Gifts That Will Change Your Life
Posted by Michelle Moquin on December 6th, 2008
Good morning!
I am so excited this morning to be able to share with you some of my favorite books that I feel would be great to give as gifts to your friends and family. I know that most of you are probably on a budget these days so a book is always a nice little gesture without having to break the bank. I have read most of these, and the ones that I haven’t are on my list.
The Power of Now – By Eckhart Tolle: I read this book so many years ago, and then it had a profound affect on me. For those of you having a hard time just ‘being in the moment’ because you are living ‘in the past’ or the ‘future’, this might be a little gem in helping you ‘keep present’ and ‘live in the now’. It worked for me – well…at least most of the time :) And if this book doesn’t take you there I recommend Eckkhart’s CD: Realizing The Power Of Now. If the power of his voice doesn’t get you present then nothing will!
A New Earth – By Eckhart Tolle: After mastering ‘living in the now’ (Yeah right! :), now it’s time to ‘awaken to your life’s purpose’ by putting the ego aside – I know….easier said than done. You have heard me rant and rave about this book for months and I still cannot say enough about it. It is my bible and my traveling companion. My final words: JUST GET THIS BOOK. :) Oh…and if you want daily inspirations to give you that extra boost in the morning or any time of day, I recommend A New Earth Inspiration Deck: ‘These powerful quotations will free you from the confines of the ego and help you experience your true essence as well as the true essence of the world.‘
The Seat Of The Soul – By Gary Zukav: Again, a book that had a huge impact on me when I read it at least 10 years ago….or at least it feels that long ago. I have one thing to say about this book from the writer: “If you are not aware of your intentions, the strongest one will live.” Hmm…Makes you want to be aware and present realizing just exactly what your intentions are, doesn’t it? I think I need to read this book again.
The Time Paradox: The New Psychology of Time That Will Change Your Life by Philip Zimbardo: I heard about this book the other day on NPR and I went straight home to check it out. I took the Zimbardo Time Perspective Survey on his website and I have to say the results were quite enlightening. Are you living in the past? Concerned about the future? Or living a hedonistic life? See where you are by taking the survey, graft out your results and see how you compare to the norm and the ideal. If you are like me and love taking little quizzes that give you a visual to work from to improve your life, you will enjoy this one. Hint: This is on my little Holiday list. :)
And lastly…
Simple Abundance Journal of Gratitude by Sarah Ban Breathnach: Okay, I thought that I came up with the idea of writing down 5 things that I am grateful for daily in a journal. I guess Sarah beat me to it. Well, at least I know someone is making some money off of a simple, wonderful idea and most importantly spreading the word about how powerful a ‘gratitude journal’ can be. I have mentioned quite a few times about my own ‘gratitude journal’ and how it has enhanced my life. Sarah’s journal is beautifully decorated and sprinkled with wonderful inspirational quotes. A perfect gift for yourself too – we could all remind ourselves daily just how blessed we truly are. And in the state that our economy is currently, we should all be counting our blessings. Now you have no excuse.
If you would like to buy any of these, click on any book and you will be taken to Amazon.com.
Oh…And if you noticed I did add a little music to the side column. I have just discovered the singer Sheila Chandra, whose voice is soo melodic and hypnotic. I was on the Chiro table Wednesday getting adjusted when her music came on and transported me. Click to play and experience her sensuous voice that I have come to love. And if you like it, you can buy a song or two or the entire album. I’ll be adding more of my favorite picks in the next day or so. Enjoy!
So..that’s it. My gift picks for the Holidays. It won’t break your bank account but I am sure it will have a lasting impression on whomever you gift these to….including yourself.
Enjoy this beautiful Saturday!
Gratefully your blog host,
michelle
Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor
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December 6th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Better Balance, Fewer Falls
Erik Peper, PhD
San Francisco State University’s Institute for Holistic Healing Studies
Falls are a primary cause of injury, especially as we get older. Reduce the risk of falling — and the bone fractures that can result — with exercises that improve balance, strength and coordination. Before starting an exercise program, check with your doctor.
Strengthen core muscles (in the abdomen and low back).
Equipment: Inflatable exercise ball, about $20 at sporting-goods stores.
To start: Holding on to a counter or other stable object, sit on the ball, feet flat on the floor. Rock gently side to side, then forward and back. Continue for one minute, and gradually increase to 10 minutes.
Advanced: Do the moves above while lifting one foot off the floor slightly and/or without holding on to anything.
Improve awareness and sensitivity.
Helpful habit: To heighten the sensitivity of your feet, walk barefoot as often as possible — in your home or over a safe but slightly uneven surface, such as a lawn, beach or plastic simulated pebble mat.
Do anywhere: When you are walking, plan your path — step on each crack in the sidewalk or on alternating tiles of a linoleum floor. This trains you to notice obstacles in your path.
Build hip and leg strength.
To start: Sit in a chair and lift one knee as high as is comfortable, hold for a count of three, then lower. Do 10 lifts with each leg.
Intermediate: Stand and hold on to a counter with one or both hands. Bending your leg, lift one knee as high as is comfortable and hold for a count of 10. Repeat 10 times, then switch legs.
Advanced: Standing and holding on to a counter, lift your left knee above waist height, then lunge forward with the left foot in an exaggerated step. Both knees will be slightly bent as your foot lands. Repeat 10 times, then switch legs. When you master this move, do it without holding on.
Do anywhere: When walking, concentrate on pushing off with the big toe of the back foot. This improves the speed and coordination of your gait.
Gain confidence in movement.
To start: Placing both hands on a wall at shoulder level, step back until your arms are almost straight. Lean slightly toward the wall until you begin to lose your balance (to simulate the start of a fall), then quickly step forward with one foot to prevent falling. Keep your hands on the wall for added security.
Advanced: Stand farther away from the wall to increase the tipping angle, with hands raised to shoulder level but not touching the wall. Lean forward and step quickly, as above. If necessary, catch yourself by gently placing your hands on the wall.
Do anywhere: Incorporate physical activity into your routine as much as possible.
Examples: Climb stairs two at a time… carry a basket instead of using a cart when you shop.
interviewed Erik Peper, PhD, professor of holistic health and codirector of San Francisco State University’s Institute for Holistic Healing Studies. He also was lead author of an article on preventing falls, published in Biofeedback.