Physical exercise complemented by a healthy diet may still leave you bereft of a truly fit body if you dont relax enough. Relaxation releases 'feel good' hormones in our body. They help us reduce free radical effect, which means it slows down the ageing process, reducing the PMS syndrome, speeds up recovery of post-operative healing, increases our lung power... the list is endless.
Result shows that just 15 minutes of daily relaxation can aid in the complete avoidance of blood pressure tablets. No amount of exercising and dieting alone can ensure that. Diet and exercise reduce stress levels, but they cannot wholly account for our emotional thought patterns. And thse negative emotions that are mainly accountable for many psychosomatic diseases.
Evidently, pumping iron till your arms ache and dieting diligently will be futile minus relaxation. Relaxation is a must in our daily life. It alone can strengthen our immune system. Right from gardening to playing chess to practising simple mental exercises, anything can be relaxing. The choice and onus both lie with the person.
Research studies have documented positive changes in the blood flow, neurochemistry as well as neurophysiology of the brain when one is relaxed. The blood flow to the brain is increased to those regions of the brain that are associated with feelings of being calm. So, to ensure the complete health quotient, one needs relaxation as much as one needs physical exercise and a proper diet.
TOP TEN RELAXATION TIPS
1. Do what you love daily, like listening to your favorite music.
2. Devote time to a hobby.
3. Look at some old photographs of an occasion that was full of fun.
4. Be with nature any time of the day.
5. Establish contact with old friends.
6. In the afternoon, take a 20-minute nap.
7. Sit on a chair with your feet touching the floor and your back upright. Focus on anything or any sound for three minutes.
8. Once back from office, as you step into your home, just sit for 10-15 minutes doing nothing. You may switch on the television or listen to some music if you so prefer.
9. Breathe deeply while listening to your favorite music.
10. Press under the big toe and the arch of your foot.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Tips on Improving Memory
Most of us express dissatisfaction with our memory, especially when we want to recall some detail and we can't. Some examples are, an address or a telephone number, the time of a meeting, somebody's name, etc. Even people who I think have an excellent memory, complain that they forget things. In their case, perhaps their mind refuses to be cluttered with a detail which doesn't seem important to them at the time. Later, for some reason, they want to contact that person, and they can't recall the name or other details of that person.
Memory works like a bank. You can get to it, only if you put it there. If you didn't deposit it, you can't collect it when you need it.
A lot of people insist, "My memory is terrible, or "I can't remember anything." In most of the cases, their memory is fine. The power to remember is certainly there. They just need to take the time to learn ways to "register" the events more clearly, so they can 'recall" them more successfully, later. In this article, I will briefly describe what we need to do to improve our memory and in later articles, I will write in more detail about them.
l. Positive expectation: Believe that you have a good memory. If you believe you have a poor memory and you can't remember anything, your mind will do everything to prove you right. It is better to think that your memory is basically good. When you learn better memory techniques, you will have a better memory. The reason that someone you know has a better memory is that he or she, knowingly or automatically, is using better memory techniques.
2. Interest and importance: Recall of a particular event or detail depends on the interest we take and the importance we assign to that detail or event, at the time when it is taking place. We remember so much more about people, places, and topics which fascinate us. When you are greatly interested in a subject, you pay close attention and your brain releases chemicals to form deeper "imprints" on the cells that store memory. Those can literally become "long lasting impressions. "
3. Pay attention: If you want to recall something, pay close attention to it at the time. The problem may not be memory, the problem may be one of attention. People who have a good memory, pay close attention to events as they happen. Also, you may well know that the level of interest and importance we assign to a person or an event, determines how much attention we are going to pay it at the particular time it is occurring.
4. Memory is an active process : The more active attention you pay, the more details you observe, the more you think, reason, and comprehend, the more associations you make of what you know with what you are trying to learn, the more you will retain and be able to recall, later on. Good memory is a state of the active mind.
5. A relaxed mind helps memory: Learn with a relaxed mind. Recall the learned material with a relaxed mind. Let's take as an example a situation where you misplace your car keys. If you get too agitated with yourself in trying to recall something, as is the case in this example, you are in for frustration. But, if you relax your mind, and calmly go through the events backward, you are more likely to remember where you left them.
6. Reduce anxiety : While mild anxiety can increase interest and attention, high anxiety can impair attention and concentration, and therefore, limit the recall of learned material. That is why, if we are too anxious during a test, we forget what we earlier knew very well. Actually, your memory is okay but anxiety is interfering with it. Management of test anxiety has helped many students in their test performance.
7. Monitor depression : Depression can impair the interest and joy in the events surroundings us. As a result, too little energy is left to recall anything. Some depressed persons become more anxious and depressed thinking, "I have lost my mind. " Once depression is treated, memory as a general rule, returns to the normal.
8. Use your favorite sensory channel : Some remember better what they see, "visual memory, " and some remember better what they hear, "auditory memory. " If you are someone who remembers better what you hear, then listen to a book on tape, rather than reading it. For other material, tape what you want to learn, and then listen to it for better recall.
Memory works like a bank. You can get to it, only if you put it there. If you didn't deposit it, you can't collect it when you need it.
A lot of people insist, "My memory is terrible, or "I can't remember anything." In most of the cases, their memory is fine. The power to remember is certainly there. They just need to take the time to learn ways to "register" the events more clearly, so they can 'recall" them more successfully, later. In this article, I will briefly describe what we need to do to improve our memory and in later articles, I will write in more detail about them.
l. Positive expectation: Believe that you have a good memory. If you believe you have a poor memory and you can't remember anything, your mind will do everything to prove you right. It is better to think that your memory is basically good. When you learn better memory techniques, you will have a better memory. The reason that someone you know has a better memory is that he or she, knowingly or automatically, is using better memory techniques.
2. Interest and importance: Recall of a particular event or detail depends on the interest we take and the importance we assign to that detail or event, at the time when it is taking place. We remember so much more about people, places, and topics which fascinate us. When you are greatly interested in a subject, you pay close attention and your brain releases chemicals to form deeper "imprints" on the cells that store memory. Those can literally become "long lasting impressions. "
3. Pay attention: If you want to recall something, pay close attention to it at the time. The problem may not be memory, the problem may be one of attention. People who have a good memory, pay close attention to events as they happen. Also, you may well know that the level of interest and importance we assign to a person or an event, determines how much attention we are going to pay it at the particular time it is occurring.
4. Memory is an active process : The more active attention you pay, the more details you observe, the more you think, reason, and comprehend, the more associations you make of what you know with what you are trying to learn, the more you will retain and be able to recall, later on. Good memory is a state of the active mind.
5. A relaxed mind helps memory: Learn with a relaxed mind. Recall the learned material with a relaxed mind. Let's take as an example a situation where you misplace your car keys. If you get too agitated with yourself in trying to recall something, as is the case in this example, you are in for frustration. But, if you relax your mind, and calmly go through the events backward, you are more likely to remember where you left them.
6. Reduce anxiety : While mild anxiety can increase interest and attention, high anxiety can impair attention and concentration, and therefore, limit the recall of learned material. That is why, if we are too anxious during a test, we forget what we earlier knew very well. Actually, your memory is okay but anxiety is interfering with it. Management of test anxiety has helped many students in their test performance.
7. Monitor depression : Depression can impair the interest and joy in the events surroundings us. As a result, too little energy is left to recall anything. Some depressed persons become more anxious and depressed thinking, "I have lost my mind. " Once depression is treated, memory as a general rule, returns to the normal.
8. Use your favorite sensory channel : Some remember better what they see, "visual memory, " and some remember better what they hear, "auditory memory. " If you are someone who remembers better what you hear, then listen to a book on tape, rather than reading it. For other material, tape what you want to learn, and then listen to it for better recall.
How to Increase IQ
You can increase your IQ (intelligence quotient) in the next ten minutes.
Throughout this site, there are many brain power exercises and techniques designed to help you long-term, but what if you need a quick brain fix right now? What if there is an important meeting coming up, or a crucial test, or just a chess game you don't want to lose? Can you really boost your IQ quickly? If what you want is results, and not an argument about the definition of intelligence, the answer is absolutely yes.Try some of the following.
Breath To Increase IQ:
Breath deep. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve the functioning of your brain immediately. By breathing deeply we relax and put more oxygen in the blood (therefore in the brain), both of which help. Relaxation has been proven to improve brain function. Low oxygen levels in the blood have been shown to decrease it. Since most of us are in the habit of breathing too shallowly, this is a quick way to increase IQ. By the way, if you breath through your nose, you are more likely to breath deeply.
Meditating also helps, primarily because of the deep breathing aspect. The state of mind achieved through a simple breath-watching meditation allows true relaxation, and is conducive to creative problem solving. Just close your eyes and breath through your nose, deeply at first, then in whatever way is comfortable. As thoughts arise, dismiss them and return your attention to your breath. Do this for at least a few minutes.
Move Your Body To Increase IQ:
Sit up straight, and close your mouth. Good posture affects our state of mind, and helps us to think more clearly. Try an experiment to prove this to yourself. Do math problems in your head; first while slouching, with your mouth open; then while sitting up straight with your lips together. You'll get the point.
Exercise a little. Physical activity-just enough to get the blood pumping-can "wake up" your brain enough to help you think better. Walking seems to work best, but any aerobic activity can help increase your IQ.
Sleep well. You knew this one, right? Just remember, the evidence shows us that the quality of sleep is very important, not just the quantity.
What You Eat Can Increase Or Decrease Your IQ:
Consume ginkgo biloba. Whether in capsules or tea or off a neighbors tree, ginkgo leaves have been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, helping memory and concentration. The effect is quick, and doesn't seem to diminish with regular use.
Drink coffee. Everything from test scores on college exams to chess games have been shown to improve after a cup of coffee or other drink containing caffeine. It is a temporary effect, however, and caffeine may have adverse long-term effects for regular users.
Avoid Sugar. Actually any simple carbohydrates taken in large quantities can give you that sluggish feeling that makes it difficult to think. This is due to the insulin that is dumped into your veins after the sugar is. Don't eat white flour, sugar, potatoes, and other carbs before an important meeting, or anytime you need full use of your intelligence.
Throughout this site, there are many brain power exercises and techniques designed to help you long-term, but what if you need a quick brain fix right now? What if there is an important meeting coming up, or a crucial test, or just a chess game you don't want to lose? Can you really boost your IQ quickly? If what you want is results, and not an argument about the definition of intelligence, the answer is absolutely yes.Try some of the following.
Breath To Increase IQ:
Breath deep. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve the functioning of your brain immediately. By breathing deeply we relax and put more oxygen in the blood (therefore in the brain), both of which help. Relaxation has been proven to improve brain function. Low oxygen levels in the blood have been shown to decrease it. Since most of us are in the habit of breathing too shallowly, this is a quick way to increase IQ. By the way, if you breath through your nose, you are more likely to breath deeply.
Meditating also helps, primarily because of the deep breathing aspect. The state of mind achieved through a simple breath-watching meditation allows true relaxation, and is conducive to creative problem solving. Just close your eyes and breath through your nose, deeply at first, then in whatever way is comfortable. As thoughts arise, dismiss them and return your attention to your breath. Do this for at least a few minutes.
Move Your Body To Increase IQ:
Sit up straight, and close your mouth. Good posture affects our state of mind, and helps us to think more clearly. Try an experiment to prove this to yourself. Do math problems in your head; first while slouching, with your mouth open; then while sitting up straight with your lips together. You'll get the point.
Exercise a little. Physical activity-just enough to get the blood pumping-can "wake up" your brain enough to help you think better. Walking seems to work best, but any aerobic activity can help increase your IQ.
Sleep well. You knew this one, right? Just remember, the evidence shows us that the quality of sleep is very important, not just the quantity.
What You Eat Can Increase Or Decrease Your IQ:
Consume ginkgo biloba. Whether in capsules or tea or off a neighbors tree, ginkgo leaves have been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, helping memory and concentration. The effect is quick, and doesn't seem to diminish with regular use.
Drink coffee. Everything from test scores on college exams to chess games have been shown to improve after a cup of coffee or other drink containing caffeine. It is a temporary effect, however, and caffeine may have adverse long-term effects for regular users.
Avoid Sugar. Actually any simple carbohydrates taken in large quantities can give you that sluggish feeling that makes it difficult to think. This is due to the insulin that is dumped into your veins after the sugar is. Don't eat white flour, sugar, potatoes, and other carbs before an important meeting, or anytime you need full use of your intelligence.
Problem-Solving Techniques
Would you like a few good problem-solving techniques that will increase your brain power? Do you ever run out of good ideas, or go around in circles trying to come up with a solution for a simple problem? Find one or two of the problem-solving techniques below that you like, and get in the habit of using them.
Using Your Unconscious Mind:
Let your unconscious mind do your problem-solving, using one of several techniques. First, try outlining a problem in your mind before going to sleep, and telling your brain to go to work. Einstein had good luck with this technique, sometimes getting the "ah-ha" insight while shaving the next morning. Next, instruct your mind to keep working on the problem while you are doing other things. There is more than we know going on inside our heads. Finally, work on problems when you are in a drowsy state. This can result in more creative solutions.
Systematic Problem-Solving Techniques:
Challenge your assumptions. For example, if you aren't making enough money and you assume you need another job, ask "do I really need a better job?" Maybe you can get a raise, or you can make the job that you already have better. A business on the side might be another option. Don't let your assumptions limit your possible solutions.
Break big problems down into smaller ones. Buying a house is a big move that is really a bunch of small steps. This is true of many problems. Start by addressing all of the components of a problem individually, and it may not seem so overwhelming. This makes it easier to motivate yourself.
Ask three people for their opinions and/or advice. They may have good ideas, but in any case this helps you be sure that you are not overlooking anything obvious.
Write down the problem. Then find another way to express it and write that down. Continue with all the possible solutions and any ideas that come to mind. Write EVERYTHING, then come back to it later to pick the diamonds out of the dirt.
Change your perspective. Pretend you are very rich, very poor, a child, a visitor from another planet. How would you see the problem from this new perspective. Einstein imagined riding on a beam of light to come up with his theory of relativity, so this technique has been known to work.
More Problem-Solving Techniques
Here's a fun one. As you drive along in your car (or sit in your chair), randomly pick an object. Now ask what this object might teach you about your problem. If you are looking for a way to fire a bad employee, for example, a mailbox might make you think of writing him a letter (and a billboard might make you laugh). A tree might give you no ideas, and a skinny road worker might make you think, "maybe he is just in the wrong position, and he can do a good job elsewhere in the company."
If you use this problem-solving technique, you will have many silly ideas pop into your head. Don't be too dismissive of them, as they will sometimes trigger a thought that is more useful. This is a creative technique that you can use anywhere. It is also great for putting driving time to good use.
Using Your Unconscious Mind:
Let your unconscious mind do your problem-solving, using one of several techniques. First, try outlining a problem in your mind before going to sleep, and telling your brain to go to work. Einstein had good luck with this technique, sometimes getting the "ah-ha" insight while shaving the next morning. Next, instruct your mind to keep working on the problem while you are doing other things. There is more than we know going on inside our heads. Finally, work on problems when you are in a drowsy state. This can result in more creative solutions.
Systematic Problem-Solving Techniques:
Challenge your assumptions. For example, if you aren't making enough money and you assume you need another job, ask "do I really need a better job?" Maybe you can get a raise, or you can make the job that you already have better. A business on the side might be another option. Don't let your assumptions limit your possible solutions.
Break big problems down into smaller ones. Buying a house is a big move that is really a bunch of small steps. This is true of many problems. Start by addressing all of the components of a problem individually, and it may not seem so overwhelming. This makes it easier to motivate yourself.
Ask three people for their opinions and/or advice. They may have good ideas, but in any case this helps you be sure that you are not overlooking anything obvious.
Write down the problem. Then find another way to express it and write that down. Continue with all the possible solutions and any ideas that come to mind. Write EVERYTHING, then come back to it later to pick the diamonds out of the dirt.
Change your perspective. Pretend you are very rich, very poor, a child, a visitor from another planet. How would you see the problem from this new perspective. Einstein imagined riding on a beam of light to come up with his theory of relativity, so this technique has been known to work.
More Problem-Solving Techniques
Here's a fun one. As you drive along in your car (or sit in your chair), randomly pick an object. Now ask what this object might teach you about your problem. If you are looking for a way to fire a bad employee, for example, a mailbox might make you think of writing him a letter (and a billboard might make you laugh). A tree might give you no ideas, and a skinny road worker might make you think, "maybe he is just in the wrong position, and he can do a good job elsewhere in the company."
If you use this problem-solving technique, you will have many silly ideas pop into your head. Don't be too dismissive of them, as they will sometimes trigger a thought that is more useful. This is a creative technique that you can use anywhere. It is also great for putting driving time to good use.
Meditation
Meditating works. The benefits of meditation go beyond the pleasurable state of mind achieved during the process. This state of mind allows true relaxation, and it is conducive to creative problem solving. It gives you greater access to the subconscious parts of your mind, thus making real change in yourself a more practical goal.
Meditation and Stress:
One of the more obvious benefits of meditation is the reduction of stress. Imagine yourself rushing to the hospital to see a friend that just received head injuries in a car crash. The roads are icy, one of your headlights burns out, the traffic is crazy, and the knob on the radio breaks, leaving a half-tuned station blaring in your ears. Then you recall that you were trying to decide when to quit your job and which type of business to start. Are you ready to make the decision?
Obviously stress isn't conducive to good decision-making (or good living), but sometimes we forget this lesson and push our way through problems despite an overloaded mind. The scenario above isn't necessarily more extreme than what's going on inside our busy minds when nothing so obvious is happening externally. Our "monkey minds" may take us on a wild, noisy ride on icy roads with one headlight while we are just sitting there eating breakfast. One of the benefits of meditation is that it can tame those monkeys, lessening our stress level. Less stress means better decision-making and better living.
How To Meditate:
There are meditations for many purposes. The simplest and most quickly learned are the types that involve just relaxing and closing your eyes, while concentrating on your breath. There are many variations on this technique, but the important thing is to keep your attention on your breath. You also want to let go of your thoughts as much as possible, but you don't want to try too hard too push them away. Try the easy exercise outlined below.
A Simple Meditation Technique:
Sit or lay comfortably, and close your eyes. Starting with your toes,and working up to your head, become aware of each part of your body for a moment, and feel the tension leaving that part. Then bring your attention to your breath and begin watching it. Breath through your nose, deeply at first, but then in whatever way is most comfortable. As thoughts arise, dismiss them and return your attention to your breath. Again and again return your attention to your breath.When you are done, simply open your eyes and take a deep breath.
You may notice that things look different; "new" in some way that you can't explain. This is because in our normal busy-minded state, we see what we expect to see-our idea of what a tree is, for example, instead of just seeing the tree. When our thoughts have quieted, we just see what is there in front of us, without preconceived ideas. You may or may experience this at first, but in any case, you should feel more relaxed.
Meditation Tips:
To get the full benefits of meditation, your mind needs to quiet down. This is the biggest stumbling block for most. Be aware that your thoughts will most likely never leave you alone. Your "monkey mind" will continue to chatter away no matter what you try. So don't worry if you don't have "complete" success. You can probably move the mental noise more into the background, though, and reduce the volume. Try some of the following tips, and remember that different techniques work better (or worse) for different people.
Letting Thoughts Go: When thoughts or feelings arise during meditation, it helps some of us to name them. It is like writing something down so you can get it off your mind. Say to yourself "Pain in my leg," or "Old argument," or otherwise label whatever is distracting you. Then return your attention to your breath. If this doesn't help, just accept that your mind will rattle on, but repeatedly bring it back to your breathing anyhow.
Releasing tension: If the tension in your muscles persists when you are meditating, try tensing up each part of your body. Hold the tension for a few seconds, then let go, perhaps saying to yourself, "relax." Pay attention to the feeling of release. By doing this, you are basically training your body to relax on command. Another technique is to let a little tension drain from your body with each exhalation. You'll notice right away that it is easier to relax when breathing out, than when breathing in.
Length of meditation: Try to meditate for at least ten minutes to begin with, and work your way up to twenty minutes. Longer meditations are beneficial, if you have the time, but somewhere between 15 and 20 minutes seems to be useful to most people. Also, once you have trained your body to relax, and have gotten used to watching your breath, you can take two to three minute meditative breaks during the day, when you need to refresh your mind or relax.
Other Types Of Meditation:
There are more types of meditation than you could learn in a lifetime, and many of them are subtly different in the benefits they offer. Guided meditation may work better for those who have too much difficulty meditating on their own. Prayer can be a form of meditation. Meditation involving visualization can help change habits and possibly cure some illnesses. Practicing the Buddhist "meditation on the corpse" may change your outlook on life. Once you seen the benefits of meditation from the simple technique above, you may want to explore other forms.
Meditation and Stress:
One of the more obvious benefits of meditation is the reduction of stress. Imagine yourself rushing to the hospital to see a friend that just received head injuries in a car crash. The roads are icy, one of your headlights burns out, the traffic is crazy, and the knob on the radio breaks, leaving a half-tuned station blaring in your ears. Then you recall that you were trying to decide when to quit your job and which type of business to start. Are you ready to make the decision?
Obviously stress isn't conducive to good decision-making (or good living), but sometimes we forget this lesson and push our way through problems despite an overloaded mind. The scenario above isn't necessarily more extreme than what's going on inside our busy minds when nothing so obvious is happening externally. Our "monkey minds" may take us on a wild, noisy ride on icy roads with one headlight while we are just sitting there eating breakfast. One of the benefits of meditation is that it can tame those monkeys, lessening our stress level. Less stress means better decision-making and better living.
How To Meditate:
There are meditations for many purposes. The simplest and most quickly learned are the types that involve just relaxing and closing your eyes, while concentrating on your breath. There are many variations on this technique, but the important thing is to keep your attention on your breath. You also want to let go of your thoughts as much as possible, but you don't want to try too hard too push them away. Try the easy exercise outlined below.
A Simple Meditation Technique:
Sit or lay comfortably, and close your eyes. Starting with your toes,and working up to your head, become aware of each part of your body for a moment, and feel the tension leaving that part. Then bring your attention to your breath and begin watching it. Breath through your nose, deeply at first, but then in whatever way is most comfortable. As thoughts arise, dismiss them and return your attention to your breath. Again and again return your attention to your breath.When you are done, simply open your eyes and take a deep breath.
You may notice that things look different; "new" in some way that you can't explain. This is because in our normal busy-minded state, we see what we expect to see-our idea of what a tree is, for example, instead of just seeing the tree. When our thoughts have quieted, we just see what is there in front of us, without preconceived ideas. You may or may experience this at first, but in any case, you should feel more relaxed.
Meditation Tips:
To get the full benefits of meditation, your mind needs to quiet down. This is the biggest stumbling block for most. Be aware that your thoughts will most likely never leave you alone. Your "monkey mind" will continue to chatter away no matter what you try. So don't worry if you don't have "complete" success. You can probably move the mental noise more into the background, though, and reduce the volume. Try some of the following tips, and remember that different techniques work better (or worse) for different people.
Letting Thoughts Go: When thoughts or feelings arise during meditation, it helps some of us to name them. It is like writing something down so you can get it off your mind. Say to yourself "Pain in my leg," or "Old argument," or otherwise label whatever is distracting you. Then return your attention to your breath. If this doesn't help, just accept that your mind will rattle on, but repeatedly bring it back to your breathing anyhow.
Releasing tension: If the tension in your muscles persists when you are meditating, try tensing up each part of your body. Hold the tension for a few seconds, then let go, perhaps saying to yourself, "relax." Pay attention to the feeling of release. By doing this, you are basically training your body to relax on command. Another technique is to let a little tension drain from your body with each exhalation. You'll notice right away that it is easier to relax when breathing out, than when breathing in.
Length of meditation: Try to meditate for at least ten minutes to begin with, and work your way up to twenty minutes. Longer meditations are beneficial, if you have the time, but somewhere between 15 and 20 minutes seems to be useful to most people. Also, once you have trained your body to relax, and have gotten used to watching your breath, you can take two to three minute meditative breaks during the day, when you need to refresh your mind or relax.
Other Types Of Meditation:
There are more types of meditation than you could learn in a lifetime, and many of them are subtly different in the benefits they offer. Guided meditation may work better for those who have too much difficulty meditating on their own. Prayer can be a form of meditation. Meditation involving visualization can help change habits and possibly cure some illnesses. Practicing the Buddhist "meditation on the corpse" may change your outlook on life. Once you seen the benefits of meditation from the simple technique above, you may want to explore other forms.
Lateral Thinking Puzzles
One of the classic lateral thinking puzzles involves nine dots, as in the example above. The challenge is to connect them all in four straight lines, without lifting the pen or pencil from the page. When you figure this one out you will have a new appreciation for the expression "thinking outside of the box." Lateral thinking puzzles like this help you increase your brain power by getting you out of thinking "ruts." They habituate you to creative thought as a normal function of thinking and problem solving.
Problem Solving Games For Groups:
Some of the best problem-solving games can be played as a group. These are especially good for long trips in a car. For example, have someone look out the window and choose an object at random. Then everyone in the car can try to come up with the best way to make money with it. A street sign becomes a place to advertise, and trees are to be sold door-to-door. A truck can be used in a hundred ways to make money, but look for the best new way for the sake of the game. (A traveling grocery store?).
Other problem-solving games for a group involve using a specific creative thinking technique, such as "concept combination." This involves taking two concepts or objects and combining them in some novel way. As a group game, the point is just to see who has the best idea. What can you come up with from the combination of a chair and a microwave? Perhaps an easy-chair that has a cooler and microwave and television built in. Or microwaveable "couch potatoes" ; a potato snack in the shape of a couch.
Try the "change of perspective" technique as a problem-solving game. Take a topic ranging from morality to having a job. Who can come up with the most unique (and perhaps coherent) new perspective? Could there be a world where there were no jobs? What would morality be to a virus if it had consciousness?
More Lateral Thinking Puzzles:
Some lateral-thinking puzzles involve a scenario, real or imagined, and a selection of materials to be used to accomplish something. Imagine a ping-pong ball in the bottom of an iron pipe that is set in cement. The pipe sticks up two-feet, perfectly vertical, and is less than a millimeter larger inside than the ball. If you have only a box of frosted-flakes, and a piece of plastic (6'x6'), how many ways can you think of to get the ball out of the pipe? Of course, if you set this up for real, you'll know for certain if a proposed solution will work, but either way it is a good mental exercise.
Problem Solving Games For Groups:
Some of the best problem-solving games can be played as a group. These are especially good for long trips in a car. For example, have someone look out the window and choose an object at random. Then everyone in the car can try to come up with the best way to make money with it. A street sign becomes a place to advertise, and trees are to be sold door-to-door. A truck can be used in a hundred ways to make money, but look for the best new way for the sake of the game. (A traveling grocery store?).
Other problem-solving games for a group involve using a specific creative thinking technique, such as "concept combination." This involves taking two concepts or objects and combining them in some novel way. As a group game, the point is just to see who has the best idea. What can you come up with from the combination of a chair and a microwave? Perhaps an easy-chair that has a cooler and microwave and television built in. Or microwaveable "couch potatoes" ; a potato snack in the shape of a couch.
Try the "change of perspective" technique as a problem-solving game. Take a topic ranging from morality to having a job. Who can come up with the most unique (and perhaps coherent) new perspective? Could there be a world where there were no jobs? What would morality be to a virus if it had consciousness?
More Lateral Thinking Puzzles:
Some lateral-thinking puzzles involve a scenario, real or imagined, and a selection of materials to be used to accomplish something. Imagine a ping-pong ball in the bottom of an iron pipe that is set in cement. The pipe sticks up two-feet, perfectly vertical, and is less than a millimeter larger inside than the ball. If you have only a box of frosted-flakes, and a piece of plastic (6'x6'), how many ways can you think of to get the ball out of the pipe? Of course, if you set this up for real, you'll know for certain if a proposed solution will work, but either way it is a good mental exercise.
Quick Memory Exercises And Techniques
Memory exercises increase brain power because in your conscious mind you can only work with what you can remember. Intelligence without memory is like a builder without tools. What could he build?
The simplest memory exercise is to start telling yourself to remember. If you just learned a person's name, for example, tell yourself, "remember that". This signals the unconscious mind to rank this input higher in importance.
Other good memory exercises involve telling yourself why you want to remember something, and how you will remember it. If you just learned a person's name, think about how that person will be important to you in the future, where you are likely to see them next, and anything you notice about them. Clearly seeing the importance of remembering will motivate the brain to retain the name, and the additional associations in the brain (where you expect to see the person next, for example) fix the name even more firmly in your memory.
Mnemonic Techniques:
Memory exercises and techniques involving "peg words" and other mnemonic devices work well if you master them. They really do! Scores of books have been written on the subject. But do you want to study and master a mnemonic technique? Honestly, most of us don't want to take the time and effort to do so. The good news is that not all memory techniques are that complicated or time-consuming.
One memory technique you can learn and use right now starts with a walk around the house. Pick ten locations or permanent objects in your home or office. Memorize these in some logical order (this is the hardest part). Now when you want to remember a list of things, associate each item on the list with with one of your ten locations or objects. Do this with mental imagery and even sounds, always in a ridiculous way. When you need to consult your list, you'll simply walk around your home in your mind, and you will "see" the items on the list.
Make the images very vivid and this technique rarely fails. It was used two thousand years ago by Roman orators who would "place" parts of their speech in locations along a garden path, then mentally walk the garden "picking up" the topics as they gave the speech. I use this one a lot, when I can remember to, and it always works.
An example: My own place-list is a window in the kitchen, the microwave oven, the sink, the stove, the refrigerator, the front door, the television and so on. Now, I can't normally remember a list of three things by the time I get to the grocery store. If, however, I imagine wads of toilet paper hitting the window, dish soap boiling in the microwave, cucumbers dancing in the sink, potato chips burning on the stove, and the refrigerator full of magazines, I can even wait until the next day to go shopping. With a quick mental walk through the house, I'll recall that I need toilet paper, dish soap, cucumbers, potato chips, and a magazine. Try it.
The simplest memory exercise is to start telling yourself to remember. If you just learned a person's name, for example, tell yourself, "remember that". This signals the unconscious mind to rank this input higher in importance.
Other good memory exercises involve telling yourself why you want to remember something, and how you will remember it. If you just learned a person's name, think about how that person will be important to you in the future, where you are likely to see them next, and anything you notice about them. Clearly seeing the importance of remembering will motivate the brain to retain the name, and the additional associations in the brain (where you expect to see the person next, for example) fix the name even more firmly in your memory.
Mnemonic Techniques:
Memory exercises and techniques involving "peg words" and other mnemonic devices work well if you master them. They really do! Scores of books have been written on the subject. But do you want to study and master a mnemonic technique? Honestly, most of us don't want to take the time and effort to do so. The good news is that not all memory techniques are that complicated or time-consuming.
One memory technique you can learn and use right now starts with a walk around the house. Pick ten locations or permanent objects in your home or office. Memorize these in some logical order (this is the hardest part). Now when you want to remember a list of things, associate each item on the list with with one of your ten locations or objects. Do this with mental imagery and even sounds, always in a ridiculous way. When you need to consult your list, you'll simply walk around your home in your mind, and you will "see" the items on the list.
Make the images very vivid and this technique rarely fails. It was used two thousand years ago by Roman orators who would "place" parts of their speech in locations along a garden path, then mentally walk the garden "picking up" the topics as they gave the speech. I use this one a lot, when I can remember to, and it always works.
An example: My own place-list is a window in the kitchen, the microwave oven, the sink, the stove, the refrigerator, the front door, the television and so on. Now, I can't normally remember a list of three things by the time I get to the grocery store. If, however, I imagine wads of toilet paper hitting the window, dish soap boiling in the microwave, cucumbers dancing in the sink, potato chips burning on the stove, and the refrigerator full of magazines, I can even wait until the next day to go shopping. With a quick mental walk through the house, I'll recall that I need toilet paper, dish soap, cucumbers, potato chips, and a magazine. Try it.
Quick Brain Exercises
Want some simple brain exercises for a quick "tune up?" The brain, like a muscle, gets stronger with use, particularly if it is used in certain ways. These exercises are designed to take very little of your time.
Learning Exercises The Brain:
Learn something new. Pick up a magazine on dogs, for example, while you are waiting for the dentist. Scan the articles and relate what you learn to what you already know. If you are a builder you may discover how the home requirements of dog owners are different from others. You might expand your knowledge, but the purpose of this brain exercise is to train yourself to automatically look for connections between things. This helps you think more creatively. It also helps your memory, because having more connections makes it easier to recall things.
A good way to learn something new, and at the same time use your driving time efficiently, is to listen to audio books. You can find books on tape or compact disc at many public libraries. You can also access a wide selection of titles, both fiction and non-fiction, at several online suppliers.
Sing To Solve Problems:
When you are alone in your car, try singing about something you are working on. This taps into and exercises your right brain. Have you ever noticed how it is easier to rhyme when you sing than when you just speak or write? This is because the right brain is better at pattern recognition. By doing this brain exercise regularly you can train yourself to tap into the power of the right brain. This will make you a more effective problem-solver. If you doubt the distinction between the hemispheres of the brain, look at how stutterers can stop stuttering as soon as they start singing. Try it.
More Brain Exercises:
Here's a brain exercise you can use to help you concentrate better. You simply pay attention to what is going on in your head, and you resolve any little "mind irritations" you find there. If you feel stressed, there is a reason. Perhaps you never figured out where that book was that you were looking for this morning, and it has been quietly bothering you all day, just below consciousness. If you can become aware of all these stressors, small and large, and deal with them, you will feel more relaxed and have greater concentration and brain power in general.
Dealing with them doesn't mean you can resolve all these issues now. You can, however, do something with them so you can let them go for the moment. Write "find book" on your to-do list, and your mind will let go of the concern for now. Just bringing a problem to full consciousness and telling yourself something like, "There is nothing I can do about this until Friday," will often stop the unconscious worrying. After doing these brain exercises a few times, you'll find it becomes easier to recognize what is just below the surface, irritating you and sapping your brain power.
Try breathing deeply also. This shouldn't be classified with "brain exercises," but it can help. Get that oxygen into your blood, and into your brain. You can exercise your brain with hard riddles as well.
Learning Exercises The Brain:
Learn something new. Pick up a magazine on dogs, for example, while you are waiting for the dentist. Scan the articles and relate what you learn to what you already know. If you are a builder you may discover how the home requirements of dog owners are different from others. You might expand your knowledge, but the purpose of this brain exercise is to train yourself to automatically look for connections between things. This helps you think more creatively. It also helps your memory, because having more connections makes it easier to recall things.
A good way to learn something new, and at the same time use your driving time efficiently, is to listen to audio books. You can find books on tape or compact disc at many public libraries. You can also access a wide selection of titles, both fiction and non-fiction, at several online suppliers.
Sing To Solve Problems:
When you are alone in your car, try singing about something you are working on. This taps into and exercises your right brain. Have you ever noticed how it is easier to rhyme when you sing than when you just speak or write? This is because the right brain is better at pattern recognition. By doing this brain exercise regularly you can train yourself to tap into the power of the right brain. This will make you a more effective problem-solver. If you doubt the distinction between the hemispheres of the brain, look at how stutterers can stop stuttering as soon as they start singing. Try it.
More Brain Exercises:
Here's a brain exercise you can use to help you concentrate better. You simply pay attention to what is going on in your head, and you resolve any little "mind irritations" you find there. If you feel stressed, there is a reason. Perhaps you never figured out where that book was that you were looking for this morning, and it has been quietly bothering you all day, just below consciousness. If you can become aware of all these stressors, small and large, and deal with them, you will feel more relaxed and have greater concentration and brain power in general.
Dealing with them doesn't mean you can resolve all these issues now. You can, however, do something with them so you can let them go for the moment. Write "find book" on your to-do list, and your mind will let go of the concern for now. Just bringing a problem to full consciousness and telling yourself something like, "There is nothing I can do about this until Friday," will often stop the unconscious worrying. After doing these brain exercises a few times, you'll find it becomes easier to recognize what is just below the surface, irritating you and sapping your brain power.
Try breathing deeply also. This shouldn't be classified with "brain exercises," but it can help. Get that oxygen into your blood, and into your brain. You can exercise your brain with hard riddles as well.
Fight Hair Loss - Only When You Are Ready
You may be troubled by that thinning hair line. You may be alarmed by the number of hair you lose each day. You may be having a difficult time going out to spend your day with co-workers and friends because you are ashamed of how your hair looks like now. Trouble is, you are not that ready yet to fight your hair loss dilemma.
Seeking treatment for hair loss is not that easy. It is always assumed that you have a lot of questions in mind that you need answered. Plus, consider the fact that the remedy recommended for that problem of yours could only be given after you have been scrutinized by your hair specialist. That's why, I suggest you have to prepare yourself before you actually combat hair loss.
Preparing for Treatment
You see, my friend, you need not jump into a medication just because you want to take things the easy way. It might be convenient at first but in the long run, there is a greater tendency that you are led to the wrong path. You know what I mean, right? Here are some tips you need to help you settle for the best hair loss treatment yet:
· Consult your doctor. When you see your crowning glory wearing and tearing apart, it is about time you seek professional help. It is best to do this from the time you actually noticed that change. Don't wait for the situation to worsen.
· Discuss the symptoms and causes. Once you get into your physician's clinic, explain the symptoms associated with your hair loss problem. You may start by informing him how much hair you've lost for the past days. In the process, you will be able to track the real cause of your predicament.
· Prepare for diagnosis. Your health care provider will surely help you out with this. You need not worry as he will recommend several laboratory tests necessary for you to undergo and evaluate your condition. These series of exams are known to help you with the following courses of action you need to take.
· Have the results evaluated. The entire process is just like taking school examinations. You have to take the tests before you get the result. In fighting hair loss, you are bound to have the results checked in order for you and your doctor to discuss the treatments you may undergo. Your physician's prescription will depend from these results.
· Listen to your doctor's recommendation. The start of the treatment now enters the scenario. Your doctor may either give you oral medication in the form of supplements or he may suggest that you have hair transplantation surgery.
Knowing these five steps by heart is far better than jumping immediately into the tub. There is no known easy step in any body condition, not even for hair loss. You have to always be keen and wise enough before making your decisions for fighting hair loss.
Seeking treatment for hair loss is not that easy. It is always assumed that you have a lot of questions in mind that you need answered. Plus, consider the fact that the remedy recommended for that problem of yours could only be given after you have been scrutinized by your hair specialist. That's why, I suggest you have to prepare yourself before you actually combat hair loss.
Preparing for Treatment
You see, my friend, you need not jump into a medication just because you want to take things the easy way. It might be convenient at first but in the long run, there is a greater tendency that you are led to the wrong path. You know what I mean, right? Here are some tips you need to help you settle for the best hair loss treatment yet:
· Consult your doctor. When you see your crowning glory wearing and tearing apart, it is about time you seek professional help. It is best to do this from the time you actually noticed that change. Don't wait for the situation to worsen.
· Discuss the symptoms and causes. Once you get into your physician's clinic, explain the symptoms associated with your hair loss problem. You may start by informing him how much hair you've lost for the past days. In the process, you will be able to track the real cause of your predicament.
· Prepare for diagnosis. Your health care provider will surely help you out with this. You need not worry as he will recommend several laboratory tests necessary for you to undergo and evaluate your condition. These series of exams are known to help you with the following courses of action you need to take.
· Have the results evaluated. The entire process is just like taking school examinations. You have to take the tests before you get the result. In fighting hair loss, you are bound to have the results checked in order for you and your doctor to discuss the treatments you may undergo. Your physician's prescription will depend from these results.
· Listen to your doctor's recommendation. The start of the treatment now enters the scenario. Your doctor may either give you oral medication in the form of supplements or he may suggest that you have hair transplantation surgery.
Knowing these five steps by heart is far better than jumping immediately into the tub. There is no known easy step in any body condition, not even for hair loss. You have to always be keen and wise enough before making your decisions for fighting hair loss.
Here's the story of France with Pharaoh Ramesses (Firyon)
فـــــــــرعـون
This is the closest picture taken of Pharaoh
Ramesses II
Here's the story of France with Pharaoh Ramesses
When Francisco Mitra became the president of France in 1981
France requested from the Egyptian government to host the mummy of Pharaoh
For the purpose of running laboratory and archeological examinations on the mummy of the most notorious dictator ever lived on earth
Upon arrival, a very royal attendants were there including the French president himself and all ministers who bowed in honor for the mummy
When the ceremony ended, the mummy was carried to a specially-designed section at the Archeology Centre of France
Were it started to be tested by the greatest French archeological and anatomical scientists in order to discover more about such a great mummy
The scientists were headed by Professor Maurice Bucaille
Scientists were trying to restore the mummy while Professor Maurice was mainly concerned with how did this mummy die!
The final report of the scientists was released late at night which states that the remaining salt in the mummy is an overt evidence that it was drawn in the sea, and the body was rescued very shortly where it was immediately embalmed to be saved
An amazing thing was still confusing Professor Maurice is that how could this body possibly be safer than any other mummy despite being taken out of the sea up until this time
Professor Maurice was writing his final report on what he thought would be a new discovery about saving Pharaoh's body immediately after his death and embalming it
And there, someone whispered to him that Muslims claim to know something about the drowning of this mummy
Yet the Professor firmly denied such thing saying that it's impossible to discover this without the development of science and without using his high-tech and complicated laboratories and computers
To his surprise, he was told that Muslims believe in a book called "Quran" and this Quran narrates the story of Pharaoh's drowning and ensures the safety of his body after his death as to be a Sign to mankind. The Professor couldn't believe his own ears and started to wonder:
How can a book existed 1400 years ago speak about the mummy that was only found 200 years ago, in 1898??!!
How can that be possible while the ancient Egyptian heritage was discovered only a few decades ago and no one knew about it before??!!
The Professor sat down pondering on what he was told
about the book of Muslims while his Holy Book narrates only the drowning of Pharaoh without saying anything about his body
"Is it possible that this mummy in front of me is the one who was chasing Moses??!!"
"Is it possible that Muhammad knew this 1400 years ago??!!"
The Professor couldn't sleep that night till they brought him the Old Testament where he read: "the sea drowned Pharaoh and his army, no one else was left alive" He was surprised that the Holy Book didn't mention about the destiny of the body and that it will be saved
When the scientists were done with the mummy, France retuned it to Egypt, but Professor Maurice couldn't rest for a moment since he was told that Muslims know about the safety of the body. So, he decided to travel and meet anatomy Muslim scientists and there he spoke about his discovery of the safety of the mummy after its death in the sea and so on.
One of the Muslim scientists stood up and simply opened the Quran and pointed to the Professor at one verse:
"This day shall We save you in your body, that you may be a Sign to those who come after you! But verily, many among mankind are neglectful of Our Signs"
(Quran 10:92)
The Professor was struck when he read that and immediately stood in front of the crowd and said loudly: "I believe in Islam, I believe in Quran"
Then he went back to France with a different face he traveled with.
In France, he dedicated 10 years investigating the scientific discoveries and comparing them with the Quran and trying to come up with one scientific contradiction with the Quran. Finally he quoted one verse from the Quran to be his conclusion:
"No falsehood can approach it (this book) from before or behind it: it is sent down by One Full of Wisdom, Worthy of all praise"
(Quran 41:42)
As a result of all years of his research, Professor Maurice wrote a book that shook all Europe, especially the scientists there
"Quran, Torah, Bible and Science:
A Study of the Holy Books in the Light of Modern Science"
All copies were sold out at a very short time
I personally visited the Cairo Museum where the mummy is preserved and there you get astonished at the scenery of thousands of people from all over the world visiting the place everyday , unfortunately, many of the tourists there would think: "Woow, look at that! Amazing!! So nice to see people of all times!! Without realizing the intended lesson that Allah has kept this body a Sign to all mankind of anyone who denies Allah and His messengers.
In another chapter in the Quran:
"When Moses came to them with Our clear Signs, they said: This is nothing but sorcery faked up: never did we hear the like among our fathers of old!
Moses said: "My Lord knows best who it is that comes with guidance from Him and whose end will be best in the Hereafter: certain it is that the wrong-doers will not prosper.
"Pharaoh said: "O Chiefs! No god do I know for you but myself: therefore, O Haman! Light me a (kiln to bake bricks) out of clay, and build me a lofty palace, that I may mount up to the god of Moses: but as far as I am concerned, I think (Moses) is a lair!"
And he was arrogant and insolent in the land, beyond reason, - he and his hosts: they thought they would not have to return to Us!
So We seized his and his hosts, and We flung them into the sea: now behold what was the end of those who did wrong!
And We made them (but) leaders inviting to the Fire; and on the Day of Judgment no help shall they find.
In this world We made a curse to follow them: and on the Day of Judgment they will be among the loathed (and despised)."
(Quran 28: 36-42)
So now,
"Has not the time arrived for the Believers that their hearts in all humility should engage in the remembrance of Allah and the Truth which has been revealed to them, and that they should not become like those to whom was given Revelation aforetime, but long ages passed over them and their hearts grew hard? For many among them are rebellious transgressors.
Know you (all) that Allah gives life to the earth after its death! Already have We shown the Signs plainly to you, that you may learn wisdom.
For those who give in charity, men and women, and loan to Allah a Beatiful Loan, it shall be increased manifold (to their credits), and they shall have (besides) a liberal reward.
And those who believe in Allah and His messengers- they are the Sincere (lovers of Truth), and the Witnesses (who testify), in the eyes of their Lord: they shall have their Reward and their Light.
But those who reject Allah and deny Our Signs,- they are the companions of Hell-Fire "
Quran 57: 16-19
This is the closest picture taken of Pharaoh
Ramesses II
Here's the story of France with Pharaoh Ramesses
When Francisco Mitra became the president of France in 1981
France requested from the Egyptian government to host the mummy of Pharaoh
For the purpose of running laboratory and archeological examinations on the mummy of the most notorious dictator ever lived on earth
Upon arrival, a very royal attendants were there including the French president himself and all ministers who bowed in honor for the mummy
When the ceremony ended, the mummy was carried to a specially-designed section at the Archeology Centre of France
Were it started to be tested by the greatest French archeological and anatomical scientists in order to discover more about such a great mummy
The scientists were headed by Professor Maurice Bucaille
Scientists were trying to restore the mummy while Professor Maurice was mainly concerned with how did this mummy die!
The final report of the scientists was released late at night which states that the remaining salt in the mummy is an overt evidence that it was drawn in the sea, and the body was rescued very shortly where it was immediately embalmed to be saved
An amazing thing was still confusing Professor Maurice is that how could this body possibly be safer than any other mummy despite being taken out of the sea up until this time
Professor Maurice was writing his final report on what he thought would be a new discovery about saving Pharaoh's body immediately after his death and embalming it
And there, someone whispered to him that Muslims claim to know something about the drowning of this mummy
Yet the Professor firmly denied such thing saying that it's impossible to discover this without the development of science and without using his high-tech and complicated laboratories and computers
To his surprise, he was told that Muslims believe in a book called "Quran" and this Quran narrates the story of Pharaoh's drowning and ensures the safety of his body after his death as to be a Sign to mankind. The Professor couldn't believe his own ears and started to wonder:
How can a book existed 1400 years ago speak about the mummy that was only found 200 years ago, in 1898??!!
How can that be possible while the ancient Egyptian heritage was discovered only a few decades ago and no one knew about it before??!!
The Professor sat down pondering on what he was told
about the book of Muslims while his Holy Book narrates only the drowning of Pharaoh without saying anything about his body
"Is it possible that this mummy in front of me is the one who was chasing Moses??!!"
"Is it possible that Muhammad knew this 1400 years ago??!!"
The Professor couldn't sleep that night till they brought him the Old Testament where he read: "the sea drowned Pharaoh and his army, no one else was left alive" He was surprised that the Holy Book didn't mention about the destiny of the body and that it will be saved
When the scientists were done with the mummy, France retuned it to Egypt, but Professor Maurice couldn't rest for a moment since he was told that Muslims know about the safety of the body. So, he decided to travel and meet anatomy Muslim scientists and there he spoke about his discovery of the safety of the mummy after its death in the sea and so on.
One of the Muslim scientists stood up and simply opened the Quran and pointed to the Professor at one verse:
"This day shall We save you in your body, that you may be a Sign to those who come after you! But verily, many among mankind are neglectful of Our Signs"
(Quran 10:92)
The Professor was struck when he read that and immediately stood in front of the crowd and said loudly: "I believe in Islam, I believe in Quran"
Then he went back to France with a different face he traveled with.
In France, he dedicated 10 years investigating the scientific discoveries and comparing them with the Quran and trying to come up with one scientific contradiction with the Quran. Finally he quoted one verse from the Quran to be his conclusion:
"No falsehood can approach it (this book) from before or behind it: it is sent down by One Full of Wisdom, Worthy of all praise"
(Quran 41:42)
As a result of all years of his research, Professor Maurice wrote a book that shook all Europe, especially the scientists there
"Quran, Torah, Bible and Science:
A Study of the Holy Books in the Light of Modern Science"
All copies were sold out at a very short time
I personally visited the Cairo Museum where the mummy is preserved and there you get astonished at the scenery of thousands of people from all over the world visiting the place everyday , unfortunately, many of the tourists there would think: "Woow, look at that! Amazing!! So nice to see people of all times!! Without realizing the intended lesson that Allah has kept this body a Sign to all mankind of anyone who denies Allah and His messengers.
In another chapter in the Quran:
"When Moses came to them with Our clear Signs, they said: This is nothing but sorcery faked up: never did we hear the like among our fathers of old!
Moses said: "My Lord knows best who it is that comes with guidance from Him and whose end will be best in the Hereafter: certain it is that the wrong-doers will not prosper.
"Pharaoh said: "O Chiefs! No god do I know for you but myself: therefore, O Haman! Light me a (kiln to bake bricks) out of clay, and build me a lofty palace, that I may mount up to the god of Moses: but as far as I am concerned, I think (Moses) is a lair!"
And he was arrogant and insolent in the land, beyond reason, - he and his hosts: they thought they would not have to return to Us!
So We seized his and his hosts, and We flung them into the sea: now behold what was the end of those who did wrong!
And We made them (but) leaders inviting to the Fire; and on the Day of Judgment no help shall they find.
In this world We made a curse to follow them: and on the Day of Judgment they will be among the loathed (and despised)."
(Quran 28: 36-42)
So now,
"Has not the time arrived for the Believers that their hearts in all humility should engage in the remembrance of Allah and the Truth which has been revealed to them, and that they should not become like those to whom was given Revelation aforetime, but long ages passed over them and their hearts grew hard? For many among them are rebellious transgressors.
Know you (all) that Allah gives life to the earth after its death! Already have We shown the Signs plainly to you, that you may learn wisdom.
For those who give in charity, men and women, and loan to Allah a Beatiful Loan, it shall be increased manifold (to their credits), and they shall have (besides) a liberal reward.
And those who believe in Allah and His messengers- they are the Sincere (lovers of Truth), and the Witnesses (who testify), in the eyes of their Lord: they shall have their Reward and their Light.
But those who reject Allah and deny Our Signs,- they are the companions of Hell-Fire "
Quran 57: 16-19
NASA Confirms Sun Rise from the West (Signs of the Day of Judgement)
Nasa - Sunrise from the West
The science of astronomy states that the speed of planet Mars has been decreasing in its course toward the eastern direction in the past few weeks to the level we notice the "waver" between the east and the west..and on Wednesday the 30th of July the planet movement stopped going toward the eastern direction.. Then in the months of August and September... Mars changed its course in the opposite direction to the West- and that until the end of September..which means the sun will rise now from the west on Mars!! And this weird phenomena of the opposite movement called "Retrograde Motion" Most scientist state that all the planets will go through the same once at least and our planet Earth is one of them. Planet Earth will move in the opposite direction some day and the sun will rise from the west!!
This might occur soon and we are unaware! The rise of the sun from the west is mentioned in the hadith and this is the major sign of the day of judgment, most if not All, the minor signs have occurred. Wake up.
Our beloved messenger Mohamed (Peace Be Upon Him) said: "One of the signs of the hour..the sun will rise from the west, where no longer tauba(forgiveness) will be granted" !!And the strange thing..most of our Shariah scholars mentioned that the rise of the sun from the west occurs only once..on that day..the sun will rise from the west..then again from the east..and continues until Allah wishes..and this is similar to what is happening to Mars..it stops, then it changes its course of direction for a short period of time..then returns to way once it was.
And Abdullah Bin Amro (R.A.) said: (I memorized from the messenger (SAW) a hadith I will never forget..I heard the messenger of Allah (SAW) say: The first aya to come the rise of the sun from the west) [Ahmad] And the messenger SAW "Allah (SWT) places HIS hand at night to forgive his morning sinners, and places in the morning to forgive his night sinners until the sun rises from the west" [Muslim] This piece of news is very important as it brings with it a great sign of warning and remembrance of the coming of a new WORLD - the world of he Hereafter When we show this hadith that was told 1400 years ago about this miracle..you will see InshaALLAH, a lot will revert to right path...And the muslims if they see this phenomena happening in Mars..who knows maybe it would bring them closer to our CREATOR. May Allah (swt) keep all of us in the Right path and provide us with success in this world as well as in the hereafter
The science of astronomy states that the speed of planet Mars has been decreasing in its course toward the eastern direction in the past few weeks to the level we notice the "waver" between the east and the west..and on Wednesday the 30th of July the planet movement stopped going toward the eastern direction.. Then in the months of August and September... Mars changed its course in the opposite direction to the West- and that until the end of September..which means the sun will rise now from the west on Mars!! And this weird phenomena of the opposite movement called "Retrograde Motion" Most scientist state that all the planets will go through the same once at least and our planet Earth is one of them. Planet Earth will move in the opposite direction some day and the sun will rise from the west!!
This might occur soon and we are unaware! The rise of the sun from the west is mentioned in the hadith and this is the major sign of the day of judgment, most if not All, the minor signs have occurred. Wake up.
Our beloved messenger Mohamed (Peace Be Upon Him) said: "One of the signs of the hour..the sun will rise from the west, where no longer tauba(forgiveness) will be granted" !!And the strange thing..most of our Shariah scholars mentioned that the rise of the sun from the west occurs only once..on that day..the sun will rise from the west..then again from the east..and continues until Allah wishes..and this is similar to what is happening to Mars..it stops, then it changes its course of direction for a short period of time..then returns to way once it was.
And Abdullah Bin Amro (R.A.) said: (I memorized from the messenger (SAW) a hadith I will never forget..I heard the messenger of Allah (SAW) say: The first aya to come the rise of the sun from the west) [Ahmad] And the messenger SAW "Allah (SWT) places HIS hand at night to forgive his morning sinners, and places in the morning to forgive his night sinners until the sun rises from the west" [Muslim] This piece of news is very important as it brings with it a great sign of warning and remembrance of the coming of a new WORLD - the world of he Hereafter When we show this hadith that was told 1400 years ago about this miracle..you will see InshaALLAH, a lot will revert to right path...And the muslims if they see this phenomena happening in Mars..who knows maybe it would bring them closer to our CREATOR. May Allah (swt) keep all of us in the Right path and provide us with success in this world as well as in the hereafter
10 Deadly Sins of Negative Thinking
"The way to overcome negative thoughts and destructive emotions is to develop opposing, positive emotions that are stronger and more powerful.” - Dalai Lama
Life could be so much better for many people, if they would just spot their negative thinking habits and replace them with positive ones.
Negative thinking, in all its many-splendored forms, has a way of creeping into conversations and our thinking without our noticing them. The key to success, in my humble opinion, is learning to spot these thoughts and squash them like little bugs. Then replace them with positive ones. You’ll notice a huge difference in everything you do.
Let’s take a look at 10 common ways that negative thinking emerges — get good at spotting these patterns, and practice replacing them with positive thinking patterns. It has made all the difference in the world for me.
10 Deadly Sins of Negative Thinking
1. I will be happy once I have _____ (or once I earn X).
Problem: If you think you can’t be happy until you reach a certain point, or until you reach a certain income, or have a certain type of house or car or computer setup, you’ll never be happy. That elusive goal is always just out of reach. Once we reach those goals, we are not satisfied — we want more.
Solution: Learn to be happy with what you have, where you are, and who you are, right at this moment. Happiness doesn’t have to be some state that we want to get to eventually — it can be found right now. Learn to count your blessings, and see the positive in your situation. This might sound simplistic, but it works.
2. I wish I were as ____ as (a celebrity, friend, co-worker).
Problem: We’ll never be as pretty, as talented, as rich, as sculpted, as cool, as everyone else. There will always be someone better, if you look hard enough. Therefore, if we compare ourselves to others like this, we will always pale, and will always fail, and will always feel bad about ourselves. This is no way to be happy.
Solution: Stop comparing yourself to others, and look instead at yourself — what are your strengths, your accomplishments, your successes, however small? What do you love about yourself? Learn to love who you are, right now, not who you want to become. There is good in each of us, love in each of us, and a wonderful human spirit in every one of us.
3. Seeing others becoming successful makes me jealous and resentful.
Problem: First, this assumes that only a small number of people can be successful. In truth, many, many people can be successful — in different ways.
Solution: Learn to admire the success of others, and learn from it, and be happy for them, by empathizing with them and understanding what it must be like to be them. And then turn away from them, and look at yourself — you can be successful too, in whatever you choose to do. And even more, you already are successful. Look not at those above you in the social ladder, but those below you — there are always millions of people worse off than you, people who couldn’t even read this article or afford a computer. In that light, you are a huge success.
4. I am a miserable failure — I can’t seem to do anything right.
Problem: Everyone is a failure, if you look at it in certain ways. Everyone has failed, many times, at different things. I have certainly failed so many times I cannot count them — and I continue to fail, daily. However, looking at your failures as failures only makes you feel bad about yourself. By thinking in this way, we will have a negative self-image and never move on from here.
Solution: See your successes and ignore your failures. Look back on your life, in the last month, or year, or 5 years. And try to remember your successes. If you have trouble with this, start documenting them — keep a success journal, either in a notebook or online. Document your success each day, or each week. When you look back at what you’ve accomplished, over a year, you will be amazed. It’s an incredibly positive feeling.
5. I’m going to beat so-and-so no matter what — I’m better than him. And there’s no way I’ll help him succeed — he might beat me.
Problem: Competitiveness assumes that there is a small amount of gold to be had, and I need to get it before he does. It makes us into greedy, back-stabbing, hurtful people. We try to claw our way over people to get to success, because of our competitive feelings. For example, if a blogger wants to have more subscribers than another blogger, he may never link to or mention that other blogger. However, who is to say that my subscribers can’t also be yours? People can read and subscribe to more than one blog.
Solution: Learn to see success as something that can be shared, and learn that if we help each other out, we can each have a better chance to be successful. Two people working towards a common goal are better than two people trying to beat each other up to get to that goal. There is more than enough success to go around. Learn to think in terms of abundance rather than scarcity.
6. Dammit! Why do these bad things always happen to me?
Problem: Bad things happen to everybody. If we dwell on them, they will frustrate us and bring us down.
Solution: See bad things as a part of the ebb and flow of life. Suffering is a part of the human condition — but it passes. All pain goes away, eventually. Meanwhile, don’t let it hold you back. Don’t dwell on bad things, but look forward towards something good in your future. And learn to take the bad things in stride, and learn from them. Bad things are actually opportunities to grow and learn and get stronger, in disguise.
7. You can’t do anything right! Why can’t you be like ____ ?
Problem: This can be said to your child or your subordinate or your sibling. The problem? Comparing two people, first of all, is always a fallacy. People are different, with different ways of doing things, different strengths and weaknesses, different human characteristics. If we were all the same, we’d be robots. Second, saying negative things like this to another person never helps the situation. It might make you feel better, and more powerful, but in truth, it hurts your relationship, it will actually make you feel negative, and it will certainly make the other person feel negative and more likely to continue negative behavior. Everyone loses.
Solution: Take the mistakes or bad behavior of others as an opportunity to teach. Show them how to do something. Second, praise them for their positive behavior, and encourage their success. Last, and most important, love them for who they are, and celebrate their differences.
8. Your work sucks. It’s super lame. You are a moron and I hope you never reproduce.
Problem: I’ve actually gotten this comment before. It feels wonderful. However, let’s look at it not from the perspective of the person receiving this kind of comment but from the perspective of the person giving it. How does saying something negative like this help you? I guess it might feel good to vent if you feel like your time has been wasted. But really, how much of your time has been wasted? A few minutes? And whose fault is that? The bloggers or yours? In truth, making negative comments just keeps you in a negative mindset. It’s also not a good way to make friends.
Solution: Learn to offer constructive solutions, first of all. Instead of telling someone their blog sucks, or that a post is lame, offer some specific suggestions for improvement. Help them get better. If you are going to take the time to make a comment, make it worth your time. Second, learn to interact with people in a more positive way — it makes others feel good and it makes you feel better about yourself. And you can make some great friends this way. That’s a good thing.
9. Insulting People Back
Problem: If someone insults you or angers you in some way, insulting them back and continuing your anger only transfers their problem to you. This person was probably having a bad day (or a bad year) and took it out on you for some reason. If you reciprocate, you are now having a bad day too. His problem has become yours. Not only that, but the cycle of insults can get worse and worse until it results in violence or other negative consequences — for both of you.
Solution: Let the insults or negative comments of others slide off you like Teflon. Don’t let their problem become yours. In fact, try to understand their problem more — why would someone say something like that? What problems are they going through? Having a little empathy for someone not only makes you understand that their comment is not about you, but it can make you feel and act in a positive manner towards them — and make you feel better about yourself in the process.
10. I don’t think I can do this — I don’t have enough discipline. Maybe some other time.
Problem: If you don’t think you can do something, you probably won’t. Especially for the big stuff. Discipline has nothing to do with it — motivation and focus has everything to do with it. And if you put stuff off for “some other time”, you’ll never get it done. Negative thinking like this inhibits us from accomplishing anything.
Solution: Turn your thinking around: you can do this! You don’t need discipline. Find ways to make yourself a success at your goal. If you fail, learn from your mistakes, and try again. Instead of putting a goal off for later, start now. And focus on one goal at a time, putting all of your energy into it, and getting as much help from others as you can. You can really move mountains if you start with positive thinking.
Life could be so much better for many people, if they would just spot their negative thinking habits and replace them with positive ones.
Negative thinking, in all its many-splendored forms, has a way of creeping into conversations and our thinking without our noticing them. The key to success, in my humble opinion, is learning to spot these thoughts and squash them like little bugs. Then replace them with positive ones. You’ll notice a huge difference in everything you do.
Let’s take a look at 10 common ways that negative thinking emerges — get good at spotting these patterns, and practice replacing them with positive thinking patterns. It has made all the difference in the world for me.
10 Deadly Sins of Negative Thinking
1. I will be happy once I have _____ (or once I earn X).
Problem: If you think you can’t be happy until you reach a certain point, or until you reach a certain income, or have a certain type of house or car or computer setup, you’ll never be happy. That elusive goal is always just out of reach. Once we reach those goals, we are not satisfied — we want more.
Solution: Learn to be happy with what you have, where you are, and who you are, right at this moment. Happiness doesn’t have to be some state that we want to get to eventually — it can be found right now. Learn to count your blessings, and see the positive in your situation. This might sound simplistic, but it works.
2. I wish I were as ____ as (a celebrity, friend, co-worker).
Problem: We’ll never be as pretty, as talented, as rich, as sculpted, as cool, as everyone else. There will always be someone better, if you look hard enough. Therefore, if we compare ourselves to others like this, we will always pale, and will always fail, and will always feel bad about ourselves. This is no way to be happy.
Solution: Stop comparing yourself to others, and look instead at yourself — what are your strengths, your accomplishments, your successes, however small? What do you love about yourself? Learn to love who you are, right now, not who you want to become. There is good in each of us, love in each of us, and a wonderful human spirit in every one of us.
3. Seeing others becoming successful makes me jealous and resentful.
Problem: First, this assumes that only a small number of people can be successful. In truth, many, many people can be successful — in different ways.
Solution: Learn to admire the success of others, and learn from it, and be happy for them, by empathizing with them and understanding what it must be like to be them. And then turn away from them, and look at yourself — you can be successful too, in whatever you choose to do. And even more, you already are successful. Look not at those above you in the social ladder, but those below you — there are always millions of people worse off than you, people who couldn’t even read this article or afford a computer. In that light, you are a huge success.
4. I am a miserable failure — I can’t seem to do anything right.
Problem: Everyone is a failure, if you look at it in certain ways. Everyone has failed, many times, at different things. I have certainly failed so many times I cannot count them — and I continue to fail, daily. However, looking at your failures as failures only makes you feel bad about yourself. By thinking in this way, we will have a negative self-image and never move on from here.
Solution: See your successes and ignore your failures. Look back on your life, in the last month, or year, or 5 years. And try to remember your successes. If you have trouble with this, start documenting them — keep a success journal, either in a notebook or online. Document your success each day, or each week. When you look back at what you’ve accomplished, over a year, you will be amazed. It’s an incredibly positive feeling.
5. I’m going to beat so-and-so no matter what — I’m better than him. And there’s no way I’ll help him succeed — he might beat me.
Problem: Competitiveness assumes that there is a small amount of gold to be had, and I need to get it before he does. It makes us into greedy, back-stabbing, hurtful people. We try to claw our way over people to get to success, because of our competitive feelings. For example, if a blogger wants to have more subscribers than another blogger, he may never link to or mention that other blogger. However, who is to say that my subscribers can’t also be yours? People can read and subscribe to more than one blog.
Solution: Learn to see success as something that can be shared, and learn that if we help each other out, we can each have a better chance to be successful. Two people working towards a common goal are better than two people trying to beat each other up to get to that goal. There is more than enough success to go around. Learn to think in terms of abundance rather than scarcity.
6. Dammit! Why do these bad things always happen to me?
Problem: Bad things happen to everybody. If we dwell on them, they will frustrate us and bring us down.
Solution: See bad things as a part of the ebb and flow of life. Suffering is a part of the human condition — but it passes. All pain goes away, eventually. Meanwhile, don’t let it hold you back. Don’t dwell on bad things, but look forward towards something good in your future. And learn to take the bad things in stride, and learn from them. Bad things are actually opportunities to grow and learn and get stronger, in disguise.
7. You can’t do anything right! Why can’t you be like ____ ?
Problem: This can be said to your child or your subordinate or your sibling. The problem? Comparing two people, first of all, is always a fallacy. People are different, with different ways of doing things, different strengths and weaknesses, different human characteristics. If we were all the same, we’d be robots. Second, saying negative things like this to another person never helps the situation. It might make you feel better, and more powerful, but in truth, it hurts your relationship, it will actually make you feel negative, and it will certainly make the other person feel negative and more likely to continue negative behavior. Everyone loses.
Solution: Take the mistakes or bad behavior of others as an opportunity to teach. Show them how to do something. Second, praise them for their positive behavior, and encourage their success. Last, and most important, love them for who they are, and celebrate their differences.
8. Your work sucks. It’s super lame. You are a moron and I hope you never reproduce.
Problem: I’ve actually gotten this comment before. It feels wonderful. However, let’s look at it not from the perspective of the person receiving this kind of comment but from the perspective of the person giving it. How does saying something negative like this help you? I guess it might feel good to vent if you feel like your time has been wasted. But really, how much of your time has been wasted? A few minutes? And whose fault is that? The bloggers or yours? In truth, making negative comments just keeps you in a negative mindset. It’s also not a good way to make friends.
Solution: Learn to offer constructive solutions, first of all. Instead of telling someone their blog sucks, or that a post is lame, offer some specific suggestions for improvement. Help them get better. If you are going to take the time to make a comment, make it worth your time. Second, learn to interact with people in a more positive way — it makes others feel good and it makes you feel better about yourself. And you can make some great friends this way. That’s a good thing.
9. Insulting People Back
Problem: If someone insults you or angers you in some way, insulting them back and continuing your anger only transfers their problem to you. This person was probably having a bad day (or a bad year) and took it out on you for some reason. If you reciprocate, you are now having a bad day too. His problem has become yours. Not only that, but the cycle of insults can get worse and worse until it results in violence or other negative consequences — for both of you.
Solution: Let the insults or negative comments of others slide off you like Teflon. Don’t let their problem become yours. In fact, try to understand their problem more — why would someone say something like that? What problems are they going through? Having a little empathy for someone not only makes you understand that their comment is not about you, but it can make you feel and act in a positive manner towards them — and make you feel better about yourself in the process.
10. I don’t think I can do this — I don’t have enough discipline. Maybe some other time.
Problem: If you don’t think you can do something, you probably won’t. Especially for the big stuff. Discipline has nothing to do with it — motivation and focus has everything to do with it. And if you put stuff off for “some other time”, you’ll never get it done. Negative thinking like this inhibits us from accomplishing anything.
Solution: Turn your thinking around: you can do this! You don’t need discipline. Find ways to make yourself a success at your goal. If you fail, learn from your mistakes, and try again. Instead of putting a goal off for later, start now. And focus on one goal at a time, putting all of your energy into it, and getting as much help from others as you can. You can really move mountains if you start with positive thinking.
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