|  | | | | Around eight years ago, I remember reading "How to Talk to Anyone" by Leil Lowndes.
One of her top tips for boosting your charisma was to treat new associates just like old friends. Literally, trick your mind into believing they're a true bosom-buddy you haven't seen for years.
You'll instantly be more relaxed, suggests Leil, and you'll come across as more authentic.
Well, it works. I've used it many times myself.
However there's another little-known "old friend" technique I often use.
I'm sure there have been times in your life when you don't quite understand the actions of someone else. They're frustrating. Idiotic. Insensitive. Insane. Hateful! Pure hateful!
Of course.
In the words of Hercule Poirot, "We all feel like that at times."
But here's a way to neutralise all of that...
Simply imagine that person as a baby. And then, briefly, run through their entire life timeline. Their surroundings. Their influences. Their inner-character. Right up to the present day.
And, often, we find that although it may seem odd to us... Their behaviours are perfectly normal to them. They're the result of everything they've been brought up to do and believe.
They're the result of influence... And you can love them just for that.
It's a great method of letting go of any bad feelings you may have toward anyone. And if you still find them harbouring just beneath the surface, give them permission to be just the way they are.
That's all for now. Have a great day!
(Oh, and by the way... Leil Lowndes also wrote the books "Undercover Sex Signals," "How to Make Anyone Fall in Love with You," and the how-to-go-out-with-people-prettier-than-you guidE, "Updating." I hasten to add that I have bought none of these.)Labels: books, self-development  Would YOU like to improve your mind? In today's post, I'm reprinting an article from the OEDB, detailing 77 ways to "hack your brain." You'll know most of these techniques. But a few entries -- such as the gingko biloba, walking meditation and osmosis tips -- aren't so common. Here goes. Enjoy! :) * * * If someone granted you one wish, what do you imagine you would want out of life that you haven't gotten yet? For many people, it would be self-improvement and knowledge. New knowledge is the backbone of society's progress. Great thinkers such as Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein, and others' quests for knowledge have led society to many of the marvels we enjoy today. Your quest for knowledge doesn't have to be as Earth-changing as Einstein's, but it can be an important part of your life, leading to a new job, better pay, a new hobby, or simply knowledge for knowledge's sake — whatever is important to you as an end goal. Life-changing knowledge does typically require advanced learning techniques. In fact, it's been said that the average adult only uses 10% of his/her brain. Imagine what we may be capable of with more advanced learning techniques. Here are 77 tips related to knowledge and learning to help you on your quest. A few are specifically for students in traditional learning institutions; the rest for self-starters, or those learning on their own. Happy learning. Health- Shake a leg. Lack of blood flow is a common reason for lack of concentration. If you've been sitting in one place for awhile, bounce one of your legs for a minute or two. It gets your blood flowing and sharpens both concentration and recall.
- Food for thought: Eat breakfast. A lot of people skip breakfast, but creativity is often optimal in the early morning and it helps to have some protein in you to feed your brain. A lack of protein can actually cause headaches.
- Food for thought, part 2: Eat a light lunch. Heavy lunches have a tendency to make people drowsy. While you could turn this to your advantage by taking a "thinking nap" (see #23), most people haven't learned how.
- Cognitive enhancers: Ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo biloba is a natural supplement that has been used in China and other countries for centuries and has been reputed to reverse memory loss in rats. It's also suggested by some health practitioners as a nootrope and thus a memory enhancer.
- Reduce stress + depresssion. Stress and depression may reduce the ability to recall information and thus inhibit learning. Sometimes, all you need to reduce depression is more white light and fewer refined foods.
Balance- Sleep on it. Dr. Maxwell Maltz wrote about in his book Psycho-Cybernetics about a man who was was paid good money to come up with ideas. He would lock his office door, close the blinds, turn off the lights. He'd focus on the problem at hand, then take a short nap on a couch. When he awoke, he usually had the problem solved.
- Take a break. Change phyical or mental perspective to lighten the invisible stress that can sometimes occur when you sit in one place too long, focused on learning. Taking a 5-15 minute break every hour during study sessions is more beneficial than non-stop study. It gives your mind time to relax and absorb information. If you want to get really serious with breaks, try a 20 minute ultradian break as part of every 90 minute cycle. This includes a nap break, which is for a different purpose than #23.
- Take a hike. Changing your perspective often relieves tension, thus freeing your creative mind. Taking a short walk around the neighborhood may help.
- Change your focus. Sometimes there simply isn't enough time to take a long break. If so, change subject focus. Alternate between technical and non-technical subjects.
Perspective and Focus- Change your focus, part 2. There are three primary ways to learn: visual, kinesthetic, and auditory. If one isn't working for you, try another.
- Do walking meditation. If you're taking a hike (#25), go one step further and learn walking meditation as a way to tap into your inner resources and your strengthen your ability to focus. Just make sure you're not walking inadvertently into traffic.
- Focus and immerse yourself. Focus on whatever you're studying. Don't try to watch TV at the same time or worry yourself about other things. Anxiety does not make for absorption of information and ideas.
- Turn out the lights. This is a way to focus, if you are not into meditating. Sit in the dark, block out extraneous influences. This is ideal for learning kinesthetically, such as guitar chord changes.
- Take a bath or shower. Both activities loosen you up, making your mind more receptive to recognizing brilliant ideas.
Recall Techniques- Listen to music. Researchers have long shown that certain types of music are a great "key" for recalling memories. Information learned while listening to a particular song or collection can often be recalled simply by "playing" the songs mentally.
- Speedread. Some people believe that speedreading causes you to miss vital information. The fact remains that efficient speedreading results in filtering out irrelevant information. If necessary, you can always read and re-read at slower speeds. Slow reading actually hinders the ability to absorb general ideas. (Although technical subjects often requirer slower reading.) If you're reading online, you can try the free Spreeder Web-based application.
- Use acronyms and other mnemonic devices. Mnemonics are essentially tricks for remembering information. Some tricks are so effective that proper application will let you recall loads of mundane information years later.
Visual Aids- Every picture tells a story. Draw or sketch whatever it is you are trying to achieve. Having a concrete goal in mind helps you progress towards that goal.
- Brainmap it. Need to plan something? Brain maps, or mind maps, offer a compact way to get both an overview of a project as well as easily add details. With mind maps, you can see the relationships between disparate ideas and they can also act as a receptacle for a brainstorming session.
- Learn symbolism and semiotics. Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols. Having an understanding of the symbols of a particular discipline aids in learning, and also allows you to record information more efficiently.
- Use information design. When you record information that has an inherent structure, applying information design helps convey that information more clearly. A great resource is Information Aesthetics, which gives examples of information design and links to their sources.
- Use visual learning techniques. Try gliffy for structured diagrams. Also see Inspiration.com for an explanation of webs, idea maps, concept maps, and plots.
- Map your task flow. Learning often requires gaining knowledge in a specific sequence. Organizing your thoughts on what needs to be done is a powerful way to prepare yourself to complete tasks or learn new topics.
Verbal and Auditory Techniques- Stimulate ideas. Play rhyming games, utter nonsense words. These loosen you up, making you more receptive to learning.
- Brainstorm. This is a time-honored technique that combines verbal activity, writing, and collaboration. (One person can brainstorm, but it's more effective in a group.) It's fruitful if you remember some simple rules: Firstly, don't shut anyone's idea out. Secondly, don't "edit" in progress; just record all ideas first, then dissect them later. Participating in brainstorming helps assess what you already know about something, and what you didn't know.
- Learn by osmosis. Got an iPod? Record a few of your own podcasts, upload them to your iPod and sleep on it. Literally. Put it under your pillow and playback language lessons or whatever.
- Cognitive enhancers: binaural beats. Binaural beats involve playing two close frequencies simultaneously to produce alpha, beta, delta, and theta waves, all of which produce either sleeping, restfulness, relaxation, meditativeness, alertness, or concentration. Binaural beats are used in conjunction with other excercises for a type of super-learning.
- Laugh. Laughing relaxes the body. A relaxed body is more receptive to new ideas.
Kinesthetic Techniques- Write, don't type. While typing your notes into the computer is great for posterity, writing by hand stimulates ideas. The simple act of holding and using a pen or pencil massages acupuncture points in the hand, which in turn stimulates ideas.
- Carry a quality notebook at all times. Samuel Taylor Coleridge dreamed the words of the poem "In Xanadu (did Kubla Khan)...". Upon awakening, he wrote down what he could recall, but was distracted by a visitor and promptly forgot the rest of the poem. Forever. If you've been doing "walking meditation" or any kind of meditation or productive napping, ideas may suddenly come to you. Record them immediately.
- Keep a journal. This isn't exactly the same as a notebook. Journaling has to do with tracking experiences over time. If you add in visual details, charts, brainmaps, etc., you have a much more creative way to keep tabs on what you are learning.
- Organize. Use sticky colored tabs to divide up a notebook or journal. They are a great way to partition ideas for easy referral.
- Use post-it notes. Post-it notes provide a helpful way to record your thoughts about passages in books without defacing them with ink or pencil marks.
Self-Motivation Techniques- Give yourself credit. Ideas are actually a dime a dozen. If you learn to focus your mind on what results you want to achieve, you'll recognize the good ideas. Your mind will become a filter for them, which will motivate you to learn more.
- Motivate yourself. Why do you want to learn something? What do want to achieve through learning? If you don't know why you want to learn, then distractions will be far more enticing.
- Set a goal. W. Clement Stone once said "Whatever the mind of man can conceive, it can achieve." It's an amazing phenomenon in goal achievement. Prepare yourself by whatever means necessary, and hurdles will seem surmountable. Anyone who has experienced this phenomenon understands its validity.
- Think positive. There's no point in setting learning goals for yourself if you don't have any faith in your ability to learn.
- Organize, part 2. Learning is only one facet of the average adult's daily life. You need to organize your time and tasks else you might find it difficult to fit time in for learning. Try Neptune for a browser-based application for "getting things done."
- Every skill is learned. With the exception of bodily functions, every skill in life is learned. Generally speaking, if one person can learn something, so can you. It may take you more effort, but if you've set a believable goal, it's likely an achievable goal.
- Prepare yourself for learning. Thinking positive isn't sufficient for successfully achieving goals. This is especially important if you are an adult, as you'll probably have many distractions surrounding your daily life. Implement ways to reduce distractions, at least for a few hours at a time, else learning will become a frustrating experience.
- Prepare yourself, part 2. Human nature is such that not everyone in your life will be a well-wisher in your self-improvement and learning plans. They may intentionally or subconsciously distract you from your goal. If you have classes to attend after work, make sure that work colleagues know this, that you are unable to work late. Diplomacy works best if you think your boss is intentionally giving you work on the days he/she knows you have to leave. Reschedule lectures to a later time slot if possible/ necessary.
- Constrain yourself. Most people need structure in their lives. Freedom is sometimes a scary thing. It's like chaos. But even chaos has order within. By constraining yourself — say giving yourself deadlines, limiting your time on an idea in some manner, or limiting the tools you are working with — you can often accomplish more in less time.
Supplemental Techniques- Read as much as you can. How much more obvious can it get? Use Spreeder (#33) if you have to. Get a breadth of topics as well as depth.
- Cross-pollinate your interests. Neurons that connect to existing neurons give you new perspectives and abilities to use additional knowledge in new ways.
- Learn another language. New perspectives give you the ability to cross-pollinate cultural concepts and come up with new ideas. As well, sometimes reading a book in its original language will provide you with insights lost in translation.
- Learn how to learn. Management Help has a resource page, as does SIAST (Virtual Campus), which links to articles about learning methods. They are geared towards online learning, but no doubt you gain something from them for any type of learning. If you are serious about optimum learning, read Headrush's Crash course in learning theory.
- Learn what you know and what you don't. Many people might say, "I'm dumb," or "I don't know anything about that." The fact is, many people are wholly unaware of what they already know about a topic. If you want to learn about a topic, you need to determine what you already know, figure out what you don't know, and then learn the latter.
- Multi-task through background processes. Effective multi-tasking allows you to bootstrap limited time to accomplish several tasks. Learning can be bootstrapped through multi-tasking, too. By effective multitasking, I don't mean doing two or more things at exactly the same time. It's not possible. However, you can achieve the semblance of effective multitasking with the right approach, and by prepping your mind for it. For example, a successful freelance writer learns to manage several articles at the same time. Research the first essay, and then let the background processes of your mind takeover. Move on consciously to the second essay. While researching the second essay, the first one will often "write itself." Be prepared to record it when it "appears" to you.
- Think holistically. Holistic thinking might be the single most "advanced" learning technique that would help students. But it's a mindset rather than a single technique.
- Use the right type of repetition. Complex concepts often require revisting in order to be fully absorbed. Sometimes, for some people, it may actually take months or years. Repetition of concepts and theory with various concrete examples improves absorption and speeds up learning.
- Apply the Quantum Learning (QL) model. The Quantum Learning model is being applied in some US schools and goes beyond typical education methods to engage students.
- Get necessary tools. There are obviously all kinds of tools for learning. If you are learning online like a growing number of people these days, then consider your online tools. One of the best tools for online research is the Firefox web browser, which has loads of extensions (add-ons) with all manner of useful features. One is Googlepedia, which simultaneously displays Google search engine listings, when you search for a term, with related entries from Wikipedia.
- Get necessary tools, part 2. This is a very niche tip, but if you want to learn fast-track methods for building software, read Getting Real from 37 Signals. The Web page version is free. The techniques in the book have been used to create Basecamp, Campfire, and Backpack web applications in a short time frame. Each of these applications support collaboration and organization.
- Learn critical thinking. As Keegan-Michael Key's character on MadTV might say, critical thinking takes analysis to "a whole notha level". Read Wikipedia's discourse on critical thinking as a starting point. It involves good analytical skills to aid the ability to learn selectively.
- Learn complex problem solving. For most people, life is a series of problems to be solved. Learning is part of the process. If you have a complex problem, you need to learn the art of complex problem solving. [The latter page has some incredible visual information.]
For Teachers, Tutors, and Parents- Be engaging. Lectures are one-sided and often counter-productive. Information merely heard or witnessed (from a chalkboard for instance) is often forgotten. Teaching is not simply talking. Talking isn't enough. Ask students questions, present scenarios, engage them.
- Use information pyramids. Learning happens in layers. Build base knowledge upon which you can add advanced concepts.
- Use video games. Video games get a bad rap because of certain violent games. But video games in general can often be an effective aid to learning.
- Role play. Younger people often learn better by being part of a learning experience. For example, history is easier to absorb through reenactments.
- Apply the 80/20 rule. This rule is often interpreted in dfferent ways. In this case, the 80/20 rule means that some concepts, say about 20% of a curriculum, require more effort and time, say about 80%, than others. So be prepared to expand on complex topics.
- Tell stories. Venus Flytrap, a character from the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, once taught a student gang member about atoms, electrons, and protons by saying that an atom was one big neighborhood, and the protons and neutrons had their own smaller neighborhoods and never mixed. Just like rival gangs. The story worked, and understanding sparked in the students eyes.
- Go beyond the public school curriculum. The public school system is woefully lacking in teaching advanced learning and brainstorming methods. It's not that the methods cannot be taught; they just aren't. To learn more, you have to pay a premium in additional time and effort, and sometimes money for commercially available learning tools. There's nothing wrong with that in itself, but what is taught in schools needs to be expanded. This article's author has proven that a nine-year old can learn (some) university level math, if the learning is approached correctly.
- Use applied learning. If a high school student were having trouble in math, say with fractions, one example of applied learning might be photography, lenses, f-stops, etc. Another example is cooking and measurement of ingredients. Tailor the applied learning to the interest of the student.
For Students and Self-Studiers- Be engaged. Surprise. Sometimes students are bored because they know more than is being taught, maybe even more than a teacher. (Hopefully teachers will assess what each student already knows.) Students should discuss with a teacher if they feel that the material being covered is not challenging. Also consider asking for additional materials.
- Teach yourself. Teachers cannot always change their curricula. If you're not being challenged, challenge yourself. Some countries still apply country-wide exams for all students. If your lecturer didn't cover a topic, you should learn it on your own. Don't wait for someone to teach you. Lectures are most effective when you've pre-introduced yourself to concepts.
- Collaborate. If studying by yourself isn't working, maybe a study group will help.
- Do unto others: teach something. The best way to learn something better is to teach it to someone else. It forces you to learn, if you are motivated enough to share your knowledge.
- Write about it. An effective way to "teach" something is to create an FAQ or a wiki containing everything you know about a topic. Or blog about the topic. Doing so helps you to realize what you know and more importantly what you don't. You don't even have to spend money if you grab a freebie account with Typepad, Wordpress, or Blogger.
- Learn by experience. Pretty obvious, right? It means put in the necessary time. An expert is often defined as someone who has put in 10,000 hours into some experience or endeavor. That's approximately 5 years of 40 hours per week, every week. Are you an expert without realizing it? If you're not, do you have the dedication to be an expert?
- Quiz yourself. Testing what you've learned will reinforce the information. Flash cards are one of the best ways, and are not just for kids.
- Learn the right things first. Learn the basics. Case in point: a frustrating way to learn a new language is to learn grammar and spelling and sentence constructs first. This is not the way a baby learns a language, and there's no reason why an adult or young adult has to start differently, despite "expert" opinion. Try for yourself and see the difference.
- Plan your learning. If you have a long-term plan to learn something, then to quote Led Zeppelin, "There are two paths you can go by." You can take a haphazard approach to learning, or you can put in a bit of planning and find an optimum path. Plan your time and balance your learning and living.
Parting Advice- Persist. Don't give up learning in the face of intimdating tasks. Anything one human being can learn, most others can as well. Wasn't it Einstein that said, "Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration"? Thomas Edison said it, too.
- Defy the experts. Dyslexia, in a nutshell, is the affliction of mentally jumbling letters and digits, causing difficulties in reading, writing and thus learning. Sometimes spoken words or numbers get mixed up as well. In the past, "experts" declared dyslexic children stupid. Later, they said they were incapable of learning. This author has interacted with and taught dyslexic teens. It's possible. Helen Keller had no experience of sight, sound, or speech, and yet she learned. Conclusion: There is more than one way to learn; never believe you cannot.
- Challenge yourself. People are often more intelligent than they realize. In a world that compartmentalizes and categorizes everything, not everyone is sure where they fit in. And genius can be found in many walks of life. If you honestly suspect that there's more to you than has been "allowed" to be let out, try an IQ test such as the one offered by MENSA. It's unlike the standardized IQ tests given in many schools. You know the kind — the ones which traumatize many young students into thinking they are stupid, simply because the tests don't really assess all student's knowledge and learning ability. And the ability to learn is far, far more important than what you already know.
- Party before an exam. Well, don't go that far. The key is to relax. The worse thing to do is cram the night before an exam. If you don't already know a subject by then, cramming isn't going to help. If you have studied, simply review the topic, then go do something pleasant (no more studying). Doing so tells your brain that you are prepared and that you will be able to recall anything that you have already learned. On the other hand, if you didn't spend the semester learning the ideas you need, you might as well go party anyways because cramming at the last minute isn't going to help much at that point.
- Don't worry; learn happy. Have a real passion for learning and want to share that? Join a group such as the Joyful Jubilant Learning community.
Labels: self-development Just a quick random post.
I've just had word that Writers FM has been heavily featured inside Francine Silverman's newest book, "Talk Radio for Authors - Getting Interviews Across the US & Canada."
Even though I'm actually in the UK ;)
Interested? Buy the book by calling 1-877-BUY-BOOK, or visiting Fran's blog online at http://booktalkradio.blogspot.com/
Oh -- and I met Countdown co-host Carol Voderman the other day.
On the quiet, she told my Mum that former host Des Lynam was boring as hell and "just plain miserable." No truer word. Hurrah! :)
Labels: ramblings This week's Random Act of Kindness is specifically for animal owners.
It's simple:
For five whole minutes, give your pet your UNDIVIDED attention.
Stare into your dog's eyes and express your love. Open your heart to your cat. Just allow yourself to "Be" and see how it feels.
No rush. No agenda.
Just a random opportunity to express a little love.
It's your turn. Pass it on :)
Labels: love, random acts of kindness If I had a hammer....
I'd hammer in the morning!
I'd hammer in the evening... all over this land!
I'd hammer out danger,
I'd hammer out a warning,
I'd hammer out love between all of my brothers and my sisters...
All over this land!
Those are the words sung by Mexi-merican singer Trini Lopez in his song "If I Had a Hammer," which hit number one in a staggering 25 countries.
It's still a big primary school hit across the US - and if you've heard this simple, upbeat song, you'll know why.
So, why not have a listen? :)
It's incredibly catchy, even today.
Try to listen once and not be singing it all day.
So ENJOY -- and get hammering! :)
(PS. If you're reading this via e-mail, visit www.karlblog.com to view the video.) Labels: videos Adam is an ordinary 20-year old Canadian lad. With one exception.
It's claimed he has helped heal thousands of people across the globe.
Many of you reading this blog will have heard of Adam DreamHealer. You can visit his official website online at www.dreamhealer.com.
I'll be honest: I hadn't heard of this guy until one great reader, Jeff Lake, sent me the details.
I can only describe Adam as a story-in-progress: Only just out of his teenage years, this young man has already written three books, released his own DVD, is attending university, and regularly runs packed-out healing workshops to 800 people at a time.
"He must be a real healer then! There's got to be something in it, right?"
Well, that's exactly what I wanted to find out - during my hour-long interview with Adam on Thursday last.
The whole interview has just been made live - and is now playing at Self Dev Radio.
The interview took a few interesting turns. If you're interested, you can tune in to the station at www.selfdevradio.com to listen, or download the podcast version by clicking here.
Enjoy, I'm sure you'll find it enlightening. And good luck with your own healing! :)
* * *
PS. Here's the e-mail that inspired me to connect with Adam in the first place. It's just as inspiring! ....
Hello Karl. Jeff Lake here. I had initially contact you several weeks ago after sending you an e-mail sharing my genuine heart-felt sentiment with you simply expressed as "I love you Karl. Thanks for being You"
Well, my friend I truly meant what I said. I've been so grateful to have had the pleasure of connecting with you. I was originally trying to think about where I first learned about you and last night it struck me. I had received an e-mail from a Neil Waterhouse. Within the content of his e-mail he posed the question "Have you heard of Karl Moore?", with a direct link to your site.
The rest is history.
I've been enjoying "You" ever since. I cannot even begin to find the words to express the lofty inspirational thoughts and feelings you have sparked within me. I can honestly attest to the fact that I have never known another human being that I have been so deeply moved or effected by.
You represent and embody the person I have always held as my highest ideal of what a real genuine human being should be like. You are a source of true inspiration and I thank the Universe for your existence and life on this planet. The world would be such a nicer place if there were more people like you here.
My heart goes out to you in this challenging time. I am quite certain that Billy will receive the healing he requires. You are surrounded by so many people that love and care about you and have your best interests at heart. I just know he will experience a complete and total healing. There are so many individuals (and powerful ones at that) directing their love and healing intent towards him, that he can't help but make a full recovery.....right!!! Keep the faith Karl. He'll be bouncing, barking, playing and romping around in no time.
I myself am doing my own small part. He is held in my mind as being healthy, and so he is.
I wanted to share some information with you although I suspect you're probably already in the know. Have you heard of the remote healer known as Adam? He is a young boy of 19 living in Vancouver, British Columbia. He is renowned for healing the country western singer Ronnie Hawkins of pancreatic cancer a few years ago, and has authored and published a couple books. His web site is www.dreamhealer.com
Well Karl, I will continue to remain connected with you on a Soul level. I do love you. You're a wonderful human being and you deserve every happiness in life. Stay ever hopeful and take comfort in knowing that the essence of your Being radiates, exemplifies and embodies Universal Love. As the saying goes....."You have to Be the dream and the change you want to see in the world" and my friend, you epitomize the very essence of that statement as living proof.
Thank you for shining your light into the world and being a beacon of hope and inspiration for others. Cheers.
Namaste Gnosis - Jeff LakeLabels: downloads, inspiration, radio work, self-development For today's Friday Factoid, I'd like to ask...
"What man-made artefact can be seen from the moon?"
If, like 99% of individuals, you answered with the Great Wall of China...
... You'd be wrong.
The moon is -- ohhhhh -- around 250,000 miles away. And from that distance, you really cannot see the Great Wall of China.
Admittedly, I haven't actually checked, but I can take a pretty good guess. Indeed, astronauts confirm you can barely even see the continents.
But... You CAN see the Great Wall from space. Space is actually much nearer than most of us think.
In fact, it's about 60 miles above your head right now.
And from THAT height, you can see many different man-made objects. Such as motorways, ships, railways, cities, fields, and even certain buildings. Oh, and the Great Wall of China.
Even Trivia Pursuit thinks there's a point in space where only the Great Wall is visible. It's wrong. Never trust a board game.
In brief: The Great Wall of China may be really quite great.
But you can't see it from the moon. Period.
Labels: factoids For someone in such high religious office, Pope Paul VI came out with some stonking lines.
You can read a few of his wisdom nuggets here.
Dan Marsh, a great guy that regularly reads this blog, was kind enough to mail me earlier this week to remind me of his favourite.
His Holiness contemplated:
"Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are dying. Then we might live life to the limit, every minute of every day. Do it! I say. Whatever you want to do, do it now! There are only so many tomorrows."
How very well said.
What adventures are YOU putting off for tomorrow... that you could be starting today?
Seize your Thursday! :)Labels: inspiration, quotes A few days ago, I received a fantastic e-mail from a lady called Beth Briggs in the UK.
She was responding to Rebecca Marina's message about my pup, Billy.
It's so glorious and full of energy, I just had to post it here...
* * *
I did take a peek at your website this morning before work and I have to tell you it had me laughing and smiling and really got my day of to a rip roaring start.
I love that you are into Random Acts of Kindness because I am too.
Isn't it just one of the best feelings when you do something for someone that's totally unexpected, the gift you give yourself when you do that is far greater than the act of kindness don't you find?
I was in the supermarket a while back and hadn't really got the money to be buying flowers but felt compelled to buy some and as the cashier put them through the scanner her eyes glazed over and she whispered how lovely the flowers were.
In that instant I knew that I wasn't meant to be buying the flowers for me, I was buying them for her!
I paid for my shopping and left the till, went to the customer service desk and asked that the flowers be given as a gift to the cashier, the woman at customer service was speechless but I assured her she'd heard right.
I was almost skipping as I left the shop, far better than bringing the flowers home,
From your website, something that stood out for me was:
'As far as the "BIG EVERYTHING" is concerned, Karl Moore is hardly likely to ever really mean anything.'
If I had my way I'd take that off there sure as wink because until 24 hours ago I didn't even know you exsisted but you have touched my life and for that I am grateful. Nearly three years ago I went on a life changing journey and a big part of that was a week long seminar with Jack Canfield (of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books).
One of the many things I brought back with me was this:
"I cannot do all the good the world needs, but the world needs all the good that I can do."
I have this printed out in my therapy room for my clients to reflect upon.
All that is asked of us is that we do our best because our best is always good enough.
So I just wanted to say THANK YOU for all that you do and for commiting to helping to make the world a better place and for leading by example.
* * *
What an inspiring message.
Thank you, Beth, for keeping me smiling! :)Labels: inspiration, quotes If you're reading this blog, it's likely that you enjoy receiving a little inspiration in your inbox each day.
Well, why not receive it in your ears instead? ;)
Each day, you can hear me broadcasting live interviews online at Self Dev Radio. With guests from Hale Dwoskin to Joe Vitale, Ross Jeffries to Chris Westra -- tune in to hear me quizzing big names in the self help industry, and often receiving unexpected answers!
(PS. Coming up in the next few days... interviews with "Adam Dream Healer" and Gun Finley. And the truth is out: I officially don't like Ross Jeffries.)
So if you haven't tuned in recently, check it out online at:
If you're into the world of writing too, you can tune into Writers FM to hear me interview some fantastic authors - from Edwina Currie to Charles Dicken's great-great-great-grandaughter.
Listen in online at:
Both stations completely free of charge, and have recently received an "ear-lift," so they now sound better than ever before.
And most important of all... both Self Dev Radio and Writers FM are exactly one year old today.
So come along and celebrate online! :)Labels: birthdays, radio work At just 15 years old, John Goddard sat down and made a list.
He called it his Life List.
On it, he wrote all the things he wanted to achieve in his life. All in all, he totalled a fantastic 127 things he wanted to achieve or experience.
Among his goals were: Climb Mount Everest... Run a mile in under five minutes... Circumnavigate the globe... Land on and take off from an aircraft carrier... and many others along the same line.
In fact, you can view John's entire Life List here.
The interesting thing?
John has achieved an awesome 109 of his life goals -- and is still working on the rest.
His daring challenges have meant he's faced death once or twice. Yet he continues to strive for, and achieve his dreams.
And so my question to you today is...
What's on your Life List?
Not everything John aimed for was big and daring. One goal was to visit a movie studio. Another was to live to see the 21st century. Another was to marry and have kids.
He built his own telescope. Wrote a book. Learned to play the violin. Discovered how to type at 50 words per minute.
I'm willing to bet that goals like this could REALLY spice up your life right now. They could add a little extra zest. Inject a little needed enthusiasm. It's one of those kinda things I just love to do.
So think about it...
Could you take five minutes out today... And write your own Life List?
You don't need to be 15 years old to get started. Right now is just perfect.
Enjoy -- And once you've finished, make some exciting plans to begin achieving those goals over the next few years! :)
Labels: inspiration, self-development If you're reading this message, then there's ONE Random Act of Kindness you can do RIGHT NOW to help change the world.
Donate a CUP of STABLE FOOD to the HUNGRY.
How?
By visiting http://www.thehungersite.com/
Now, I'm a big fan of this site. I routinely donate to their cause. They do a wonderful job.
And with every single click to help feed the hungry, advertisers collectively pay for 1.1 cups of food to be given to the hungry.
It's JUST ONE CLICK.
It's the SIMPLEST Random Act of Kindness so far.
Take part. Click the link and do some good.
Then send this post to a friend and let's feed the world :)
Labels: random acts of kindness Today's post is in memory of my loving dog, Billy.
In the early hours of this morning, we had to make the gut-wrenching decision to have Billy put to sleep.
Anyone reading this that has ever had a close tie with a dog or cat will know that every such animal has it's own unique personality and character traits.
Billy was the son of our late boxer dog, Sadie. Throughout the past 10-1/2 years, he's been probably the most loving dog we've ever owned. He was incredibly fun and highly sociable (with most!), extremely reliable and protectively loyal.
A real personality... A dog most people fell in love with, VERY quickly!
Every single day I'd go walking with Billy -- and I'm sure I'll be lost without that.
I won't go on about Billy's recent illness, but I would like to thank everyone who sent their kind thoughts, healing energy, and suggestions to help overcome the brain tumour that caused him pain.
I appreciate every single effort.
I'd like to end my post here, as today has been a little draining.
To finish, I'd like to quote the artist Renoir, who said:
And finally, artist Renoir who said:
"The pain passes, but the beauty remains."
In thanks for the blessings of Billy... x
Labels: ramblings I've had a few USA bods get in touch yesterday about the Friday Factoid.
"I had NO IDEA that England wasn't the UK. What's the difference?!?"
Well, allow me to explain.
The UK is the short version of the "United Kingdom," which is the short version of the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland."
The UK consists of four countries: England; Wales; Scotland; and Northern Ireland.
In other words, all of the red bits on this map:
(Image courtesy David Liuzzo.)
Now, the biggest red island on that picture is called Great Britain. Yes, Great Britain is the name of the island itself, not the name of a country.
Great Britain is split into three parts: England, which covers most of it; Scotland, which is situated at the top, the "head" of the UK; and Wales, which is off in the west "hip."
London is the capital of England, which is in the south. Cardiff is the capital of Wales, and Edinburgh (pronounced "Ed-in-brer") is the capital of Scotland.
I live in the right "shoulder" - the north east - of the UK, in Durham.
Now, the small red blob off to the left of the big red blob is Northern Ireland, which is of course part of Ireland itself. And if you take the whole of the UK and Southern Ireland, you get what we call the British Isles.
Trust me: It's simpler than it sounds.
There are no physical barriers or tolls between the countries, and everyone can travel between the countries freely. Yes, Wales does have its own language, but most people speak English too.
And the accents across the countries are diverse. England has everything from James Bond to The Full Monty. When you think of Scotland, think Billy Connolly. And when you think of Wales, think Tom Jones, minus the Californian tint.
And so there we have it...
The difference between England, the UK and Great Britain.
I'm sorry if this post has bored a few UK readers. But who knows... Maybe a couple of us have learned something too!
Have a GREAT Saturday! :) Labels: durham, factoids, ramblings If there's one mindset I particularly dislike, it's the APATHY mindset.
That's when someone believes that it's useless taking action, and they're unable to do anything. They're a victim of circumstance. They believe they don't have any control - and are being forced down the negative route life has planned for them.
Aye curumba!
I disagree with apathy (Sigh. What else can I do about it? ;)
I think that we always have the ability to help ourselves.
And so today, I'd like to share a rather relevant joke...
* * *
A flood takes over the valley and a man is forced to climb up his house, onto the roof. As the waters rise, a neighbour in a rowing boat appears and tells him to get in.
"No," replies the man on the roof. "God will save me!"
Then a firefighter stops by in a speedboat. "Climb in!" shouts the firefighter.
"No," replies the man on the roof. "God will save me!"
A helicopter flies by next, and the pilot shouts that he's about to lower a rope for the man to be rescued.
"No," replied the man on the roof. "God will save me!"
Eventually the man drowns and goes to Heaven, where he asks God why He hadn't helped him.
"I sent a neighbour, a firefighter, and helicopter," replies God. "What more do you want?"
* * *
It was Benjamin Franklin in 1736 that said "God helps those that help themselves."
I'm sure you're not stuck in a place of apathy.
So let me ask...
What dreams are YOU helping yourself achieve today?Labels: God, inspiration As many of you know, I live in the UK.
Unfortunately many of the Americans I speak to aren't aware that the UK is actually split into four countries: England; Scotland; Nothern Ireland; and, Wales.
But you should...
Because America was named after a Welshman!
No kidding.
There's a common misconception that the name "America" comes from Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian navigator that bunked with Christopher Columbus during his travels to discover the Carribean and South America.
Incorrect.
That guess was made by cartographer Martin Waldseemuller, in his authoratitive world map published in 1507. His wording is a little dodgy too... You can tell he's really just presuming.
The truth is that America was named after Richard Ameryk, a wealthy Bristol merchant.
He was the chief investor behind the second true transatlantic voyage, spearheaded by explorer John Cabot. Cabot was officially the first recorded European to step foot on American soil... Beating that Vespucci bloke by an easy two years.
Now, being the man that funded everything, Ameryk would expect to have new discoveries named after him.
And they did. A whole continent, in fact.
So it's to a Welsh business man that America owes its name.
If Vespucci had discovered it, it would likely be called Vespuccia.
Thank goodness for Richard Ameryk.
Richard Ameryk's signature.
He loves this blog, you know. Labels: factoids First things first...
I love you! :)  xxx
Yes, it's Valentines Day... and with everything thing that's happened recently, I almost missed it. Of course, I don't have a date tonight. I remain the eternal bachelor.However I do commiserate myself with humorous facts and figures... For example, according to Brain Candy, did you know that 15% of US women send flowers to themselves on Valentines day? And 3% of pet owners give their animals a gift, too! Hallmark sell over 1330 different Valentines day cards -- and during the three days surrounding Valentines, over 110 million roses are given in the States. Valentines day has history too...Alexander Graham Bell applied for his dodgy patent on the telephone on this day way back in 1876. In Victorian times, it was deemed bad luck to sign a Valentines card. And in Wales, wooden love spoons are traditionally given as symbols of affection. But I'd like to end my extra post today with a great little anonymous quote I picked up this morning..."I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon." Well said! :) See you tomorrow! Labels: ramblings I remember reading this special phrase some years ago.
I don't know who said it, but I've never forgotten the words.
"If you want to be extraordinary, you have to do things which are extra-ordinary."
Do YOU want to live an extraordinary life?
Or be an extraordinary person?
You can't do it within your current comfort zone. Otherwise you'd already be there. Remember, if you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten.
Sometimes we all need that little push - to discover the extraordinary within us.
And so, today, try doing that extra special something. Push the boat out. Send off that e-mail. Buy that jacket. Dare something worthy. Let this blog post be your inspiration.
Remember, we only ever live in the Now.
How's your Now shaping up?
* * *
(PS. Billy is doing just fine so far. He spent much of yesterday asleep and was much brighter today. I'm now officially a Brain Tumour Expert, and I have more eBay concoctions arriving by the minute. They may work. They may not. But I'll never tell myself off for trying.)Labels: inspiration, quotes Okay, just enough time to sneak in another snapshot before I dash!
Here's Billy and Jack having a snooze together just a couple of days ago. (This was, thankfully, one of Billy's quieter moments.)
Remember to send those healthy, healing wishes!
And if you're missing my usual dose of inspirational whatnots, quotations, and self-development stuff, then why not check out the archives?
Here are links to the most popular sections:
* inspiration
* self-development
* random acts of kindness
* quotes
* pictures
* films
* videos
* fun
* God
* factoids Thank you -- enjoy the day! :)Labels: blog stuff, pictures Today, I'm writing with thanks... And to ask for your healing thoughts.
You see, my dog isn't very well.
Billy Moore is my boxer dog, and last Thursday he was rushed into the PDSA in Gateshead with breathing trouble. On the Friday, he was taken to one of only two animal brain scanning clinics in the UK.
Three hours later, and 1100 GBP lighter, his diagnosis was official.
"He's got a brain tumour," said the vet. "I'd say one to three months."
If you're a "Dog Person," I imagine you can feel that pain.
As ever, the usual flurry of frantic Internet searching began. Pure desperation. Strange diets, bizarre potions, Ancient Indian herbal mixes.
Most of it, probably, not much good.
I also sent an e-mail to one of my friends, Rebecca Marina at www.celebrationhealing.com. I asked if she could recommend an animal healer at all.
Now Rebecca lives way over in Texas, but what did I have to lose?
Well, she did something I would've never expected.
She posted my e-mail to her entire list of perhaps 30,000 individuals. And since 8pm GMT on Sunday evening, I've been deluged by responses.
People offering advice. People offer support. People offering to send remote healing to Billy.
And to be honest... I've been overwhelmed, really. Overwhelmed by the Random Acts of Kindness that have been flowing my way from so many individuals.
I've taken up the suggestions too. I'm trying the Budwig diet for assisting cancer, which involves mixing cottage cheese and flaxseed oil -- and a few other potions, too. The EFT surrogate tapping is also greatly appreciated.
So today's post will hopefully serve two purposes.
Firstly, I'd really like to offer my heart-felt thanks to everyone who responded. I'm making sure that I take time out to reply to every single message.
And secondly, to ask whether you -- dear reader -- could send a few positive, healing wishes to Billy today. For his good health, and for the highest good.
Here he is... Billy Moore. He was born July 1st 1996 and lives in Durham, England...
The Roman philosopher Seneca said: "Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness."
No words truer.
Labels: pictures, quotes Every couple of weeks, I take an evening out to do something special for one local man.
His name is Geoff, and he lives with his dog Patch.
He's getting pretty old now, and has no family left. He lives in the Aged Miners Homes.
They're small homes. And let me tell you: They can be very, very lonely.
That's why at least once every fortnight I head to his home to keep Geoff company. We spend the evening playing chess - and Countdown.
(Incidentally, I think Des O'Connor is doing a wonderful job so far. No-one can ever replace the late Richard Whiteley. But whoever chose Des Lynam as a temporary replacement needs sacking!)
Outside our regular meet, I ensure I keep in touch with Geoff... With gifts of gingerbread men, text message jokes, and regular telephone calls.
Geoff says I've changed his life.
I'm not sure how true that is... But I know that all I've done is shared a little kindness, appreciation and LOVE... And I've seen that "random act" really alter Geoff's outlook.
And so, today's Random Act of Kindness is to make someone feel special.
Go visit a lonely neighbour and take them a practical gift. Send flowers to your mother for no reason whatsoever. Call someone you haven't spoke to in a year... Just to say "Hi!"
If you're unsure of what to do... Think of the OLDEST person you know. They're almost always forgotten, or given less attention than most.
Now... Visit them.
I'm betting it'll initially mean more to them than you realize. And when you discover what an impact you've made, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.
So get going... And make someone feel SPECIAL today! :)
Karl, Geoff and Patch
Labels: random acts of kindness This blog is usually about inspiration. Today it acts as a warning. To never buy a Tom Tom.Now, a Tom Tom is one of those GPS navigation devices that guides you through the road system to your ultimate destination. As some of you know, I visited Richmond over the weekend to attend a course with Mecthild Ruggier. Unfortunately, my Tom Tom wasn't too keen on the visit. Despite having been recently sent in for repair, to Holland no less, it absolutely failed to figure out where I was for the first two hours of my journey. Then it kept telling me "Turn left in 80 yards" for no apparent reason. Currently it thinks I'm lost in Germany and is providing sensible advice... "Turn around when possible."Useless piece of electronic junk. Next time I'm getting a Navman. Anyway... On a slightly more upbeat note... I appear to have stumbled across a TOP SECRET UK project. It appears some sort of fanatic is building a modern-day Jurassic Park within the shores of Blighty.
I managed to snap this evidence while driving down the M1 last Friday.
Ahhh. It'll all end in tears.
I've seen the film! Labels: films, fun, pictures |
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