading materials. You deserve this benefit aimed at customized approach to help you understand your dreams better. The ebook guarantees this because the right approach to understanding the meaning of your dreams will only come from you. The book will only guide you to the process but the journey is all up to you. With this book, spiritual and personal growth will no longer be as difficult as it used to be.

Power to Better Your Life

Empower yourself with your dreams by opening your internal life as what your dreams have been trying to tell and influence you all this time. You will find that gradually, your external life starts getting better as you start understanding you inner self - mind, body and spirit. How can this be? you may ask. You will find that some of your dreams may be indicative of a troubled mind and spirit because of turmoil in personal relationships or long unheeded body signals of stress from work or school. Once you start realizing that these dreams mean to your personal life, you can start taking steps to changing your external life to better handle relationships and personal stresses.

The goal where we want to lead you is not simply to put meanings to your dream. More than that, we want to see you grow from these dream experiences to face all your fears and problems masquerading as dreams. Become the better person that you were meant to be with Meaning of Dreams. Next thing you know, you'll be dreaming of good omens and abundance of things to come. Isn't that worth anything?

Check it out at http://www.dreams-revealed.com/

About the Author:
Jenny Wolfram,
Professional Relationship Psychologist since 1994.
Jenny's expertise has taken her to places like Los Angeles, London, Madrid and more.

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Book Review of "What's Happening to My Teen?" by Mark Gregston

What's Happening to My Teen? [Soft cover]

by Mark Gregston

224 pages, $13.99

ISBN-13: 978-0736924443

Nonfiction

Review by Steven King, MBA, MEd

When children are young, they want their parents to enjoy playtime with them. Daughters are princesses and sons are the princes of their families. A delightful afternoon can be spent making mud pies in the back yard. Refrigerators and social networking sites are quickly adorned with every treasure discovered.

Then...around age 12-13, something dreadful happens. Independence looms. The one who was content to play in the backyard suddenly realizes they are not grafted to you. And to the chagrin of many fathers, the opposite sex takes on new meaning in the eyes of our children.

Perhaps you are like myriad of parents before you who are struggling, asking themselves, "What happened? How come my child wants nothing to do with me anymore?" Moving from hero to zero is one of the most deflating experiences any parent can experience.

Mark Gregston believes he can answer this question. In his What's Happening to My Teen, he attempts to share insights from his 30-year involvement with teenagers. Moving from his beginnings in youth ministry, he and his wife opened Heartlight, a residential treatment center for boys and girls in Hallsville, Texas. Since 1989, he has worked with thousands of teens who have struggled with issues of lying, selfishness, depression, or disrespect for authority. His presentation is the through the eyes of numerous "teens," from which he shares particular insight. For instance, the difficulty and transition a seven-year-old Chad experienced when his parents divorced.

While Gregston offers good insight about adolescent behavior, his book reads like an indictment of parenthood. Throughout much of the book, he is quick to point out that what parents label as rebellion, for instance, is really just "normal" behavior for any given teen. Gregston's approach to education is a little naïve, as he insinuates that frequently the problem lies with the school's inability to reach the student, instead of the student's inability to conform to the wishes of the school.

Other than that, his insight about the harmful effects of insulating students who are primarily homeschooled is perhaps some of the best instruction this writer has ever come across. Inappropriate insulation from the "real world" can, and does, have catastrophic consequences.

If your teen is out of control and you have come to the end of your rope - read this book. It might inform you about what has happened to your teen.

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Letting Go Of Ego

Ego is a curious entity. Some experts say it is a part of our human makeup because it keeps our species alive. Other experts say it is the one reason that is going to end man's existence.

Ego cost me the ability to enjoy sports, relationships and my career. All of these became anxious nightmares because I was placing my whole identity on being the best, which translated into superiority or at least higher human hierarchy.

I think sometimes we lose many quality traits like self-esteem, pride, assertiveness, responsible and well-groomed because we mistakenly place it under the umbrella of Ego. In fact I would argue that ego is the complete opposite of these adjectives. I once said about me "I have done many good deeds, but at times for the wrong reason." The tasks I was doing for good, like getting my Master's degree to help cardiac patients heal and live healthy lives, on the surface appeared admirable.

But underneath this humanitarian surface lie the falsity of Ego. It is true that I help many people but I was so proud of me that I forgot who I was serving. My Ego was telling me that I was a superior person that should have respect. My Ego was telling me that I was better than my comrade brother because I had the "made out" prestigious job versus their more pheasant job. Now I may be putting more judgment on myself because I never treated the house cleaners and groundskeepers any less than I treated the Doctors.

But I would often think to me "how can these people be so happy working so hard for such little money." That is pure ego. The funny part of Ego is it can present itself in many simple forms.

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Let me give you an example on Ego and how tricky it can be to be aware of its presence. Let's say that a person realizes that they are too wrapped up in themselves (ego) and work hard to replace human hierarchy, materialism, their need to be always right and judgment. But it in the process becomes judgmental of those that don't surrender their Egotistical ways. Well, this is ego again showing feeding its ugly side, which only strengthens it, so subtly. I often notice this in many organized religion and politics. I am right and you are wrong and I will even commit war against you and kill those of you that think differently than I.

I have said the ego, if left unnoticed, will eventually kill its host. Suicide, by having so much in life but still not being happy, is the Ego which is running out of food to survive. Many times the Ego will feast on short-lived roles (being an all-mighty Doctor, Lawyer, CEO); or conquest (sleeping with many women, or a women so caught up in proving herself equal in the workforce). Soon Ego needs more of these short-term victories to feel fulfilled. Environmental pollution, Global warming, nations at war all connecting with Ego. "I need to control and have tons of money, even at the expense of the planet. I or we need to be right, resulting in other young men and women lay their lives on the line so a country's leader can display that their ideals are the correct way.

If you were to read "Radical Forgiveness" by Colin Tipping or "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle you will discover that in the basic breakdown of their philosophy about Ego is letting go of roles that define you. The reason, once the role ceases to exist then you no longer know who are and this leads to depression, anxiety and a need fulfillment by outside sources.

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose (Oprah's Book Club #61)

The newest selection from Oprah s Book Club Illuminating, enlightening, and uplifting, A New Earth is a profoundly spiritual guide to creating a better way of living and a better world to live in. Building on the astonishing success of The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle presents readers with an honest look at the current state of humanity: He implores us to see and accept that this state, which is based on an erroneous identification with the egoic mind, is one of dangerous insanity. Tolle tells us there is good news, however. There is an alternative to this potentially dire situation. Humanity now, perhaps more than in any previous time, has an opportunity to create a new, saner, more loving world.

This will involve a radical inner leap from the current egoic consciousness to an entirely new one. In illuminating the nature of this shift in consciousness, Tolle describes in detail how our current ego-based state of consciousness operates. Then gently, and in very practical terms, he leads us into this new consciousness. We will come to experience who we truly are which is something infinitely greater than anything we currently think we are and learn to live and breathe freely.

From The Publisher: The Power of Now established Eckhart Tolle as one of the leading spiritual teachers writing today. Now, his long-awaited follow-up brings his inspiring and profound message to a whole new audience. Building on the astonishing success of The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle takes us beyond our own lives to show that we now have the opportunity to birth a new, more loving world. This involves a radical inner leap of consciousness from the current identification with our ego to an entirely new way of thinking about who we are. For this to happen, the very strictures of the human mind need to undergo an evolutionary transformation.

In A New Earth, Tolle shows how this transformation can occur not only in ourselves, but in the world around us. In illuminating the nature of this shift of consciousness, Tolle describes in detail how our current ego-based state of consciousness operates. He then gently and in very practical terms leads us into this new consciousness. We will come to experience who we are truly are, which is infinitely greater than anything we currently think we are. About The Author: ECKHART TOLLE is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Power of Now (translated into 33 languages) and the highly acclaimed follow-up A New Earth, which are widely regarded as two of the most influential.

The roles can be as obvious as parenting, our profession, our team, and our community or as subtle as our religious beliefs. So how do you have a sense of pride? And who are we?

Let me start by answering the second question "who are we"; the answer is I don't know. The difficulty in this answer is accepting it for what it is and not analyze. If you need something to hang your hat on the two authors would say "you are a spiritual being having a human experience" and there is no need for human Ego.

The response to the first question about pride, the authors keep this simple. Pride is neither good nor bad. Pride is only unhealthy when it is ego driven. You loose yourself in the identification with anything other than the one identity that makes every living organism special and connects all of us -Source Energy. This creates what they call duality or cutting ourselves off from the Divine.

I see this displayed coaching youth hockey - I have even seen it in me. Parents come to cheer for their children only to leave the rink shouting at them or getting into a fight with another parent. The parent's own ego has been threaten because of how identified they have become with the success of their child. Almost to the point where they feel the child has caused them to lose their pride and their human and community hierarchy.

I encourage you to read the two books on Ego. However, I want to leave you with on major theme of both these authors and that is not to fight your Ego. Conflict only makes the Ego stronger. Be ware of it and notice it in yourself and in others without judgment, just become aware and accept the Ego. Once the Ego is under the spotlight it will begin to dissolve on its own.

Scott Farmer
babyboomersthriven.com

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Rule Number Two Written by Dr Heidi Squier Kraft

Dr. Kraft is now a retired Lieutenant Commander clinical psychologist in the United States Navy. She was called to Iraq several months after her twins were born, making her tour of duty an extra hard one. I can only try to visualize just how hard this tour was with her husband being a naval pilot and leaving those twins, while she was away serving our military.

As most of us think we know how bad things are in Iraq, or were when Dr. Kraft was on duty, we have a hard time understanding how much our military officers and non-commissioned men and women are and were in need of her profession. She never knew when she would be called out of the shabby barracks to assist someone; never knew when shells would rain down on her and her fellow soldiers; never knew what she would see in the way of physical wounds such as missing limbs, eye, or other body parts; had no way of knowing if the patient would pull through or be a vegetable; but she always knew that her help as a psychologist and sometimes as a medical doctor or nurse would come into such dramatic use.

During her tour of duty she contacted her family as much as possible but the use of any communications gear was in such short demand and it was shared by so many. Dr. Kraft had many a sleepless night, some due to noise from exploding shells or mortars, but many due to the hot conditions she had to endure in Iraq with temperatures regularly getting to 132º, making sleep extremely difficult. Sometimes she and some of her fellow staff would be called to a different location where problems existed. They had to talk soldiers down to earth when they wanted to commit suicide for a reason they felt they couldn't live with. Their own fellow medical professionals helped each other when things got too tough.

When a soldier is lost on the battlefield or in the hospital setting, it is so physically and mentally difficult for the entire staff to stay concentrated on their objectivity. Dr. Kraft draws you into the scene wherever it may be and you will find yourself shaking your head as you wonder how the staff could survive through such terrible actions. Yes, you will probably shed a few tears reading through some of the very sentimental times both from the battlefield and from personal lives as they endured the unknown.

When you finish Rule Number Two you will have been through an experience you will never forget and you will have even more respect for our men and women in our armed forces and what they endure. Thank you Dr. Heidi Squier Kraft for your excellent story and the way you told it to all of us.

Reader review by Cy Hilterman.
Reviewer of many types of books.

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Book Review - "Optimizing the Infinite Mind" by Prof Erantha De Mel

Prof. Erantha De Mel in his latest book "Optimizing the Infinite Mind" offers a cogent expose of the human mind processes. It explains how to reprogram the thought patterns and thinking styles to obtain the desired results in life; and also it offers a technology for creating change. The book explains very lucidly how patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behavior are created and how we develop habits and mental programs over a period of time. Habits are not formed overnight. When we do the same thing over and over again - over a period of time, we form a habit. Our thoughts are also habits. All of us have the capacity to consider ways to re-program our minds and create new neurological pathways to achieve success.

Prof. Erantha De Mel is the founder of the Neural Optimization Technique. He is an internationally acclaimed Cognitive Neuroscientist and was the recipient of the Cambridge Blue Book Man of the Year award 2005 for his contribution to the field of Neuroscience and Cybernetics. As a practicing psychologist and researcher, in both psychology and parapsychology; he is engaged in extensive research in both fields and is a scholar with original research into Altered States of Consciousness and Psycho-Cybernetics. The Neural Optimization Technique (NeuralOpTech) provides multiple applications for business modeling, counseling, psychology, management development, sports performance, and many more. This technique also provides a way out of old habits, fears, limiting beliefs, and gives a structure for new and empowering ways of being in the world. Some people simply breathe the air; others savor the fragrance and tang in each and every breath they take. Some people look out at a landscape and see cliffs, valleys, fields and streams; others see minute details of life, climate, and splendor. "There are no facts in life. We have only perceptions" - Prof. De Mel says in his book. What we perceive is a fact for us.

Very effectively he addresses issues such as self-sabotage (sabotaging one's own success), refining self-perception (what you believe about yourself), and receiving what you expect from your life (manifestation of intent). The techniques described in this book help one to disentangle and re-define life-situations; and to clarify feelings and thoughts to his or her own advantage. It provides new resources to move forward proactively and positively. He shows how to practice positive emotional states on a daily basis, and how to manifest one's expectations in life. "If one practices feeling 'happy' everyday in his life, it is easier to feel happy" he says; because that person is practicing it, affirming it, and creating it. That's why it is so important to choose happiness as the predominant state of mind. On the contrary, if one is feeling depressed and low, and if that person keeps practicing going back to that depression - invariably, it will create depression in him.

The book describes how to examine the validity of your thought processes that is important in altering your thoughts. "In finding the validity of your thoughts, you need to defend and produce evidence that the bases for your thoughts are true. If you are unable to meet this challenge, the faulty nature of your thoughts is exposed. Your thoughts are also habits. When you think in the same way over-and-over again - over a period of time, such thought processes become habits. In other words, they become "automatic" thought processes. When engaged in irrational thinking, instead of reacting to the reality of a situation, an individual tends to react to his or her own distorted viewpoint of the situation. For instance, a person may conclude that he is "worthless" simply because he failed an exam or a job interview. It is important to identify such distorted thinking patterns, or cognitive distortions, and change or restructure them in a realistic manner."

This book is written with minimum technical terminology, having the average reader in mind. The information that is provided is excellent and invaluable in personality development and attitudinal change. It is a "must read" book!

BOOK FACTS:
Title: Optimizing the Infinite Mind
Author: Erantha De Mel
Publisher: Meli Inc. USA
Paperback: 552 pages
ISBN-10: 0982046200
ISBN-13: 978-0982046203
Reader Rating: +++++

Reviewed by Dr. Jeanne Oswald

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A Complete Review of Social Intelligence by Daniel Goleman

This is a book review of Daniel Goleman's Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships.

Goleman in his groundbreaking book reveals that neural linkages between humans influence the brain and the body. These invisible bridges give us the ability to change people's moods, emotions, and health - as these people can do to us. Relationships not only shape emotional states and general psychological experience, but also the very physiological matter that makes our body. Our interactions with people influences our immune system, circulation, hormones, and breathing for example.

Neuroscience is quickly discovering that humans are wired to connect. Our ability to connect with fellow humans influences us in deep and immediate ways. Unlike emotional intelligence, social intelligence focuses on this intimate connection between two human minds. Goleman's Emotional Intelligence focuses on skills and capabilities within the individual. It deals with self-motivation, self-awareness, handling anxiety, and reading social cues.

Social Intelligence expands from the one-person psychology within an individual to a two-person psychology that looks at the connection shared between individuals. More specifically, Goleman defines social intelligence as:
1) Social awareness, which comprises of primal empathy, attunement, empathic accuracy, and social cognition, and
2) Social facility, which includes synchrony, self-presentation, influence, and concern.

Goleman says many theories of social intelligence are narrowly defined to a cognitive context. Social intelligence tests ask participants what they would do in specific situations - a process that uses the brain's "high road" functions within our awareness. Goleman's model of social intelligence seeks to include the brain's low-road, the neural circuitry hidden from consciousness that functions at incredible speeds, because awareness of what people are thinking or feeling does not equate to healthy conversations. As the book's titles states: Social intelligence is beyond the intelligence quotient (I.Q.) and emotional intelligence.

Drawing on hundreds of studies, Social Intelligence looks into altruism, primal empathy, attachment, rapport, and compassion to name a few topics that are emerging from this new field of study. From the amygdala and prefrontal cortex to spindle cells and mirror neurons, like Emotional Intelligence, Goleman once again digs deep into neuroscience and vast numbers of studies. Again, he provides plenty of interesting anecdotes to demonstrate his principles in action, which to me gives the book more power for its application.

Chapter one reveals the emotional economy, a term that describes the give-take process of emotions. It discusses how a smile makes you happy, a worried looking face makes you unsure, and the biological process of how emotions transmit through people like a virus.

Joshua Uebergang, aka "Tower of Power", is a young communication skills coach, author, and owner of Tower of Power. He has written a more comprehensive review of Goleman's Social Intelligence, and written plenty of groundbreaking articles on emotional and social intelligence, which you can freely download right now at his site TowerOfPower.com.au

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A Beautiful Mind - Nobel Prize Winning Doctor John Nash

"Nothing's ever for sure, John. That's the only sure thing I do know," says the schitzotypical auditory plus visual delusion and hallucination known to John Nash as Charles. This is very true even coming from one of these three imaginary people that John Nash believes to be a part of his daily life. Although non-existent these characters including not only Charles, but his adolescent niece Marcie, and his military contact William Parcher or just Parcher, play a pivotal role in the life of professor and doctor, John Nash.

True, much of what the public knows of the mental disorders, and specifically Schizophrenia is based on what they observe from films and television. This Oscar/Academy four time wining film, A Beautiful Mind, is a very compelling story about a genius mathematician/ cryptologist, who's life in Cold War era America, aroused his super paranoid and delusional thought process to overwhelm his mind.

ONSET:

John Nash exhibited mild symptoms or schitzotypal behavior probably through his childhood. This is evident because of his avoidant personality shown by his impeded interpersonal communication and relationships, and by his moderate "word salad" that he has. His hallucinations and delusions manifested initially by his graduate school Princeton roommate Charles.

His peers played a crucial role in his life and in his recovery. Once stabilized to a level of acceptance and coping with his symptoms he is given visitations and job opportunities to help him in reintegration. Through the entire relations ship from student to wife, Alicia Nash was interceptive and supportive of his treatment and life after treatment, including a dangerous relapse of behaviors.

Also, his peers did not initially know how to respond to the disorder because of John Nash's involvement with the US government. It may have opaque at times but eventually they could make light of the situation once Nash was coping and stable.

THE PLOT THICKENS?:

John Nash almost killed his baby son by drowning him in the tub during his major relapse. He had been pocketing the medication and eventually he regained his code breaking and psychotic behaviors. He was in the back shed while drawing the bath and got caught up in what was allegedly provided by Parcher and the US governments' highest echelons.

+ Symptoms= Racing thoughts, Hallucinations, Delusions

- Symptoms= Cognitive impairment, grossly distorted reality

(Axis I and Axis II)

RETURN TREATMENT:

Nash was able to eventually be stabilized on his psychotropic medications and with time and strong encouragements able to cope. This was abruptly made evident by his realization that the manifestation of Marcie never aged and paired his wife's' strong endearment and optimism towards him.

Self Reliance was key to his rehabilitation and integration back into society. Aside from a strong support network he found that working in his field of abstract mathematics was his tool for learning interpersonal relationships and separating reality from his reality.

The Nobel Prize was a major pat on the back for John Nash. Although he did not know the extent of his economic theories had spilled over into, Nash was still acknowledged for his intelligence. It is his life time achievement and it is he can observe that his life was great, not grandiose.

PAST & PRESENT THEORIES:

Although many scientific advancement have been made in psychology and imaging techniques treatment has not evolved juristically. Although doctors can now see the brain functioning and areas of brain used in a schizophrenic person the treatment is somewhat similar to that of the 1950's. ECT, medication, hospitalization, and reintegration are the keystones of treatment for the stabilizing of this mental disorder. Then a medical round of SSRI's and atypical anti-psychotics are used to maintain an even keel. Hospitalization is a safe way to intervene on an individual although laws have changed regarding commitment of those deemed unsafe for society. ECT has been modernized and more finite now and can be used to treat a plethora of moderate to severe mental disorders. Also, SSRI's are more affective and paired with support many will stay stable.

Once John Nash was known to be schizophrenic his friends help with the families clarification of his advanced symptoms. Then they slowly allow him back into his life with some initial hesitance that eventually will turn into a subject of laughter between old friends. Although some were intolerant and mocking of his disorder and effort he was able to maintain a level of functioning on the normal plane of societal existence and even win the highest scientific achievement award.

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Watch Out For the Hypnotic Scam Artist

People love to be entertained by fantastic hypnotists who have their subjects dancing like the "Chippendales" or singing like Madonna. We watch as people bark like dogs and crawl like babies. The funny things people will do on stage under hypnosis never seem to leave the audience disappointed. The shows are fun.

Well, that was until I went to a seminar where it just wasn't funny anymore.

After the attendees at this particular "wealth" seminar had been put under hypnosis several times in previous seminars by this hypnotist, I witnessed as he got in front of the audience and auctioned off a one-hundred dollar bill ($100.00) and made $50,000.00!

Yes, my zeros are correct . . . Fifty thousand dollars for a one-hundred dollar bill.

Who would do something so ridiculous? Who would pay $50,000.00 for a one-hundred dollar bill?

Could it be, just maybe . . . someone who was "hypnotized" and fed the right hypnotic phrases?

Hmm!

"We're going to play a game now, and this is how the game goes." The hypnotist started out.

"I'm going to offer this one-hundred dollar bill to the highest bidder. But the catch is this. The two highest bidders have to pay, but only the highest bidder gets the one-hundred dollar bill."

Say What? Who would go for something so ridiculous? Are you saying that if I am the second highest bidder, I have to pay and get absolutely nothing?

Oh yes! This is how the game goes!

Hmm!

I remember shouting out something like "$10.00!" Then I heard "$500.00!"

The voice in my head shouted: People! Hello! It's a one-hundred dollar bill! What are you doing?

I then just sat back and watched the scene unfold.

The bidding went higher and higher. The Auctioneer/Hypnotist actually had to stop the bidding because it got too far out of hand.

All I can tell you is that this Auctioneer/Hypnotist made $50,000.00 off of his one-hundred dollar bill . . . that's where he stopped the bidding. (Oh! By the way . . . The Auctioneer/Hypnotist was nice enough to give both high bidders a $100.00 after he demanded they pay up!)

Hmm!

I know you are saying, "No, Karen! He made more than $50,000.00 . . . remember the highest two people had to pay!"

I know. I'm pretty good in math. I stated that he made only $50,000.00 because I suspect, that just maybe, one of those highest bidders was a plant. Just maybe . . . I can't be sure though. I just asked myself repeatedly, "Why does the top two (2) highest bidders in the game have to pay?"

Hmm!

To understand how this hypnotist was able to pull off this scam, I suggest you read Robert B. Cialdini's book, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion.

Having the same goal as I have, to dilute the effectiveness of the scam artist's poisonous venom, one of the things that Robert Cialdini brilliantly explains is how people can get suckered in auction environments.

Cialdini tells a true story of how even a top network executive got sucker-punched in an auction for the movie, "The Poseidon Adventure," and after catching his breath, this top executive made the statement that his network would never again enter into an auction situation.

Now, let me test your computing skills.

Add this together for me:

An auction environment that's just right for a scam

plus

An audience full of people who allowed themselves to be hypnotized by the Auctioneer/Hypnotist . . .

What do you get?

Hmm!

All I can say is that the Auctioneer/Hypnotist GOT at least $50,000.00 for his one-hundred dollar bill!

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion is definitely a book that con artists and scammers don't want you to read. This book will definitely give you power over them!

Self-Empowerment is the Key to Never Getting Scammed Again!
YOUR LIFE really can be as beautiful and as bountiful as YOU create it to be! Self Empowerment is the Key!

Karen E. Smith is the author of Energy Diet, a self empowerment eBook. She is also a book reviewer for AnimatedBookReviews.com, a book review web site featuring reviews of empowerment books that motivate, inspire and educate.

Please visit The Energy Diet Book Web site to learn how you can empower your life:

http://www.energydietbook.com/

AND

Please visit The Animated Book Reviews web site for some empowering books: [http://www.animatedbookreviews.com]

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Book Review: Why Mars and Venus Collide by John Gray, PhD

Recently I've read the book, Why Mars and Venus Collide, Improving Relationships by Understanding How Men and Women Cope Differently with Stress by John Gray, Ph.D. I absolutely loved the book! I must say, this is a much needed book for couples because it educates and gives insights and specific tips and strategies on dealing with stress in men and women.

The book explains how our brains are structured and function differently thus affecting our behavior. In a chapter called Hardwired to Be Different the author points out that "Men and women possess two different types of brains, designed equally for intelligent behavior". The main difference is that men have more gray matter than women do and women have more white matter than men do. This fact alone explains why we excel at different tasks and communicate differently. The chapter also points out why men are focused on one task at a time and women are multitasking, as well as why men are risk takers and women are conservative and prioritize security. Because of the fundamental difference in brain structure and function women should not expect men to behave like women and vice versa. We should respect these differences and work with each other keeping these differences in mind.

Another part of the book points out the difference in hormones and how it affects our behavior. Special emphasis is made on stress hormones and their effect on a man's and a woman's well being. Women generally need to focus on keeping their oxytocin levels up and men need to focus on keeping their testosterone levels up. The author gives a list of 100 ways a woman can raise her oxytocin levels and 100 ways a man can help a woman raise her oxytocin levels. I found the 90/10 solution for a woman to keep her feel-good hormone up especially revealing; this is something I always will keep in my mind. There are also tips on how a woman can help her man raise his testosterone levels.

Three chapters of the book the author dedicated to explaining why the fights start, what we can do to prevent them, how to stop a fight and how to make up after a fight. These chapters are loaded with helpful tips and suggestions. From now on I will keep in mind that "mixing feelings and problem solving simply doesn't work". The author suggests that we have two types of conversations -- one to lessen emotional tension, called Venus Talk, and the other to solve the problem.

I had several "Aha" moments while reading the book. This is the book I will be referring to to get answers and reminders on how to deal with stress and improve a relationship with my partner. Now I have a better understanding of our differences and what my partner and I need to effectively cope with stress. I know that applying the tips and strategies described in the book will help couples bring the best out of their partners.

If you like this article you might like other articles on my blog

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Book Review: Neurolinguistic Psychotherapy, By Lisa Wake

Copyright: 2008

Publisher: Routledge, London and New York; this is a book in their Advancing Theory in Therapy series, series editor Keith Tudor.

Neurolinguistic Psychotherapy by Lisa Wake is a well researched, extensively referenced, and scholarly examination of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and the advancing model of neurolinguistic psychotherapy. I enthusiastically recommend this book to clinicians, researchers, NLP practitioners, and anyone interested in advancing the science and theory of NLP. Little has been written in recent years about the application of NLP in psychotherapy. This book goes a long way toward filling that gap in the NLP literature and does so in a clear and compelling way.

Lisa Wake addresses numerous points that are crucial to establishing neuro-linguistic programming as an accepted psychotherapeutic methodology. Few books in recent years have linked NLP to the theoretical roots from which it arose and considered the implications of these connections to utilizing NLP processes in clinical work. This book is unique in examining the utility of NLP in the broader context of what needs to occur for people to realize behavioral and emotional change in psychotherapy. Her perspective illuminates and highlights how neurolinguistic principles can inform the understanding of the complexity of human subjective experience.

Wake critiques those who have made overly grand claims about NLP, as this has worked against establishing NLP as a scientifically validated methodology. Further, Wake raises concerns about the claims that oversimplify the multiple factors that contribute to behavior change. While NLP is a brief and effective model of therapy, she expresses concern about those who use techniques without consideration of contextual issues, such as the clinical nature of the problems addressed and the characteristics of the therapeutic relationship.

The book discusses the emergence of neurolinguistic psychotherapy as a therapeutic modality. Much more has been done in Europe, as compared to the United States, to establish standards for certifying neurolinguistic skills as a part of the psychotherapeutic repertoire. Wake notes, in discussing the development of standards, that they "could be developed to ensure that they are more flexible and had a greater emphasis on generic psychotherapy rather than proceduralised models generated from the methodology of NLP." This is what European organizations have done, including the European Association for Neurolinguistic Psychotherapy (EANLPt) and the Neurolinguistic Psychotherapy and Counseling Association (NLPtCA).

In my estimation one of the primary accomplishments of the book is emphasizing the importance of a broader scope, beyond isolated NLP methods, to appreciate and realize the potential of NLP as a psychotherapeutic treatment modality. NLP was originally formulated in the 1970's by Richard Bandler and John Grinder by analyzing and modeling the work of Virginia Satir, family systems therapist; Fritz Perls, Gestalt therapy; and Milton Erickson, psychotherapist and hypnotherapist. Wake suggests that much of their valuable work has not always been sufficiently incorporated with NLP and is underrepresented in some presentations of NLP and neurolinguistic psychotherapy. She also cites the work of many others that have contributed to the rubric of neurolinguistic psychotherapy and NLP by examining and elaborating additional points gleaned from Erickson, Satir, and others. Additionally Wake discusses neurolinguistic psychotherapy in the context of some of the newer findings in neuroscience regarding the way in which psychotherapy rewires pathways in the brain, contributing to emotional and behavioral change.

Neurolinguistic Psychotherapy provides historical, theoretical, and methodological information to help the reader understand the place of neurolinguistic psychotherapy in the area of psychotherapy in general. Wake discusses the influences that have informed the principles, skill-set, and presuppositions of NLP. Further, Wake reviews some of the fundamental presuppositions of NLP and puts these in the context of neurolinguistic psychotherapy. She addresses how neurolinguistic psychotherapists have taken the fundamental principles of NLP and adapted them to work effectively in therapeutic context. Wake places neurolinguistic psychotherapy in the context of other forms of psychotherapy. She discusses the influences of, and the interrelationships between, various schools of thought as they relate to NLP; including humanistic and existential psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, Gestalt psychotherapy, systemic and family therapy, psychodynamic therapies, and cognitive behavioral therapy. The many areas she considers establish the theoretical basis for NLP practice and brings this up to date with consideration of emerging findings in neuroscience.

Over the course of several chapters Wake discusses neurolinguistic psychotherapy's perspective on personality, language and cognition, and patterns of programming in a highly integrative manner. She discusses numerous areas where neurolinguistic intervention appears particularly effective, for instance through the use of the language patterns offered by NLP. She considers findings in the neuroscience regarding emotional dysfunction and cognition. She frequently cites Shore (2003) who discusses the neurological impact of psychotherapy and information on the developing brain and how these processes can be impacted through psychotherapy and with NLP techniques. She notes that there is evidence that neurological re-patterning occurs through the process of psychotherapy. She notes that "there exists an enormous potential for linking research and theories in neuroscience to the existing theories in psychotherapy" including NLP. She also comments that "neurolinguistic psychotherapy provides a methodology that facilitates new neurological patterning by changing the different aspects of internal process, internal states or external behavior."

Wake also makes a critical distinction between NLP as an "applied psychology" and NLP's use as part of a therapist skill-set in the broader context of psychotherapy. The integration of NLP technology with therapist skills such as theoretical grounding, psychological knowledge, rapport skills, understanding of process, and self-awareness essentially constitute neurolinguistic psychotherapy. She notes that it is important to appreciate that the therapist plays an active role in the development of the brain in the clients treated, particularly where affective states are present. She posits that if neurolinguistic psychotherapists stay within a programmatic model of working (essentially an applied psychology manner of working) they are not honoring elements of therapeutic process that were valued by Erickson, Satir, and Perls; on whose work NLP was built. Wake encourages neurolinguistic therapists to place the programmatic modeled aspects of NLP in context of the broader therapeutic relationship, as doing so is often needed to create lasting cognitive, emotional and behavioral change through psychotherapeutic processes.

Wake discusses the status of research validation of NLP and neurolinguistic psychotherapy. She reports that there are a limited number of studies available at this point demonstrating the efficacy of NLP in the context of psychotherapy. She discusses a few studies that have. Wake notes that compared to other modalities of psychotherapy, neurolinguistic psychotherapy is "incredibly young" having only recently, since the early 1990's, begun to define and develop standards for the use of NLP technology specifically in the context of psychotherapy. Because of its brief history as a modality of psychotherapy, it has difficulty in demonstrating its effectiveness in sufficiently large numbers to be considered as a therapy of choice. She cites efforts that are being made to rectify this situation, including the NLP Research and Recognition Project. Wake makes several recommendations regarding productive directions for research.

In summary, Wake's descriptions lead the reader to a greater appreciation of the richness of the neurolinguistic approach and of what it has to offer as a psychotherapeutic tool. Neurolinguistic Psychotherapy is an extremely important and useful book. It will be an excellent text for graduate level NLP and/or neurolinguistic psychotherapy course work. This book captures the essence of what is needed to move neurolinguistic techniques into the realm of respected science rather than just applied psychology. A position she articulates effectively is that viewing NLP primarily as an applied psychology has lessened its credibility and perceived utility as psychotherapeutic intervention. This is changing as NLP is more systematically being integrated into clinical practice, but further progress is needed. She correctly argues that NLP needs to be placed in the context of a broader view of human functioning and the functioning of the brain in order to achieve its deserved place as a respected therapeutic modality.

Rich Liotta, Ph.D., is a Psychologist, Author, Trainer, Consultant, and Photographer. As an Author and Fine Art Nature Photographer he strives to encourage appreciation and stimulate potentials toward growth and change. As a Trainer and Consultant he is passionate about providing tools to help people enrich and transform their lives. He offers workshops and seminars, including sponsored events, on a variety of topics. He is a Certified Trainer of Neuro-Semantics, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and Ericksonian Hypnosis. He owns Enrichment Associates Consultation & Training (http://enrichmentact.com/) with his spouse Rosemary. His more community oriented blog is http://changepathsblog.com/. He is a believer in human potential, abundance, and beauty in the world!

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Structure of Strange and Obscure Dreams

Dream dictionary and the interpretation in it is a subject of great interest and every dream is considered to have special information to the dreamer. Disposing off dreams as just an illusionary event is simply not possible by most of us. Even those that are sharp critics about dreams as holding hidden messages get intrigued about why they did have a dream of a kind at one time or other in one's life. Dream interpretation is best achieved with a dream dictionary.

Dream dictionary is being explored in professional sleep study circles a lot more than ever. Dreams are considered to be supplements to conscious states, rather they are considered to be psychological doctrines that are deductions or abstracts that might or might not relate to real life happenings.

Dream dictionary and the interpretation of it is becoming more and more important in treating some kind of neuro-pathological conditions. This is because dreams have been repeatedly proven to be related to unusual psychic formations. Many psychological investigations have related to dream interpretation. In some cases they have found some relation to practical importance, in other cases they have not been of practical importance. It is still a challenge to explain the origins of dream images; however, when people are able to exactly explain the aspects in their dream images in detail, dream interpretation can be reasonably arrived at; however, in many cases people forget their dreams and they are not able to recollect beyond a certain limit.

With dream dictionary and interpretation techniques, it is possible to arrive at the complete significance and psychological structure of strange and obscure dreams; however, a scientific understanding of dreams has seen very little progress until date. The kind of interpretations that have worked more than a normal number of times have been documented in a dream dictionary.

Some types of dreams are not valuable to define any kind of information, where as some other types of dreams are true and valuable and have some information to deliver when the right kind of dream interpretation techniques are used.

Dream dictionary and interpretation techniques will help to identify between empty dream images that have no value and real valuable images that have value of some kind that can foretell something about the future happenings or it can foretell some warnings.

Some dreams have a direct meaning, they do not require any kind of interpretation, some dreams foretell the future and some dreams are very confusing and their impact is strong in the dreamer and it needs to be dissected and identified by using the apt dream interpretation technique. A dream dictionary can be a tiny key to interpreting the dream message.

We hope that Dream Moods will help you make sense of your dreams and achieve a better understanding of them. We're dedicated to helping you find the key to unlocking and interpreting the dream meanings that comes to minds. The Dream Interpretation & Dream Theories encompasses various facets of the dream and sleep phenomena: from the traditional and the conventional to the vanguard and the eccentric.

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What is Creativity Anyway and How Come the Human Mind is So Good at It?

Can we define creativity, and if we do, does that mean we are one step further in duplicating it? Is it possible to train a computer to be creative? Why not say artificial intelligence computer scientists, but psychologists, religious scholars and philosophers say not so fast because if you train a computer to be creative, then you are setting rules of knowledge use, therefore it would not be creative, rather following rules.

Still, the skeptics of mankind's absolute domain on creativity say that if an artificial intelligent machine creates, it is creative, no matter how it got there. Some say sure, but it would not be artificial intelligence, it would computer rules; so, then can computers become creative? And if they can that would mean mankind's creativity is not special at all.

Worse, the debate rages on as to whether a creative computer is actually creative or that it would only prove that the human programmers was so creative he created a computer to be creative. Interesting lines of thought on the psychology of the Creative Mind and if this interests you as well, perhaps I might recommend a very good book to you:

"The Creative Mind; Myths and Mechanisms" by Margaret A. Boden; 1990.

The author, Margaret Boden also wrote the book; "Artificial Intelligence and Natural Man" and this later work we find that Margaret challenges all the past period psychologists and philosophers on the issue of creativity. Can we define creativity, Margaret Boden believes so and poses such a definition, and gives the history of the psychology of creativity, and probable futures. If you are a creative expert and do not own this book.

Well, I hate to say it like this, but there is a good chance you are a fraud. You see there are a whole lot of so-called psychology experts which specialize in creativity, and yet they have a really tough time with defining it, reproducing it or explaining how it happens.

"Lance Winslow" - Lance Winslow's Bio. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/.

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Psychology For Teaching - A Review

The focus of this review is on part five of Lefrancois text, Psychology for Teaching, which contains ninety eight pages. This section is on instructional leadership which is subdivided into four chapters. Motivation, teaching, discipline, classroom management and individualized instruction are topics covered in chapters eleven to fifteen. Generally, classroom practice requires a great deal more than what had been gleaned from educational psychology and reported in the first ten chapters. It demands, among other things, interpersonal and management skills of the highest order, patience, imagination, enthusiasm and worth.

In chapter eleven, the writer examines theories of motivation which attempt to answer questions about the initiation, direction and reinforcement of behavior. A theory is advanced of Maslow's hierarchy of needs with physiological needs at the lowest and the need for self actualization at the highest. The primary sources of arousal (a concept with physiological and psychological components) are the distance receptions (vision and hearing) whereas the secondary sources include all other sensations. The relationship between arousal and motivation is discussed. The teacher can be seen as the source of stimulation that maintains student arousal at low or high levels. Weiner's attribution theory of motivation which is presented is based on the assumption that individuals attribute their successes and failures to internal (ability or effort) or external (difficult or luck) factors. Achievement motivation and the need to avoid failure appear to be closely related to attribution theory. Students whose need for achievement is high are typically more internally oriented and consequently more likely to accept personal responsibility for the outcomes of their efforts. Attribution-changing programs attempt to move students in the direction of making more effort attributions. Feelings of competence or better still positive concepts appear to be related to internal sources of attribution and consequent feelings of powerfulness.

In chapter twelve, the writer distinguishes between management and discipline and shows the relationship between them. The former is presented as an umbrella term which embraces establishing routines, learning students' names, setting and applying rules consistently, arranging frequent occasions for the original use of praise, using humor and paying attention to classroom environment and climate. Corrective discipline is involved when preventive discipline has not been successful in curbing the appearance of a disciplinary problem. Methods used include reasoning, reinforcement, use of models, extinction and punishment. In addition to maintaining classroom order, teachers should also attend to the development of social and affective skills in children. Generally, the chapter outlines a number of strategies and principles that might be effective in preventing and/or correcting disruptive behavior in the classroom, looking at the application of behavior motivation. The single most important point it makes is that prevention is far more important than correction.

The penultimate chapter details the application of science (to the extent that psychology is a science) and of technical advances in the business of educating. Accordingly , this chapter describes programmed instruction, the use of computers in education and specific teaching techniques founded on distinct theoretical principles. Although the writer presents a number of different methods for dealing with individual differences, these are not always highly effective for practical reasons. Programmed instruction individualizes instruction largely by allowing students to progress at their own rates and sometimes also by providing additional help for learners who experience difficulty. Although the writer presents the linear and branching programs, he observes that research has not shown that either is superior. However, they teach effectively as adjuncts to other methods of instruction. Optimistic and pessimistic views about the computer are presented even though it would appear as if computer literacy may soon be one of the goals of the educational process. Among the computer's advantages are its almost unlimited memory capacity, problem-solving capabilities and its versatility of presentation modes. Among its disadvantages are the difficulties associated with preparing and obtaining software. Evaluations of major system approaches to individualizing instruction indicate that typically those have moderately positive effects in elementary and secondary schools but more highly positive effects at the college level. Conclusions about attribute-treatment interactions are typically very modest. In the final analysis, the two variables that appear to be most highly related to school success are ability and previous achievement.

The ultimate portion, chapter fourteen, describes the various methods by which performance can be measured and evaluated, the reasons why assessment is important, and some of the abuses and misuse of assessment procedures. Measurement is seen as the use of an instrument to gauge the quantity of a property or behavior. Evaluation on the other hand is the making of a decision about quality, goodness or appropriateness that is based on the results of careful and thoughtful measurement. A teaching model can be represented in terms of goals, instructional strategies and assessment. Educational goals are important in determining both strategies and assessment. Measurement can be divided into nominal (categorical), ordinal (using ranks), internal (employing equidistant scales but with an arbitrary zero point) or ratio (based on a true zero). The writer believes that educational measurement pretends to be on an interval scale (usually); it is indirect rather than direct. He presents four indexes of test validity, face, content, construct or criterion-related. Common uses of standardized tests are for special education placement. To certify student achievement, judge the competency of teachers and evaluate schools and standardized achievement tests typically provide one or more of the following: age-equivalent scores, grade-equivalent scores or percentiles. Sometimes they also provide tables for transforming scores to one of several normally distributed standard scores. These scores are meaningful because one knows what their mean and standard deviations are, for example Z-scores (mean=0, standard deviation=1), T-scores (mean=50, standard deviation=2). The writer differentiates between the essay and objective tests. When constructing essay examinations, efforts should be directed toward sampling processes that are not easily measured with objective tests as well as toward measuring relevant course goals. In conclusion, the writer forcefully argues that the teacher should try to behave as sensibly as a bear who persistently faces the front of its footprints.

A major criticism is that the writer did not state the category of people the book focuses attention on. Most of the issues raised and examples given are more relevant to psychology and teaching at the primary and secondary levels. One expects this clarification to be made in a text which has been edited several times. Furthermore, commenting on the computer as a device that counters the negative effects of television is a bit far fetched. The writer fails to take into consideration such damaging effects like immoral and blasphemous websites. Most of the issues in the book could be found in other books on psychology and teaching. The above notwithstanding, the section under review is highly practically-oriented.

AUTHOR SIGNATURE
Oliver L.T. Harding, who obtained his GCE O & A Levels from the Sierra Leone Grammar School and the Albert Academy respectively, is currently Senior & Acting Librarian of Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. He is a part time lecturer at the Institute of Library, Information & Communication Studies (INSLICS), Fourah Bay College and the Extension Program at the Evangelical College of Theology (T.E.C.T) at Hall Street, Brookfields; Vice President of the Sierra Leone Association of Archivists, Librarians & Information Scientists (SLAALIS); a member of the American Theological Library Association (ATLA) and an associate of the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals (CILIP). His certificates, secular and sacred, include: a certificate and diploma from the Freetown Bible Training Center; an upper second class B.A. Hons. Degree in Modern History (F.B.C.); a post-graduate diploma from the Institute of Library Studies (INSLIBS, F.B.C) a masters degree from the Institute of Library, Information & Communication Studies (INSLICS, F.B.C.) and a masters degree in Biblical Studies from West Africa Theological Seminary, affiliate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he won the prize for academic excellence as the Best Graduating Student in 2005. Oliver, a writer, musician and theologian, is married (to Francess) with two children (Olivia & Francis).
Email: oltharding@yahoo.com
Mobile: 232-2233-460-330

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Man's Search For Meaning

Viktor Frankl, famed psychotherapist and a holocaust survivor, said: The spiritual dimension cannot be ignored, for it is what makes us human. Spirituality is at the core of who we are; it defines for us what is meaningful in life.

Among all living things, only we humans can envision our futures and play out mental scenarios of how we will make our visions a reality.

Viktor Frankl, survivor of the Holocaust, emphasized that the meaning of life is not what happens to us. It is what we do with that which happens to us.

Viktor Frankl while interned in sub-human conditions in a Nazi concentration camp found meaning through meditating. He would overcome these horrendous and barbaric conditions by holding a mental image of him speaking to a group of International Psychiatrists at a special dinner event.

His wife had been transferred to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where she died. On April 27, 1945, Frankl was liberated. Among his immediate relatives, the only survivor was his sister, who had escaped by emigrating to Australia. It was due to his and others' suffering in these camps that he came to his hallmark conclusion that even in the most absurd, painful and dehumanized situation, life has potential meaning and that therefore even suffering is meaningful. Meaning cannot be invented but must be discovered.

Viktor Frankl wrote "Man's Search for Meaning" after surviving the worst conditions a human can experience during his imprisonment at Auschwitz.

Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning -- the classic best seller now considered to be one of the most important contributions to psychiatry since the writing of Freud. Frankl gives a moving account of his life amid the horrors of the Nazi death camps, chronicling the harrowing experience that led to his discovery of his theory of logotherapy.

Viktor Frankl, to be sure, leaves a profound legacy. He wrote many books on existentialism and Logotherapy. Throughout his life and his work, he reminds us that we all have important work to do, that whatever we do is important, and that there is meaning everywhere, all the time.

Human freedom, therefore, is the freedom of responsibility. Freedom without responsibility is something arbitrary, senseless and either leaves us directionless, or can lead to irresponsible, that is, lawless, immoral and violent, self-destructive ways of living. Human kindness can be found in all groups, even those which as a whole it would be easy to condemn. Because boundaries between groups overlap we must not try to simplify matters by saying that these men are angels and those others are devils.

As far as happiness is concerned Frankl, said: Happiness must happen, and the same holds for success: you have to let it happen by not caring about it.

If you want to get better acquainted to Victor Frankl " Man's Search for Meaning" is a good place to start.

By Raymond Le Blanc. Author of several non-fiction books http://www.amazon.com/Raymond-Le-Blanc/e/B002BT9FS6/

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Book Review - The Rainbow Machine by Andrew T Austin

Copyright: 2007 Real People Press

The Rainbow Machine is a book definitely different from most books on NLP or hypnosis. As Steve Andreas notes in his introduction to Andy Austin's book, it notes that the book indicates the spirit of neurolinguistic programming and he uses all these with "utmost skill, creativity, and outrageous playfulness." Steve Andreas touts Austin's creativity in writing the book. Clearly, the book is not just one of basic techniques or one that spells anything out. Instead it is a book written in many ways in the spirit of the Haley classic, Uncommon Therapy.

It has multiple short chapters. Essentially it has 56 chapters, if one includes the appendix on sub-modalities, all in a short 220 pages. The stories are brief, many of them anecdotal, illustrating the use of various neurolinguistic, as well as provocative therapy, types of techniques. Also spattered within the text are several chapters which provide some useful outlines of different things, such as on learning in general, the hemispheres of the brain, suggestions, binds, reframing, the yes set, deletion, and in the appendix a discussion of sub-modalities. This is in the midst of what are mostly different case examples dealing with different problems utilizing NLP, language, and other creative methods to facilitate change. It also has a very interesting chapter called The Right Man Syndrome (Narcissism), which discusses some of the patterns of thought and belief in individuals who are narcissistic.

Austin is quite tongue-in-cheek at times, but also shows a great deal of insight into the human psyche and how to facilitate change. This is an entertaining and thought provoking book. It is a great book to read when one needs a break from some of the dryer more technical books on neurolinguistic programming. It is a wonderful book to pick up and just read a chapter or two. The book makes no grand claims. At times he seems content to observe and describe human variation. Other times he gives compelling instances of creative intervention and efficient change.

In sum, this book is unique and well worth reading. This book inspires excitement about the process of being a change agent utilizing NLP to help others in their lives.

Rich Liotta, Ph.D., is a Psychologist, Author, Trainer, Consultant, and Photographer. As an Author and Fine Art Nature Photographer he strives to encourage appreciation and stimulate potentials toward growth and change. As a Trainer and Consultant he is passionate about providing tools to help people enrich and transform their lives. He offers workshops and seminars, including sponsored events, on a variety of topics. He is a Certified Trainer of Neuro-Semantics, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and Ericksonian Hypnosis. He owns Enrichment Associates Consultation & Training (http://enrichmentact.com/) with his spouse Rosemary. His more community oriented blog is http://changepathsblog.com/. He is a believer in human potential, abundance, and beauty in the world!

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Book Review - 'The Five Love Languages' By Dr Gary Chapman

When I first looked at the book cover I thought 'Oh wow, this looks a bit too sweet for me' but I still bought it as it came recommended by one of my clients as a good and interesting read. This is now many years ago and I have since used ideas from this book with every couple that comes to work with me.

Summary

After many years of counselling, Dr. Chapman realized that individuals had different ways in which they showed love to another person and, for whatever reason, they are usually drawn to someone showing it in a different way. He came up with five basic categories: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service and Physical Touch.

More in details

This book explains the different love languages (categories) in detail, how to discover your primary love language and talks about what happens through the different stages of a relationship.

Dr. Gary Chapman injects his explanations with many stories of people who attended his seminars and who, using the theory of 'The Five Love Languages', have changed the level of satisfaction in their relationship or marriage significantly.

I specifically liked his theory of the love tank and the idea that we pay with the currency of our primary love language whereby the account of the receiver might prefer another currency. He suggests also that couples play a game where one partner asks the other: 'What could I do today that would make your love tank rise?' By taking responsibility for your own needs and likes and stating what that would be you allow your partner to collect more and more ideas about how to make the most effective payments into your emotional love tank.

If you now are curious about which one your primary love language is: There is a test at the end of the book, both for him and for her.

About the author

Dr. Gary Chapman is a pastor, speaker and author. He teaches his 'Five Love Languages' and speaks about marriage, family and relationship, throughout the States and also internationally. He has written over thirty books and created five video programs.

'The Five Love Languages' was published in 1992 and since then has been translated into more than forty different languages. This book has sold over five million copies making it a perennial New York Times bestseller.

Recommendation

More than the number of books sold is the effect this has had on so many couples I've been working with. This book is simple to read for both husband and wife and has practical tips on how to make your relationship more satisfying and happy. This is basic knowledge for any couple, married or not.

Want to know more? Have a look at my blog.

Nathalie Himmelrich is the founder of 'Reach for the Sky Therapy' on Sydney's Northern Beaches and specialises in 'relationship related issues'. She is working with individuals and couples using techniques ranging from Counselling, Neuro Linguistic Programming to Journey Therapy. She supports clients in their personal growth in a supportive and professional environment.

Visit my website: http://www.reachforthesky.com.au/ or visit my blog: http://reachforthesky.wordpress.com/ and sign up for our newsletter today.

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Being Genuine - A Book Review

Being Genuine is simply stated, one of the best books I have read all year. It very clearly and effectively conveys a process for communicating with others in a genuine and non-judgmental way. Thomas D'Ansembourg is a student of Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication Process but rather than simply restating Rosenberg's principles, he enhances and adds a new dimension to non-violent communication based on his experience as a psychotherapist and youth counselor. Anyone who learns and practices his four simple steps will quickly discover that their everyday communication becomes clearer, less judgmental and less conflictual because they are taking responsibility for their feelings and actions and creating a space to connect. I have never come across an easier way to show people how they can get their needs met without fear of conflict.

Originally published in France in 2001, the English translation has only recently been published in North America. As D'Ansembourg cares deeply about the language he uses, the book is beautifully and elegantly written, a joy to read with a terrific translation. He wears several hats at appropriate times in the book. As a psychotherapist he delves into the psychology of why and how we become disassociated from ourselves. Being nice is a function of neglecting our needs, of not listening to ourselves so we can fulfill the needs of others. As a philosopher, D'Ansembourg examine larger theoretical issues of the individual in society and the meaning and value we place on language. As a coach, he is gentle and thoughtful but persistent as he guides us through our confusion and anxiety with practical, easy to follow steps and appropriate actions.

As one who reads a lot of self help books (and contributed to the genre) I am happy to say that this book is a cut above the rest. The principles he outlines are so basic and so crucial to good communication, every child should be taught them at an early age. He makes the point that if a fraction of military budgets were devoted to teaching communication skills, there would be fewer conflicts and less crimes of aggression. So go our priorities. The basic problem is more of us are taught to 'be nice' rather than to be genuine. The result is that we grow up servicing the needs of others and even when we know something is wrong, we lack the language and the skills to be our authentic selves. As a coach I see this "servicing" behavior all too often. Having a resource like Being Genuine makes my task of transforming clients easier.

I can best describe Being Genuine as a highly readable manual of authentic communication, full of examples, theory and genuine warmth. D'Ansembourg describes the four steps:
Observation: We are reacting to something we observe, we hear, or we're saying to ourselves
Feeling: The above observation generates within us one or more feelings.
Need: The feelings guide us to our needs.
Request: Aware now of our needs, we can make a request or implement concrete action.
That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. The trick for the learner of being genuine is to break free of old beliefs and patterns but this can be done with a bit of awareness and some practice. D'Ansembourg believes that what passes today for communication is aggressive and violent. For instance when judgments and blame come up, it's like slamming a door in the conversation. The receiver of this treatment usually responds defensively and often returns the blame and aggression. His method of communication is like opening a door and inviting your partner through it to come in and have a chat by the fire. But rather than waiting on them hand and foot, it's about articulating your needs and feelings to help ensure that you get seen by the other. If their needs are not the same as yours then a compromise can be negotiated, but this is only possible when each side is aware of each other's needs.

Although his respectful techniques may be a bit too touchy-feely for the office bully, the spirit of his teaching can easily be adapted and integrated into a clearer awareness of how humans communicate or more likely, fail to communicate. I have integrated D'Ansembourg's simple and effective techniques into my coaching with great success, especially for clients who have spent too much of their lives being nice at their own expense. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn how to communicate authentically or to any professional who is in the business of working with clients who can use a boost in the communication area, which in my experience is just about everyone.

Bradley Foster - Mid Life Coach

I have written extensively on coaching and midlife. As a coach I help my clients get clarity about where they are right now and how they got where they are. I help them define and get in step with their beliefs, values, strengths and goals and work according to their agenda. I come to coaching and leadership from a background as a consultant, an artist and as a trained therapist. I work with my clients to close the gap between who or what they say they are, or want to be, and who or what they actually are now, as expressed by their actions. Then we develop goals and come up with a life plan and a road map.

Website: http://giantstepscoaching.com/

Blog: http://bradleyfoster.wordpress.com/

I have just published a book on self coaching called: Deep Coaching: A Guide to Self Directed Living which is available through my website. Visit my website to download the first 3 chapters of the book for free.

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Evocative Or Manipulative? - The Trance of Modern Hypnotherapy

A Guide to Trance Land
By Bill O'Hanlon
W.W. Norton, 106 pages, $18.50

This slim volume is a clear-cut guide to the hypnotically permissive manner of encouraging clients to uncover their own solutions.

O'Hanlon distinguishes this solution-oriented hypnotherapy from what he calls the traditional approach with its emphasis on treating the "causes" of problems and the outside-in focus of the hypnotherapist telling the client what to do to overcome her pathology.

"Ericksonian or solution-oriented hypnosis holds no such assumption of pathology, problem, damage, or deficit. Instead, we are oriented to people's abilities and resources. Therefore, we use the hypnotic process to discover and connect to [to the person's inner] resources."

This "permissive" approach is in direct contrast to the old way of conducting a session of hypnotherapy. Instead of speaking of "shoulds" and "musts" the hypnotist speaks of "perhaps" and "maybes". The idea is both to meet the client where he or she is and to allow solutions to their problems to arise from within them.

Despite the author's demarcation of his approach as being radically different to traditional hypnotherapy in practice surely most of us incorporate something of both methods?

Just the other day, for instance, when a Christian client spoke of herself as being immature, I said perhaps that's true but she is moving forward and as St Paul said. "When I was a child..." and continued with the Biblical quote that was meaningful and relevant to her. Meeting the client where she is now.

O'Hanlon rightly warns (in regard to using the client's vocabulary) "it is important to be careful here and not come across as mocking or disrespectful..."

I certainly don't want to be "mocking or disrespectful" about this Guide but here are four items that raised my eyebrows:

1. I find the cover, with its big dog looking down at a cat, puzzling for a book about human hypnosis.

2. On almost every page there is a rubber-stamp type black and white image of an animal or bird. Contrary to the author's assertion that such designs make the book easier to read and memorable I find these images distracting. At first glance, the book appears to be a book about pets or for children. It is neither.

3. Some of the suggested "therapeutic" behaviors are downright comical. For example, what would you think about a hypnotherapist who bounces around, speaking into your left ear while emphasizing "you can make those changes you really want to make."

4. What have become known as NLP [Neuro-Linguistic Programming] techniques are, in my opinion, manipulative and dishonest. This one, from page 31, is both. And funny:

"The hypnotist sometimes mirrors the person's posture or movements as a way of joining and connecting. For example, when a person crosses and uncrosses his legs, the hypnotist also crosses and uncrosses her legs. Another way to match body behavior is to vary some part of your behavior when the person changes his body behavior. That is, every time he blinks, you nod."

Despite such hilarious portions of the book, the main thrust provides invaluable instruction for hypnotherapists - particularly those hitherto inclined to bark orders at their clients.

To this end, Bill O'Hanlon provides many specific examples of what to say and how to say it. Much of this is derived from the genius of the late Milton Erickson whose (at that time) unorthodox methods of hypnotherapy have become dogma for some devotees.

Unfortunately, you can't package genius. How Erickson dealt with people arose from his unique talents. We can be inspired by him, we can imitate his respectful approach but we stifle the very essence of his permissive attitude when we seek to encapsulate his methods into rigid rules.

Nevertheless, the synthesis of the Ericksonian approach that O'Hanlon details at the end of the book is masterful.

Hypnotherapists new to the field and those previously stuck in the "traditional" mode will find these instructions enlightening. Especially the chapter, "Bad Trance/ Good Trance" with its table of "Symptomatic Trance vs. Healing Trance."

Enjoy scores of reviews of hypnosis in fiction and non-fiction plus reviews of books by and about therapists at Dr Bryan Knight's informative website Hypnosis Depot.

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