I recently discovered the website of the New Dimensions Foundation, http://www.newdimensions.org/, a social profit, public benefit, tax exempt, 501(c)(3) educational, organization supported by listeners. Its primary activity is the independent production of broadcast dialogues and other quality programs that explore creative solutions to urgent challenges facing humankind. Here's what they have to say about themselves:
"The purpose of New Dimensions Radio is to deliver life-affirming, socially and spiritually relevant information, practical knowledge and perennial wisdom through the voices and visions of those who are asking new questions and are looking at the world in positive and inspiring ways. It is through the exchange of ideas and information that we can be empowered and enabled to meet the future with greater energy and clarity."
"New Dimensions seeks out the most innovative and creative people on the planet, engages them in spontaneous, deep dialogues, and broadcasts these programs to a worldwide audience. Our programming presents a diversity of views from many traditions and cultures, and strives to provide listeners with an experience of what it means to be human on the planet in these times."
"New Dimensions fosters the process of living a more healthy life of mind, body and spirit while deepening our connections to self, family, community, planet and the natural world."
Here's what David Whyte, one of my favorite poets, has to say about New Dimensions: "New Dimensions is a place where extraordinary and imaginative conversations occur. They are the kind of foundational conversations which are necessary where we have so many peripheral and often stressful involvements in the world. New Dimensions provides a sanctuary, a foundation, a deeper conversation that will inform, enable, and embolden you in many parts of your life."
If that sounds interesting, I encourage you to start listening today. You can sign up for free to listen to the Program of the Week. To gain access to over 500 streaming programs from the New Dimensions Archive costs $9.95 US per month. You can also search the database and download any program for $1.99. Enjoy.
Coaching Inquiries: What inspires you to connect with the goodness of life? Where do you go for extraordinary and imaginative conversations? How can you enrich your life and bolster your courage for making a transformational contribution? We invite you Email Us or to use our Contact Form to arrange for a complimentary coaching conversation with your own LifeTrek coach.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
The Last Lecture
By now most of you have probably heard about the Last Lecture delivered by professor Randy Pausch of Carnegie Mellon University on September 18, 2007. After almost 20 years in academia, as a computer scientist and human-computer interaction specialist, Pausch was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer shortly before his 44th birthday (in September of 2006). Eleven months later, in August of 2007, after pursuing a very aggressive cancer treatment, Pausch learned the cancer had metastasized to his liver and spleen and he was given about six months to live.
On September 18, 2007 he gave his "Last Lecture" at the University, which was filmed as a gift to his children. He wanted them to have something to remember him by, so he titled his Lecture "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams." Here was the text on the poster that advertised the Lecture:
"Almost all of us have childhood dreams; for example, being an astronaut, or making movies or video games for a living. Sadly, most people don’t achieve theirs, and I think that’s a shame. I had several specific childhood dreams, and I’ve actually achieved most of them. More importantly, I have found ways, in particular the creation (with Don Marinelli), of CMU’s Entertainment Technology Center (http://www.etc.cmu.edu) of helping many young people actually *achieve* their childhood dreams. This talk will discuss how I achieved my childhood dreams (being in zero gravity, designing theme park rides for Disney, and a few others), and will contain realistic advice on how *you* can live your life so that you can make your childhood dreams come true, too."
What started out as a gift to his children has become a worldwide phenomenon. More than 6 million people have viewed all or part of the lecture on line. He's been on numerous television programs, including Oprah Winfrey, Diane Sawyer, and Charles Gibson, he's testified before Congress, and his "Last Lecture" has just been published in book form. As for Pausch, he's still alive and kicking (albeit with great difficulty). You can keep an eye on his progress by visiting his homepage www.RandyPausch.com as well as his day-to-day update page.
If you haven't watched the Lecture yet, I encourage you to do so by visiting: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo. There's some good stuff there which can easily touch the heart.
Coaching Inquiries: What would you say in your "Last Lecture"? What is your legacy in the world? What have you learned about making dreams come true? How can you live so as to inspire others with hope? We invite you Email Us or to use our Contact Form to arrange for a complimentary coaching conversation with your own LifeTrek coach.
On September 18, 2007 he gave his "Last Lecture" at the University, which was filmed as a gift to his children. He wanted them to have something to remember him by, so he titled his Lecture "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams." Here was the text on the poster that advertised the Lecture:
"Almost all of us have childhood dreams; for example, being an astronaut, or making movies or video games for a living. Sadly, most people don’t achieve theirs, and I think that’s a shame. I had several specific childhood dreams, and I’ve actually achieved most of them. More importantly, I have found ways, in particular the creation (with Don Marinelli), of CMU’s Entertainment Technology Center (http://www.etc.cmu.edu) of helping many young people actually *achieve* their childhood dreams. This talk will discuss how I achieved my childhood dreams (being in zero gravity, designing theme park rides for Disney, and a few others), and will contain realistic advice on how *you* can live your life so that you can make your childhood dreams come true, too."
What started out as a gift to his children has become a worldwide phenomenon. More than 6 million people have viewed all or part of the lecture on line. He's been on numerous television programs, including Oprah Winfrey, Diane Sawyer, and Charles Gibson, he's testified before Congress, and his "Last Lecture" has just been published in book form. As for Pausch, he's still alive and kicking (albeit with great difficulty). You can keep an eye on his progress by visiting his homepage www.RandyPausch.com as well as his day-to-day update page.
If you haven't watched the Lecture yet, I encourage you to do so by visiting: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo. There's some good stuff there which can easily touch the heart.
Coaching Inquiries: What would you say in your "Last Lecture"? What is your legacy in the world? What have you learned about making dreams come true? How can you live so as to inspire others with hope? We invite you Email Us or to use our Contact Form to arrange for a complimentary coaching conversation with your own LifeTrek coach.
The Gratitude Dance
This week I received a note about a short, inspiring video on YouTube called the Gratitude Dance. It's fun to turn on the speakers, follow the directions, and actually do the dance. I know...I've already done it a few times in the past week alone! First for the directions from www.juniorattractors.com, then for the YouTube link:
"Have you heard about the gratitude dance? Everybody’s doing it! In our many Fun Facilitations and opportunities to speak in front of big crowds we install the importance of having an Attitude of Gratitude and receive full participation from the audience.
Instead of focusing on what is missing in your life, focus on the many great things you already have that you can be grateful for. Many teenagers have shared with us how different they feel in an instant when they go from focusing on what they don’t have or don’t like in their life, to focusing on what they are grateful for, the abundance. There is abundance everywhere, and it’s appreciating the smaller things in life that will help you attract bigger things later.
At times when your present situation seems bad, choose to focus on what you are truly grateful for and watch the world around you change.
Follow this simple three step process to show your attitude of gratitude:
1. Write down everything that you are grateful for.
2. Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9z2ELaBVJY and turn on the video.
3. NOW, DO THE DANCE!!!"
Coaching Inquiries: What do you do to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and fun in your life? What's stopping you from writing down what you are grateful for right now, and doing the dance? Go for it.
"Have you heard about the gratitude dance? Everybody’s doing it! In our many Fun Facilitations and opportunities to speak in front of big crowds we install the importance of having an Attitude of Gratitude and receive full participation from the audience.
Instead of focusing on what is missing in your life, focus on the many great things you already have that you can be grateful for. Many teenagers have shared with us how different they feel in an instant when they go from focusing on what they don’t have or don’t like in their life, to focusing on what they are grateful for, the abundance. There is abundance everywhere, and it’s appreciating the smaller things in life that will help you attract bigger things later.
At times when your present situation seems bad, choose to focus on what you are truly grateful for and watch the world around you change.
Follow this simple three step process to show your attitude of gratitude:
1. Write down everything that you are grateful for.
2. Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9z2ELaBVJY and turn on the video.
3. NOW, DO THE DANCE!!!"
Coaching Inquiries: What do you do to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and fun in your life? What's stopping you from writing down what you are grateful for right now, and doing the dance? Go for it.
10 Google Tricks
This week I received a note containing ten amazing things you can do with Google. They remind me why Google remains my favorite search engine. For graphical illustrations and complete explanations, go to www.LifeHacker.com. Enjoy!
10. Get Local Time: Type in "What time is it" followed by any city to get the current time.
9. Track Flight Status: Enter the airline and flight number to find out the departure time and estimated arrival for any flight.
8. Convert Currency, Metrics, Bytes and More: Google has a built-in converter calculator. Enter a measure and a comparison (e.g., quarter cup in teaspoons, seconds in a year, 5 US dollars in Euros, and countless others) and it will convert.
7. Search for Pages That are “Better Than,” “Similar to,” or “Reminds me of”: Enter “better than keyword” or “similar to keyword” to find Web pages you never knew existed.
6. Use Google as a Free Proxy: Enter cache:website.com to view a Web page that’s been blocked from the computer you’re using.
5. Remove Affiliate Links From Product Searches: To avoid seeing search results from certain sites, enter –site:website.com.
4. Find Related Items: Enter ~ before any search term to find related items as well.
3. Find Music and Comic Books: Enter -inurl:(htmhtmlphp) intitle:"index of" +"last modified" +"parent directory" +description +size +(wmamp3) "Band or comic book name" to find music files and comic books.
2. See Images of People, Objects, Etc.: Type in a search term, and click on images to see photos of the results.
1. Search for Faces: If you’re looking for a photo of a person named Rose, and don’t want to see photos of the flower, add &imgtype=face to the end of your image search. It will show you only images of faces.
10. Get Local Time: Type in "What time is it" followed by any city to get the current time.
9. Track Flight Status: Enter the airline and flight number to find out the departure time and estimated arrival for any flight.
8. Convert Currency, Metrics, Bytes and More: Google has a built-in converter calculator. Enter a measure and a comparison (e.g., quarter cup in teaspoons, seconds in a year, 5 US dollars in Euros, and countless others) and it will convert.
7. Search for Pages That are “Better Than,” “Similar to,” or “Reminds me of”: Enter “better than keyword” or “similar to keyword” to find Web pages you never knew existed.
6. Use Google as a Free Proxy: Enter cache:website.com to view a Web page that’s been blocked from the computer you’re using.
5. Remove Affiliate Links From Product Searches: To avoid seeing search results from certain sites, enter –site:website.com.
4. Find Related Items: Enter ~ before any search term to find related items as well.
3. Find Music and Comic Books: Enter -inurl:(htmhtmlphp) intitle:"index of" +"last modified" +"parent directory" +description +size +(wmamp3) "Band or comic book name" to find music files and comic books.
2. See Images of People, Objects, Etc.: Type in a search term, and click on images to see photos of the results.
1. Search for Faces: If you’re looking for a photo of a person named Rose, and don’t want to see photos of the flower, add &imgtype=face to the end of your image search. It will show you only images of faces.
The Cure Within
You might enjoy this recent book by Anne Harrington, The Cure Within: A History of Mind-Body Medicine. Here's what David Takami had to say about the book in the Seattle Times:
"In 'The Cure Within,' Harvard history professor Anne Harrington sustains a pleasing equilibrium, mixing a little science and a big dose of history with an occasional Ripley's Believe It or Not factoid. In one astonishing example to illustrate 'the power of suggestion,' a man with cancerous orange-size tumors takes an experimental drug he believes will cure him, and his tumors quickly shrink even though the drug is later proved to be worthless. When he hears this news, he immediately relapses and soon dies."
"Harrington is at her best when charting the historical progression of ideas and public attitudes. It is fascinating to learn the connections between priestly exorcism and its secular successor, 'animal magnetism,' which produced similar convulsions in subjects. She moves nimbly on to Freud's use of hypnosis on his patients, the rise of psychosomatic medicine in the early 1930s, connecting physical ailments with emotional distress, Christian Science spiritual-healing practices, and the linking of Type A behavior with heart disease."
"The author's sources are varied, including academic studies and popular literature. In particular, she singles out Norman Vincent Peale's enormously influential book 'The Power of Positive Thinking' and a revolutionary article in the New England Journal of Medicine by political pundit Norman Cousins, who described the benefits of positive emotions on his own healing."
"The last two chapters bring us well into the present. Harrington shares compelling accounts of the healing power of love and intimacy for children and adults, and of meditation and Chinese natural medicines and practices. Her clear and clearheaded prose helps her avoid veering into the self-help ether that affects so many other books on similar topics."
"In 'The Cure Within,' Harvard history professor Anne Harrington sustains a pleasing equilibrium, mixing a little science and a big dose of history with an occasional Ripley's Believe It or Not factoid. In one astonishing example to illustrate 'the power of suggestion,' a man with cancerous orange-size tumors takes an experimental drug he believes will cure him, and his tumors quickly shrink even though the drug is later proved to be worthless. When he hears this news, he immediately relapses and soon dies."
"Harrington is at her best when charting the historical progression of ideas and public attitudes. It is fascinating to learn the connections between priestly exorcism and its secular successor, 'animal magnetism,' which produced similar convulsions in subjects. She moves nimbly on to Freud's use of hypnosis on his patients, the rise of psychosomatic medicine in the early 1930s, connecting physical ailments with emotional distress, Christian Science spiritual-healing practices, and the linking of Type A behavior with heart disease."
"The author's sources are varied, including academic studies and popular literature. In particular, she singles out Norman Vincent Peale's enormously influential book 'The Power of Positive Thinking' and a revolutionary article in the New England Journal of Medicine by political pundit Norman Cousins, who described the benefits of positive emotions on his own healing."
"The last two chapters bring us well into the present. Harrington shares compelling accounts of the healing power of love and intimacy for children and adults, and of meditation and Chinese natural medicines and practices. Her clear and clearheaded prose helps her avoid veering into the self-help ether that affects so many other books on similar topics."
Frinky Mind Science
Many of you may be aware of Malcom Gladwell's best-selling book from last year, Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking. Here is how Amazon describe the book:
"Blink is about the first two seconds of looking -- the decisive glance that knows in an instant. Gladwell, the best-selling author of The Tipping Point, campaigns for snap judgments and mind reading with a gift for translating research into splendid storytelling. Building his case with scenes from a marriage, heart attack triage, speed dating, choking on the golf course, selling cars, and military maneuvers, he persuades readers to think small and focus on the meaning of 'thin slices' of behavior. The key is to rely on our "adaptive unconscious" -- a 24/7 mental valet -- that provides us with instant and sophisticated information to warn of danger, read a stranger, or react to a new idea."
Now, new scientific research confirms that snap decisions are often better than considered ones precisely because the longer we take to make a decision the more emotions such as fear, regret, or embarrassment take over and cloud our otherwise clear judgment. That piece of a counter-intuitive wisdom comes from the research of Professor Baba Shiv at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
You read about Shiv's research and conclusions, and you can watch a series of video clips, by going to the Stanford GSB Website. Given how people have come elevate emotions and emotional intelligence as essential to decision making, it's no wonder that he calls the opposite conclusion -- well established across years of research -- "Frinky Mind Science." He got that word from his 7-year-old son, as he tried to name a course that focused on the abnormal ways of the brain. "Frinky," Shiv concluded, captured the essence of those weird conclusions. I encourage you to check it out and read more on your own.
Coaching Inquiries: How long does it take you to make important decisions? How and why do you talk yourself out of certain decisions? What would it take to trust your gut more and to move forward without fear, regret, or embarrassment? Who could assist you to strengthen your willingness to make decisions in the Blink of an eye? We invite you Email Us or to use our Contact Form to arrange for a complimentary coaching conversation with your own LifeTrek coach.
"Blink is about the first two seconds of looking -- the decisive glance that knows in an instant. Gladwell, the best-selling author of The Tipping Point, campaigns for snap judgments and mind reading with a gift for translating research into splendid storytelling. Building his case with scenes from a marriage, heart attack triage, speed dating, choking on the golf course, selling cars, and military maneuvers, he persuades readers to think small and focus on the meaning of 'thin slices' of behavior. The key is to rely on our "adaptive unconscious" -- a 24/7 mental valet -- that provides us with instant and sophisticated information to warn of danger, read a stranger, or react to a new idea."
Now, new scientific research confirms that snap decisions are often better than considered ones precisely because the longer we take to make a decision the more emotions such as fear, regret, or embarrassment take over and cloud our otherwise clear judgment. That piece of a counter-intuitive wisdom comes from the research of Professor Baba Shiv at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
You read about Shiv's research and conclusions, and you can watch a series of video clips, by going to the Stanford GSB Website. Given how people have come elevate emotions and emotional intelligence as essential to decision making, it's no wonder that he calls the opposite conclusion -- well established across years of research -- "Frinky Mind Science." He got that word from his 7-year-old son, as he tried to name a course that focused on the abnormal ways of the brain. "Frinky," Shiv concluded, captured the essence of those weird conclusions. I encourage you to check it out and read more on your own.
Coaching Inquiries: How long does it take you to make important decisions? How and why do you talk yourself out of certain decisions? What would it take to trust your gut more and to move forward without fear, regret, or embarrassment? Who could assist you to strengthen your willingness to make decisions in the Blink of an eye? We invite you Email Us or to use our Contact Form to arrange for a complimentary coaching conversation with your own LifeTrek coach.
Love & Forgiveness
Those of you who stayed with me through my long series on optimal wellness will remember that we developed an Optimal Wellness Prototype with three components: the Input side of the equation included all the things worth eating and drinking, the Output side of the equation included all kinds of workouts and rest stops, while the Throughput side of the equation included our reason for being healthy and well in the first place: benevolence. We recognized benevolence -- the disposition to care for others -- as the "so what" behind the "what" of nutrition and fitness.
To that end, I was pleased to learn recently about The Campaign for Love and Forgiveness, an effort sponsored by The Fetzer Institute of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Here is what The Campaign say of their history and mission in the world:
"Launched in 2006, the Campaign for Love & Forgiveness uses PBS documentaries, community activities, online resources, and networking opportunities to encourage reflection and conversation about how love and forgiveness can effect meaningful change in individuals and society. Through community conversations, the campaign aims to create a meaningful national dialogue that will bring about positive changes for individuals, their relationships, and their communities."
I encourage you to visit their site, to watch the film clips, to read their blog, and to submit your own story of love and forgiveness. "Kumbayah" has become a favorite target for politicians and columnists as evidence of unrealistic idealism. Before we throw out the baby with the bathwater, however, I would encourage us to remember the importance of having a dream. To paraphrase Margaret Mead, we should never underestimate the power of dreams to change the world.
I, for one, prefer to believe in love and forgiveness. What about you?
Coaching Inquiries: To whom could you extend love and forgiveness? Why not write them a note, give them a call, or get together with them right now? What's stopping you from making a benevolent difference? We invite you Email Us or to use our Contact Form to arrange for a complimentary coaching conversation with your own LifeTrek coach.
To that end, I was pleased to learn recently about The Campaign for Love and Forgiveness, an effort sponsored by The Fetzer Institute of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Here is what The Campaign say of their history and mission in the world:
"Launched in 2006, the Campaign for Love & Forgiveness uses PBS documentaries, community activities, online resources, and networking opportunities to encourage reflection and conversation about how love and forgiveness can effect meaningful change in individuals and society. Through community conversations, the campaign aims to create a meaningful national dialogue that will bring about positive changes for individuals, their relationships, and their communities."
I encourage you to visit their site, to watch the film clips, to read their blog, and to submit your own story of love and forgiveness. "Kumbayah" has become a favorite target for politicians and columnists as evidence of unrealistic idealism. Before we throw out the baby with the bathwater, however, I would encourage us to remember the importance of having a dream. To paraphrase Margaret Mead, we should never underestimate the power of dreams to change the world.
I, for one, prefer to believe in love and forgiveness. What about you?
Coaching Inquiries: To whom could you extend love and forgiveness? Why not write them a note, give them a call, or get together with them right now? What's stopping you from making a benevolent difference? We invite you Email Us or to use our Contact Form to arrange for a complimentary coaching conversation with your own LifeTrek coach.
Brain Rules
Many readers were captivated by last week's Web reference, to the presentation of Jill Bolte Taylor at this year's TED conference in Monterey, California. The 19-minute presentation, My Stroke of Insight, shares her reflections as a neuoranatomist on a massive stroke that she suffered back in 1996. It includes a robust discussion of brain function and of the potential for integration between two kinds of consciousness: the deep, world-soul consciousness of our right brain and the solid, individual-actor consciousness of our left-brain. If you missed it last week, here's the link again: www.ted.com/talks/view/id/229.
Given the interest in how the brain works and what that means for daily life, I thought I would include another new resource in the field. Brain Rules is a book, film, and web project developed by John Medina, a developmental molecular biologist focused on the genes involved in human brain development and the genetics of psychiatric disorders. He is particularly concerned to mine what scientists are learning about the brain and applying it to specific fields of human endeavor. Many do not realize, for example, that physical activity is not just good for the body. It's also important to get your brain working at its best.
Here are the 12 Brain Rules discussed by Medina in his book:
• Rule #1: Exercise boosts brain power.
• Rule #2: The human brain evolved, too.
• Rule #3: Every brain is wired differently.
• Rule #4: We don't pay attention to boring things.
• Rule #5: Repeat to remember.
• Rule #6: Remember to repeat.
• Rule #7: Sleep well, think well.
• Rule #8: Stressed brains don't learn the same way.
• Rule #9: Stimulate more of the senses.
• Rule #10: Vision trumps all other senses.
• Rule #11: Male and female brains are different.
• Rule #12: We are powerful and natural explorers.
To learn more, I would encourage you to visit the website (www.brainrules.net) and to purchase the book. Enjoy!
Coaching Inquiries: Which of the brain rules do you take to heart and practice on a daily basis? Which ones would you like to exercise more? Who could assist you to make it so? We invite you Email Us or to use our Contact Form to arrange for a complimentary coaching conversation with your own LifeTrek coach.
Given the interest in how the brain works and what that means for daily life, I thought I would include another new resource in the field. Brain Rules is a book, film, and web project developed by John Medina, a developmental molecular biologist focused on the genes involved in human brain development and the genetics of psychiatric disorders. He is particularly concerned to mine what scientists are learning about the brain and applying it to specific fields of human endeavor. Many do not realize, for example, that physical activity is not just good for the body. It's also important to get your brain working at its best.
Here are the 12 Brain Rules discussed by Medina in his book:
• Rule #1: Exercise boosts brain power.
• Rule #2: The human brain evolved, too.
• Rule #3: Every brain is wired differently.
• Rule #4: We don't pay attention to boring things.
• Rule #5: Repeat to remember.
• Rule #6: Remember to repeat.
• Rule #7: Sleep well, think well.
• Rule #8: Stressed brains don't learn the same way.
• Rule #9: Stimulate more of the senses.
• Rule #10: Vision trumps all other senses.
• Rule #11: Male and female brains are different.
• Rule #12: We are powerful and natural explorers.
To learn more, I would encourage you to visit the website (www.brainrules.net) and to purchase the book. Enjoy!
Coaching Inquiries: Which of the brain rules do you take to heart and practice on a daily basis? Which ones would you like to exercise more? Who could assist you to make it so? We invite you Email Us or to use our Contact Form to arrange for a complimentary coaching conversation with your own LifeTrek coach.
The Power of TED
Perhaps you have heard about the annual TED Conference which has taken place since 1984 in Monterey, California. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design and it has evolved into one of the more stirring and provocative gatherings on the planet. The 2006 TED Conference was featured in the video The Future We Will Create: Inside the World of TED which can be purchased or rented as a DVD. I encourage you to see it, if you have not done so already.
What started as an annual conference has grown into a website, www.ted.com, and a whole lot more. Their passionate commitment to "the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives, and ultimately the world" has led TED to make 200 of their best talks available for online viewing. They also give three annual TED prizes, in the amount of $100,000 each, in order to assist their best ideas to become "collaborative initiatives with far-reaching impact."
Given that many people around the world are, today, celebrating the improbable idea that life can come from death, that community can come from rejection, and that even a single individual can change the world, it would seem appropriate to celebrate this Easter with those who still seek to change the world against unlikely odds.
A long-time reader of LifeTrek Provisions recommended the 19-minute video of neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor, titled My Stroke of Insight, which was just posted from last month's conference. After studying the brain to understand and help others, including her brother who suffered from schizophrenia, Dr. Taylor had "an opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: one morning, she realized she was having a massive stroke. As it happened -- as she felt her brain functions slip away one by one, speech, movement, understanding -- she studied and remembered every moment. This is a powerful story about how our brains define us and connect us to the world and to one another."
Having watched it now myself, I recommend it highly as yet one more way to celebrate Easter: www.ted.com/talks/view/id/229. May your day be filled with inspiration and hope. Enjoy.
Coaching Inquiries: When was the last time that your brain was stimulated with new ideas that moved you to action? What things are you most passionately interested in and committed to? How could this day be a time of renewal and recommitment for life? Who could assist you to make it so? We invite you Email Us or to use our Contact Form to arrange for a complimentary coaching conversation with your own LifeTrek coach.
What started as an annual conference has grown into a website, www.ted.com, and a whole lot more. Their passionate commitment to "the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives, and ultimately the world" has led TED to make 200 of their best talks available for online viewing. They also give three annual TED prizes, in the amount of $100,000 each, in order to assist their best ideas to become "collaborative initiatives with far-reaching impact."
Given that many people around the world are, today, celebrating the improbable idea that life can come from death, that community can come from rejection, and that even a single individual can change the world, it would seem appropriate to celebrate this Easter with those who still seek to change the world against unlikely odds.
A long-time reader of LifeTrek Provisions recommended the 19-minute video of neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor, titled My Stroke of Insight, which was just posted from last month's conference. After studying the brain to understand and help others, including her brother who suffered from schizophrenia, Dr. Taylor had "an opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: one morning, she realized she was having a massive stroke. As it happened -- as she felt her brain functions slip away one by one, speech, movement, understanding -- she studied and remembered every moment. This is a powerful story about how our brains define us and connect us to the world and to one another."
Having watched it now myself, I recommend it highly as yet one more way to celebrate Easter: www.ted.com/talks/view/id/229. May your day be filled with inspiration and hope. Enjoy.
Coaching Inquiries: When was the last time that your brain was stimulated with new ideas that moved you to action? What things are you most passionately interested in and committed to? How could this day be a time of renewal and recommitment for life? Who could assist you to make it so? We invite you Email Us or to use our Contact Form to arrange for a complimentary coaching conversation with your own LifeTrek coach.
The Lemon In Your Drink
I don't want to gross you out or anything but a recent study published in the Journal of Environmental Health indicates that lemon slices, and probably other condiments, handled by restaurant workers contain a goodly amount of infectious, microbial bacteria. Their conclusion:
"Although lemons have known antimicrobial properties, the results of our study indicate that a wide variety of microorganisms may survive on the flesh and the rind of a sliced lemon. Restaurant patrons should be aware that lemon slices added to beverages may include potentially pathogenic microbes. Further investigations could determine the source of these microorganisms, establish the actual threat (if any) posed by their presence on the rim of a beverage, and develop possible means for preventing the contamination of the lemons. It could also be worthwhile to study contamination on other beverage garnishes, such as olives, limes, celery, and cherries, and to investigate whether alcoholic beverages have an effect not seen with water and soda."
You can watch a report on the study by going to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeye8wnBJoU
There is probably no reason to think that the human body cannot handle these microbial bacteria, unless the immune system is otherwise compromised. Be sure, then, to keep your immune system strong by following the LifeTrek Optimal Wellness Prototype. Eating right, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and relaxation, and taking certain supplements will make sure that you stay healthy and well.
Coaching Inquiries: When was the last time that you had a restaurant lemon floating in your water? What steps do you want to take to strengthen your immune system? Who could you talk with to sort out your options? We invite you Email Us or to use our Contact Form to arrange for a complimentary coaching conversation. Perhaps we can be part of the equation.
"Although lemons have known antimicrobial properties, the results of our study indicate that a wide variety of microorganisms may survive on the flesh and the rind of a sliced lemon. Restaurant patrons should be aware that lemon slices added to beverages may include potentially pathogenic microbes. Further investigations could determine the source of these microorganisms, establish the actual threat (if any) posed by their presence on the rim of a beverage, and develop possible means for preventing the contamination of the lemons. It could also be worthwhile to study contamination on other beverage garnishes, such as olives, limes, celery, and cherries, and to investigate whether alcoholic beverages have an effect not seen with water and soda."
You can watch a report on the study by going to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeye8wnBJoU
There is probably no reason to think that the human body cannot handle these microbial bacteria, unless the immune system is otherwise compromised. Be sure, then, to keep your immune system strong by following the LifeTrek Optimal Wellness Prototype. Eating right, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and relaxation, and taking certain supplements will make sure that you stay healthy and well.
Coaching Inquiries: When was the last time that you had a restaurant lemon floating in your water? What steps do you want to take to strengthen your immune system? Who could you talk with to sort out your options? We invite you Email Us or to use our Contact Form to arrange for a complimentary coaching conversation. Perhaps we can be part of the equation.
Wellness Coaching
Many of you know that I teach and write curriculum for a coach training program called Wellcoaches. The curriculum writing will turn into a published book, tentatively called a Coaching Psychology Manual, by this time next year. That's part of why I am taking this break from writing new Provisions -- to finish that and several other book projects (all of which are moving forward, so I'm excited).
This past week the New York Times featured a story on wellness coaching. Here are a few, slightly-edited paragraphs from the reporter's story:
"Clients, coaches and fitness professionals all said that educated and well-trained wellness coaches can make a real difference. 'A coach is somebody who can use behavior-modification techniques effectively,' Dr. Walter Thompson said. 'Some personal trainers can do that, but most can’t.'
Rather than viewing wellness coaches as adversaries, trainers are succumbing to the coaching phenomenon. 'We’re seeing some trainers looking to expand their reach by going into wellness coaching,' said Cedric Bryant, the chief science officer at the American Council on Exercise. 'It could be a complementary matchup,' Dr. Bryant said. While wellness coaches are expected to be knowledgeable about fitness, their main function is more psychological. It's all about setting goals and following through.
It even worked for me. I was surprised to report to my wellness coach that the week since our session had gone well. My wife and I had actually cooked together each night, and I had not only picked up a yoga schedule, but made it to a few classes.
This is the effectiveness of wellness coaching -- helping a client take goals from the abstract to small, achievable tasks. But considering the price, I wondered if I might have achieved the same changes with a list of goals on a notepad and stepped-up resolve. On the other hand, I hadn’t taken action on my goals until a coach made me accountable. That made all the difference."
You can read the whole story by going to the Fashion & Style Section.
Coaching Inquiries: What goals do you have that you are not acting upon? Who could support and challenge you to get going and follow through? What's stopping you from giving Wellcoaches or LifeTrek a call?
This past week the New York Times featured a story on wellness coaching. Here are a few, slightly-edited paragraphs from the reporter's story:
"Clients, coaches and fitness professionals all said that educated and well-trained wellness coaches can make a real difference. 'A coach is somebody who can use behavior-modification techniques effectively,' Dr. Walter Thompson said. 'Some personal trainers can do that, but most can’t.'
Rather than viewing wellness coaches as adversaries, trainers are succumbing to the coaching phenomenon. 'We’re seeing some trainers looking to expand their reach by going into wellness coaching,' said Cedric Bryant, the chief science officer at the American Council on Exercise. 'It could be a complementary matchup,' Dr. Bryant said. While wellness coaches are expected to be knowledgeable about fitness, their main function is more psychological. It's all about setting goals and following through.
It even worked for me. I was surprised to report to my wellness coach that the week since our session had gone well. My wife and I had actually cooked together each night, and I had not only picked up a yoga schedule, but made it to a few classes.
This is the effectiveness of wellness coaching -- helping a client take goals from the abstract to small, achievable tasks. But considering the price, I wondered if I might have achieved the same changes with a list of goals on a notepad and stepped-up resolve. On the other hand, I hadn’t taken action on my goals until a coach made me accountable. That made all the difference."
You can read the whole story by going to the Fashion & Style Section.
Coaching Inquiries: What goals do you have that you are not acting upon? Who could support and challenge you to get going and follow through? What's stopping you from giving Wellcoaches or LifeTrek a call?
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