I was going to start this month’s newsletter by commenting on how Spring has Sprung  etc.. …… when I remembered our readers in Australia and New Zealand for whom this is the start of Autumn. 

So instead, I switched my thoughts to how everything these days seems to be speeding up.   I’m sure you’ve heard the expression “instant Karma”…..well, I had a personal example of this the other day.

After reading about integrity whilst having a quick cappuccino, and inwardly nodding to myself how important this was in life, I got into my car which was parked in a very small private car park and as I was carefully reversing, I heard a small thud which told me that I had just made impact with a parked car (blind spot in the car…nothing to do with my reversing…honest!)

I pulled forward, got out, had a brief look at the other car, which looked fine and drove home.  It was only then that I looked at the back of my car and saw the damage.  It not only had a dent but had cracked the bumper.  I immediately set about finding the driver of the other car because I thought that there must have been damage which I just hadn’t seen. 

It was all sorted very quickly and smoothly as the car turned out to belong to someone I knew.  Interestingly, someone had witnessed the “incident” and thinking that I had just driven off, had left a note on her car with my registration number!

So one minute I’m reading about integrity and the next, I get my very own personal test……instant Karma or what!   Has anything like that happened to you?  If so, I’d love to hear about it.

Feature:  Count your Blessings

American motivational speaker, Anthony Robbins says “Live every day with an attitude of gratitude”.  A great idea but how many people really apply it?   On a Monday morning, how many people do you hear saying “Wow, another week at work, isn’t that great?”   Not that many.  But what about the people who can’t get jobs…..they’d give their right arm to be going to work on Monday morning?
 
The weather is another source of negativity, especially here in the UK.  Yes, I know it isn’t sunny that often, but when we do get some decent weather, the first thing you’re likely to hear is “It’s too hot for me”.   But what about the people who live in almost permanent drought conditions and have to walk miles just to get a bucket full of water (which probably isn’t that clean)?

Do you remember how people used to say “Grace” before a meal?   If you’re a younger reader, you might never have experienced this at all because it’s generally considered to be outdated and un-necessary.  It also has religious connections which puts a lot of people off …..but actually when you think about it……what a great way to remember for just a moment how lucky you are to have the food at all.  In parts of the world people are dying of starvation and in others they are starting to die from obesity related conditions because they eat so much food ….for which they probably never stop and give thanks.

“More, bigger, better” seems to be the focus in large parts of society today with the belief being that with a new car, house, job, pay rise etc….will come Happiness!    Wrong.  It might help in the short term but very quickly the satisfaction fades and the cycle of desire starts all over again.  It seems that a lot of people live their lives as though their cup is half empty rather than half full - they see the negative rather than the positive.

That attitude is one that leads to an impoverished life. Not necessarily a life without money but one without heart where everything seems contracted and narrow rather than expansive and bright.  

This way of thinking is often shaped by our early experiences but the more aware we can become of this, the more likelihood we have of changing our approach to life and creating something more positive, uplifting and fulfilling.   So I’ll finish this feature by inviting you to count your blessings and “live every day with an attitude of gratitude”

Ask yourself this:

How often do you stop and consider all the good things in your life?

How often do you really acknowledge and appreciate the important people in your life?

Are you a pessimist or an optimist?  (Trust your first instinctive answer!)

Because we like them……

We decided that each month we would include a few links to other sites, either because we know the people concerned and think they are great or we were inspired by the site and wanted to share it with you. By the way, these are not affiliate links and no money is received for including them.

www.tut.com
TUT stands for Totally Unique Thoughts and this links takes you straight to the page to sign up to get your daily, inspiring TUT.  I really look forward to mine.  They describe themselves as “a philosophical club for the adventure of life”

www.sonarupa.co.uk
Beautiful instrumental and devotional music for Mind, Body and Soul

www.moneysavingexpert.com/tips
This is a great website that focuses on the very best ways to save money on everything.  Martin Lewis is a journalist, television presenter and weekly column writer for the UK Guardian newspaper.

Really useful information….

A Stroke – simple test to see if someone has had a stroke

A stroke occurs when oxygen fails to reach some part of the brain. Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify.  Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim will (WILL!) suffer brain damage if people nearby fail to recognise the symptoms of a stroke, and take action. Now doctors say a bystander can recognise a stroke by asking the victim three simple questions:

*Ask the individual to SMILE.
*Ask them to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
*Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE coherently (e.g. "It is sunny out today.")

If they have trouble with ANY of these tasks, call the emergency services immediately and describe the symptoms.
 
After discovering that a group of non-medical volunteers could identify facial weakness / arm weakness / and speech problems, researchers now urge the general public to learn the three questions. They presented their conclusions at an annual meeting of the American Stroke Association and widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke, and prevent brain damage.

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Akasha's spoken word CD "Bliss Out -serious relaxation"

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www.empoweringpartnership.com/personal/bliss-out.aspx

SHAMELESS PROMOTION…..because we’re so passionate about inspiring and empowering your life!

    ********DIARY NOTE FOR FORTHCOMING WORKSHOPS *******

GROUP PROCESS, 13-14th MAY 2006.  LONDON.NW8

THE BLISS OF BEING

(Residential) from evening of 16th - 18th June 2006 at the beautiful Farncombe Estate on the edge of the Cotswolds. Enter the power of the present moment, discover real joy and bliss and learn how to stay connected amidst the pressures of everyday life!

Meantime, to see details of our life changing programmes and other services, visit our new look website on www.empoweringpartnership.com.

Until May, John and I wish you an inspired and empowered month.

Akasha

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