Ducks Quack, Eagles Fly No one can make you serve customers well. That's because great service is a choice. Here is a wonderful story told by my friend about a cab driver that proved this point. He was waiting in line for a ride at the airport, when a cab pulled up, the first thing Harvey noticed was that the taxi was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed in a white shirt, black tie, and freshly pressed black slacks, the cab driver jumped out and rounded the car to open the back passenger door for Harvey. He handed my friend a laminated card and said: "I'm Wally, your driver. While I'm loading your bags in the trunk I'd like you to read my mission statement." Taken aback, Harvey read the card. It said: Wally's Mission Statement: To get my customers to their destination in the quickest, safest and cheapest way possible in a friendly environment. This blew Harvey away. Especially when he noticed that the inside of the cab matched the outside. Spotlessly clean! As he slid behind the wheel, Wally said, "Would you like a cup of coffee? I have a thermos of regular and one of decaf." My friend said jokingly, "No, I'd prefer a soft drink." Wally smiled and said, "No problem. I have a cooler up front with regular and Diet Coke, water and orange juice." Almost stuttering, Harvey said, "I'll take a Diet Coke." Handing him his drink, Wally said, "If you'd like something to read, I have The Wall Street Journal, Time, Sports Illustrated and USA Today." As they were pulling away, Wally handed my friend another laminated card. "These are the stations I get and the music they play, if you'd like to listen to the radio." And as if that weren't enough, Wally told Harvey that he had the air conditioning on and asked if the temperature was comfortable for him. Then he advised Harvey of the best route to his destination for that time of day. He also let him know that he'd be happy to chat and tell him about some of the sights or, if Harvey preferred, to leave him with his own thoughts. "Tell me, Wally," my amazed friend asked the driver, "have you always served customers like this?" Wally smiled into the rear view mirror. "No, not always. In fact, it's only been in the last two years. My first five years driving, I spent most of my time complaining like all the rest of the cabbies do. Then I heard the personal growth guru, Wayne Dyer, on the radio one day. He had just written a book called You'll See It When You Believe It. Dyer said that "if you get up in the morning expecting to have a bad day, you'll rarely disappoint yourself. He said, 'Stop complaining! Differentiate yourself from your competition. Don't be a duck. Be an eagle. Ducks quack and complain. Eagles soar above the crowd." "That hit me right between the eyes," said Wally. "Dyer was really talking about me. I was always quacking and complaining, so I decided to change my attitude and become an eagle. I looked around at the other cabs and their drivers. The cabs were dirty, the drivers were unfriendly, and the customers were unhappy. So I decided to make some changes. I put in a few at a time. When my customers responded well, I did more." "I take it that has paid off for you," Harvey said. "It sure has," Wally replied. "My first year as an eagle, I doubled my income from the previous year. This year I'll probably quadruple it. You were lucky to get me today. I don't sit at cabstands anymore. My customers call me for appointments on my cell phone or leave a message on my answering machine. If I can't pick them up myself, I get a reliable cabbie friend to do it and I take a piece of the action." Wally was phenomenal. He was running a limo service out of a Yellow Cab. I've probably told that story to more than fifty cab drivers over the years, and only two took the idea and ran with it. Whenever I go to their cities, I give them a call. The rest of the drivers quacked like ducks and told me all the reasons they couldn't do any of what I was suggesting. Wally the Cab Driver made a different choice. He decided to stop quacking like ducks and start soaring like eagles. Rajendra.Deshpande.. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

According to Gallagher and Ventura, the most important words of personal responsibility are as follows: The 10 most important words: I won't wait for others to take the first step. The 9 most important words: If it is to be, it's up to me. The 8 most important words: If not me, who? If not now, when? The 7 most important words: Let me take a shot at it. The 6 most important words: I will not pass the buck. The 5 most important words: You can count on me. The 4 most important words: It IS my job! The 3 most important words: Just do it! The 2 most important words: I will. The most important word: Me Frank Tyger said it best... "Your Future Depends On Many Things, But Mostly Yourself."

An ever-present help The American Psychological Association does an annual survey of attitudes and perceptions of stress among the general public. Last year's survey revealed that 77 percent of Americans experienced stress-related physical symptoms and 73 percent reported psychological symptoms. Issues related to work and money topped the list of major stressors. Things have not improved since this last survey; in fact, the economy has significantly worsened, with daily headlines proclaiming housing foreclosures, increases in gas prices and failing banks. According to an Associated Press poll released in June, debt stress is 14 percent higher this year than in 2004. How, then, are we to cope with this enormous pressure? Some stress is manageable, even helpful in channeling our energy and resources, but multiple stressors can feel overwhelming, especially those over which we have little control. Most of us already know something about stress management. We're told to identify the sources, understand how we are personally affected by stress, modify our behavior, exercise and spend more time in leisure activities or with family and friends. We know about healthy eating, sleep hygiene and work-life balance. If all else fails, we may seek the services of a professional or ask our physicians for some medication, but only a small percentage of us actually do that. A billboard by a freeway proclaims that it is better to buy an expensive sports car than to seek therapy. We are a nation that is independent-minded, and we prefer to handle things on our own. How well do these tools work for us in the midst of overwhelming circumstances? How much can we reasonably expect to handle? There is another source of help during difficult times and that is what we believe exists outside of ourselves. It is our spirituality, and it is an important source of strength, meaning, direction and hope. It is through the cultivation of spirituality that we feel connected to the larger universe. It fosters a perspective that takes us away from everyday difficulty and enables us to envision a better future. Spirituality is complex and hard to define. It can take the form of religious observance, nature, music, art or some other personal experience. Alcoholics Anonymous practitioners subscribe to a "power greater than ourselves" and turn chaotic lives over to "God as we understand Him." However we define it, spirituality is a powerful force for good. Psychologist Viktor Frankl, after surviving a concentration camp, noted that those who had found meaning in life were the ones most able to withstand the incredible hardships there. Research continues to document greater health benefits, including decreased stress, for those who cultivate their spirituality. Prayer is cited as the most common spiritual practice, and some recent studies on intercessory prayer have provided provocative evidence that the benefits to those praying are even greater than to those prayed for. Meditation is another form of spiritual practice that can be used to enhance spiritual communion. Reading and studying religious or spiritual writings and journaling about experiences can deepen faith journeys. However, attempting too much too soon is a common recipe for failure in the building up of spiritual habits. Many choose to explore different faith traditions to see what fits. Sharing spiritual discovery and expression with others helps to build relationships and connects us to a larger world of believers. Having an "accountability partner" whom we trust and regularly meet with can enhance spiritual discovery and growth. Mind, body and spirit are interconnected and important dimensions of optimal health and wellbeing. To neglect one part is to negatively affect the whole. Quality of life, especially in an era of higher and more chronic levels of stress, is hard to maintain without the benefits of spiritual belief and practice. Keep it in mind when all the other tools come up short, as they invariably will. Deborah Barber, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in Westlake Village. Contact her at (818) 5127923. Send questions/comments to askDrDB@yahoo.com or visit www.DrDeborahBarber. Labels: American Psychological Association, Deborah Barber, meditation, spirituality, stress

Will Power & Brain As time passed by things became more and more clear to me. Will power of a Human Being (the desire of "Atman" enacted through a Human Being based on ... The resultant Karma of all earlier lives manifested by "Atman") is the ultimate factor governing the destiny of a Human Being. Doing of Karma by a Human Being is the result of what is invoked through the brain by a Human Being [Invoking is done by the Human Being at will (i.e. his "Atman") based on the resultant Karma of past lives]. When I was in my 2nd year of Engineering, I gained control on mental powers to the extent that I worked for half an hour but when seen by the watch only one minute had passed. Whatever I read once in a book was clear to me like a Master. That control has never again returned in my Life even after a lapse of 20 years. Reason being ... I was never again so carefree after graduation. I got more and more involved in my family business of Foundation Engineering. The mental waves on which I had started traveling were getting farther away from me day by day. The thought waves seem to travel even faster than the speed of light. It is these thought waves on which if one dwells, shall he be able to see "God" one day and subsequent events proved that I was 100 percent correct. For fifteen years I have worked hard may be not to the best of my capability or to the liking of my family as inherently I was getting more and more inclined to know "God, the Creator" ... talk to him if possible. Having realized that Air, Water and Mother Earth were only elements supporting the Life structure of all living beings but were not "Gods" .. only thing left was Sun. The rays of light traveling at the speed of 1,86,000 miles per second take above eight minutes to reach the Earth. Electricity also travels at the same speed at zero resistance. During rainy days the voice of the thunder is like "God" speaking. You strike two stones and sparks fly. You rub two wooden elements ... Friction may cause Fire. All incidents indicated that the power of light (i.e. Agni) is an inherent power, unmatched with and very closely related with "God".

Story of my Personal Experience How I realized God (personal experience of god) The Elimination Process When I was young I was taken to the Jain temple on some sacred occasions for worshipping the "Gods". Due to my inherent tendencies I was not convinced that "God" resides in those stone statues I was asked to worship. I felt inquiring within my own self that if these stone statues were not "God", who or what was "God"? What people meant when they talked of God! I distinctly remember asking an elder of the family that "Who was God"? Pat come the reply that, "Universe and everything contained in it was made by "God". Tell me, "Can you visualize the boundary of the sky and beyond"? I thought for a moment and replied, "the Universe seems to be without a boundary"! Yes, "the power which made all this and whom we go and worship in temples is known as "God", came the reply". As I grew older I tried the elimination process. What was uncommon in all Human Beings and all other living beings? The mental powers! This confirmed that Human Being is the highest creation of "God" on Earth. Now! What differentiated different Human Beings. One was a king and the other a laborer due to difference in their mental capabilities alone! What are these mental capabilities which differentiate Human Being on such a vast scale! How can they be developed? Was it the development of mental powers that Human Being could attain the level of a Buddha, Mahavira or Jesus Christ? The mental powers in our physical World are invoked by our brain. How do brain and mental powers (thinking power) correlate with each other. What role Kalchakra (time) plays. Will Power & Brain As time passed by things became more and more clear to me. Will power of a Human Being (the desire of "Atman" enacted through a Human Being based on ... The resultant Karma of all earlier lives manifested by "Atman") is the ultimate factor governing the destiny of a Human Being. Doing of Karma by a Human Being is the result of what is invoked through the brain by a Human Being [Invoking is done by the Human Being at will (i.e. his "Atman") based on the resultant Karma of past lives]. When I was in my 2nd year of Engineering, I gained control on mental powers to the extent that I worked for half an hour but when seen by the watch only one minute had passed. Whatever I read once in a book was clear to me like a Master. That control has never again returned in my Life even after a lapse of 20 years. Reason being ... I was never again so carefree after graduation. I got more and more involved in my family business of Foundation Engineering. The mental waves on which I had started traveling were getting farther away from me day by day. The thought waves seem to travel even faster than the speed of light. It is these thought waves on which if one dwells, shall he be able to see "God" one day and subsequent events proved that I was 100 percent correct. For fifteen years I have worked hard may be not to the best of my capability or to the liking of my family as inherently I was getting more and more inclined to know "God, the Creator" ... talk to him if possible. Having realized that Air, Water and Mother Earth were only elements supporting the Life structure of all living beings but were not "Gods" .. only thing left was Sun. The rays of light traveling at the speed of 1,86,000 miles per second take above eight minutes to reach the Earth. Electricity also travels at the same speed at zero resistance. During rainy days the voice of the thunder is like "God" speaking. You strike two stones and sparks fly. You rub two wooden elements ... Friction may cause Fire. All incidents indicated that the power of light (i.e. Agni) is an inherent power, unmatched with and very closely related with "God". Doctrine of Anekantvad Whatever we see in the Universe through our physical eyes or various senses have a definite shape but ... Seeing from the angle of "Anekantvad", everything in the Universe can be broken up into molecules and atoms. Atoms consist of a nuclei and around it are electrons rotating at the speed of light i.e. 1,86,000 miles per second. The power which rotates the electrons around the nuclei at the speed of light is to be known as "God". The Doctrine of "Anekantvad" alone can make clear the relationships between Human Beings, between Human Beings and all other living beings and between Human Beings, all other living beings and the inherent powers of the Universe. Till the time we Human Beings continue perceiving ourselves as mightiest of all, at times even defying the "Law of Eternal Truth" ... We shall fail in our efforts to come near "God". We must put an end to giving undue importance to ourselves. Our "Atman" within may have changed numerous Life forms before our present form as a Human Being. It is on its cosmic journey ... Goal being liberation from further manifestations. All Life forms are important but ... Desist from killing for the sake of pleasure for you shall never be pardoned for this act of yours. The Law of Evolution is same for all beings ... To think, by your not killing the pests we are doing service to "God" is wrong for the pests have their own limited Life and if they are a nuisance to us (the most advanced species of the World) they must be annihilated lest we may suffer at their hands. The survival of the fittest is the basic theme of the evolutionary process. Never forget that "God" alone maintains the balance in the Universe and all "Atman's" in their manifested Life forms only do its bidding. Our killing or not killing a being only effects us and only us for it is our "Atman" within which carries forward the results of the Karma performed by us i.e. a Life from manifested by it. Must we not take a pledge to improve upon ourselves because it is the reform in the thinking process of every individual that will bring a change in the Society for better. God ... An inherent power God is not a being and is formless. As a normal Human Being cannot and does not want to comprehend that "God" is an inherent power (It can be felt by any Human Being during intense prayers to God) ... It worships it in form of deities of the shape of a Human Being. This gives more and more credulity to its existence on Earth as most powerful of all beings resulting in enlarging the ego of a Human Being ... Often resulting in calamitous results. God is the center point from where all creation started and all things in the Universe are connected to it by a divine string. Wherever we try to break an atom ... Massive energy is generated resulting in an uncontrolled chain reaction. God shall bless us for using this energy for useful purposes but when used for negative goals ... The results are disastrous. Mind .. the Controller of all Human Beings Once I realized that mind is all powerful ... I tried to clean my brain of all negative influences. Negative influences bring us nearer to Satanic forces and Positive influences towards God. Once we eradicate from our thinking the negative influences we are left with only good thoughts. These good thoughts bring us nearer to our goal i.e. God. By invoking right thoughts from positive Mind (i.e. the "Eternal reservoir of Positive Thoughts") we become more and more pure Spiritually. The weeds of negative influences from our brain are required to be taken out and thrown away at regular intervals. By keeping our brain clear of all unwanted seeds of evil thoughts, our brain stimulates us towards better deeds. We start growing in harmony with our inner self (our Atman within). What is the relation between God, a Human Being and all other living beings. In due course of introspection, I (Vijay Kumar and not my Atman) realized that Atman within the body of all living beings is of the same nature as God. Is "God" not the collective sum of all liberated Atman's. "Atman" of all beings in Essence is the Governor of all beings. What then is the relation between the "Atman" and the physical self i.e. a Jiva! "God" Initiates Me Having perceived the truth I was only to inquire about the Eternal relationship between all beings and lo! On 3rd of August, 1993, at 2.15 a.m. God initiated me. I was sleeping in my bedroom on first floor. At about 1.45 a.m., I felt choking and gasping for breath and an urge within to go out on the terrace. I was obeying commands from within as if in deep sleep. When I reached the terrace of the first floor I was again instructed by "God, the Creator" to go back to the room and bring the collapsible easy chair (which I use for my reading) and go to the terrace on second floor. I brought the chair and sat on it looking upwards, towards the sky. What was I seeing! Full vision of the cosmos ... A blinding spell of white light all around ... Something which can never be described in words. The "Ultimate Truth" dawned upon me and at 4 a.m. I was instructed to go down. I was then instructed to write down something. I started writing. When I reread those lines ... Every thing was clear to me. No questions remaining unanswered I had realized Self ... I was one with "God, the Creator" ... More eager than ever to complete my journey on this Earthly plane and liberate myself (i.e. me as an "Atman") from the cycle of birth and death at the earliest. I am a completely changed man now. Having realized the purpose of my Cosmic journey ... Life has a different meaning for me since that day. I can invoke willingly the mighty powers of the Universe after constant practice and take dictation's from "God, the Creator" for hours together. In the messages are hidden the Eternal Truths which can never be falsified by any person of understanding. "God" has blessed me to remain in the "Grihastha Ashram" (i.e. with the family) and continue my Spiritual quest further. You have to experience it to believe in the existence of God! The answer to all the questions related to the "Universe" and "God" having been answered, The quest of all spiritual seekers for ages having been fulfilled, I pray to the almighty "God" to give me Strength and wisdom to uphold the values in the Society of which I am an integral part. May "God" bless us all. Personal experience of God highlights - brief Audio Hindi (8.6 MB) (this clipping takes few seconds to load initially - suitable for broadband internet connection preferably above 256 kbps. More clippings on Glossary of words in Hinduism to follow soon... stay tuned! Send a subject of your choice... on which you want to hear vijay kumar speak!) Essay by: Vijay Kumar "Atma Jnani" Vijay Kumar... The Man who Realized God in 1993 on my Life story. For more details on Life story of Vijay Kumar Atma Jnani visit - life story of vijay kumar atma jnani. Send your query - click here Ref. 930803

Stress Management Tips and Advice By: Leslie Hardy Stress is commonplace in western societies. A modicum of stress in the workplace can provide a stimulus to motivation and help achieve work tasks and objectives. However, many people visit their doctor and report high levels of stress which are incapacitating and are likely to lead to illness. Stress is not confined to work. Many parents who work and have young families report high levels of stress in trying to balance the competing claims of their spouse, children and workplace. If you are suffering from stress, there are several steps you can take - 1 Self Affirmation. Stress drains our energy and undermines our self esteem. In order to combat stress, it is essential to rebuild our self esteem. People under stress tend to focus on things which have gone wrong in their lives. What they fail to appreciate is that everyone can look back at the past and ponder on what might have been. Successful people ruminate on what happened in the past as well, either in their personal life or at work. Rather than dwell on failures or lost opportunities, they concentrate of why things went wrong, with a view to understanding the matter and thereby ensuring it does not happen again. Everyone, whatever their circumstances, can think of something in their lives of which they can be rightly proud. It may be related to their family, home, car, children, hobbies or work. All of us can also remember something we have done which has brought forth praise or appreciation from another person. Thinking of these things will enable to all of us to realise the value we have added to the lives of other people around us. It also helps us to identify and focus on things we have done which are meritorious. Doing similar things will hopefully bring forth the same welcome effects. It is up to an individual him/herself to raise their self esteem. It cannot be built up by doctors or medication. Self esteem is a prerequisite for making a contribution to the family, the workplace or society as a whole. If a person thinks he is useless, then he/she is unlikely to make an effort to do anything in life. So, self esteem is a vital facet of stress management. It gives us the motivation and resolve to face challenges and conquer them. 2 Talk about things. Although stress is a medical condition, there are invariably one or more problems facing a person which have increased his/her stress levels. If there are many problems facing a person, such that he/she feels overwhelmed, then the first thing to do is make a written list. This simple exercise adds focus and structure to problems. If possible, sort the list by the urgency of the problems, so you can see at a glance when things need to be dealt with. With respect to each and every problem, a useful starting point is to consider the matter in a calm and neutral environment. If the problem relates to work, it may be best to think about it at home. Alternatively, if there is a problem at home, then a walk round the block may help to put matters in perspective. We all have different conceptual and intellectual abilities to examine problems and explore solutions. Regardless of these abilities, it is always useful to talk to someone about your problems, real or imagined. Choosing an appropriate person is vitally important. Some men are known to go to a bar or pub and parade their problems to male peers who are in an equally inebriated state. While these peers will invariably take the view that you are right and the other person is wrong, especially if you have just bought a round of drinks, it is rare for practical suggestions to emanate from such dialogues. Some companies have a Personnel Department and often have counsellors available who deal with stress at work. If so, contacting them is doubly useful. Firstly, they should have some professional training in how to deal with stress and problems at work, and secondly, should be able to speak to other people who may be instrumental in aggravating the stress, provided you give your consent for this to take place. Many people are blessed with good friends. These friends are invaluable when problems arise. Many of us are reluctant to speak with friends about our problems as we feel that we are imposing on them. This is true, but then again, this is what friends are for. All of us must be able to recall instances when a friend, close of otherwise, confided in us concerning a problem and requested our advice. Well, friendship is based on reciprocity. Although our friends may not be able to provide definitive solutions to problems, the old adage, a problem shared is a problem halved, remains true. The simple exercise of telling a receptive listener about a problem assists us to articulate matters clearly and succinctly. This, in itself, is a benefit and a friend will invariably have something interesting and relevant to say about things. 3 Take a break. The author regularly visits North Cyprus and spends time in rural areas. For people who live in the northern hemisphere, the winter season can be a contributor to high stress levels. This is not due to the cold, but rather the shortness of the day and the lack of natural sunlight. If possible, try to take a break in the winter, rather than use up all your annual leave in the summer. When you are on holiday, it is preferable to leave problems of work behind. For many of us, this means we should not take our mobile phone and laptop with us. If you are on holiday in a warm, sunny climate, then it is important to take advantage of these natural conditions. In other words, taking long walks along the beach is more beneficial than drinking cheap alcohol in the evening. In many parts of the Mediterranean, old men spend hours each day sitting at tables in outdoor coffee shops. It should be noted that the average age in some establishments will be 80 plus. While their lifestyle may have been rather different from ours in their younger years, this is not the sole reason for their longevity. They are part of a community which respects the modest contribution each person makes to the public good. They realise that for every talented and exceptional individual, there will be a dozen ordinary folk who will live relatively modest and uneventful lives. The lesson from the coffee shop is that we should learn to value who we are and what we have been given and/or have achieved. Moving beyond this, our ambitions should be realistic and within our capabilities. A happy and contented person does not suffer from undue stress. Article Source: http://wellnessarticles.net