By Ruth Davis Konigsberg
Time Magazine US
The five stages of grief are so deeply embedded in our culture that they've become virtually inescapable. Every time we experience loss — whether personal or national — we hear them recited: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. They're invoked to explain our emotional reaction to everything from the death of a loved one to the destruction of the Gulf of Mexico after the BP oil spill to LeBron James' abandoning the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat.
The stages have become axiomatic, divorced from the time and place of their origin. If you were to read Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's On Death and Dying — the book that in 1969 gave the five stages their debut — for the first time today, you might be surprised to discover that Kübler-Ross, then a staff psychiatrist at Billings Hospital in Chicago, was actually writing about the experience of facing one's own death, not the death of someone else. It was other practitioners, having found the stages so irresistibly prescriptive, who began applying them to grief, a repurposing that Kübler-Ross encouraged. After all, there was no specific data set to contradict, no research protocols to follow: Kübler-Ross had based her theory on onetime interviews she had conducted with terminally ill patients, but she never asked them specific questions about the stages, because by her own account, she only conceived of them while up late at night after she had already been commissioned to write On Death and Dying.
Continued:
For complete online article: click here
Read more: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2042372,00.html#ixzz1USCqzJ8B
Monday, August 8, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Spiritual Life Coaching: Respecting Other People's Opinions
Spiritual Life Coaching can help you to transcend the ego and learn how to honor and respect other people's opinions, no matter how much they may oppose yours. When you understand the importance of honoring other people's opinions, you dissolve the basis for all conflict, violence, and war on this planet.
At this point you may be asking, "What if one side is right and the other is wrong? Doesn't the mere fact that one side is right justify its passion?" Try not to think of disputes as one side being right and the other being wrong. To the Next Human, both sides are right based on their individual viewpoints. Everyone clings to their own truth in accordance with their own unique perspective.
Just because you have a different view of the world than your neighbor, it doesn't necessary follow that they are wrong. And that's why people get into arguments, and fight, and create conflicts, and cause wars, because the ego says, "You're wrong and I'm right, and therefore you are my enemy." And of course, this is madness from the higher perspective of the Self Realized.
A three-year-old boy doesn't know what he's doing when he knocks over your wine glass, breaking it and staining the carpet. He simply doesn't know better. A baby girl doesn't know better when she screams and cries so loudly that you think your eardrums will pop. And a puppy dog doesn't know any better when it chews up your brand new pair of shoes and urinates on your carpet. They just don't know any better. And so it is the same with people.
So whatever they do, no matter how heinous it may seem, must be understood as; that's simply where they are. If people knew better, they would be behaving better. It's that simple. It's called the hierarchy of consciousness. The bee has a higher level of consciousness than a flower. A cat has a higher level of consciousness than a mouse. And an whale has a higher level of consciousness than a turtle. And so it is with people. Everyone has their own individualistic opinion based on where they are on the ladder of consciousness.
No One is separate from the divine, no matter how hard they try to be. Now, that being said, that doesn't mean that we should just sit on the sidelines and become apathetic to all of the violence that pervades today. To the contrary, we can end it all overnight. But we can't get there until we begin to look at the violence from the higher perspective of Spirit. Spiritual Life Coaching can help us to practice non-judgment, non-reaction, non-resistance, and non-violence in our daily life. Then we will no longer be perpetuating the violence that already is. We will be weakening it.
When you blame yourself for anything, you are judging yourself. If you do something unconsciously, then afterward awaken to it and blame yourself for "being unconscious," you are still judging yourself and therefore remain unconscious. When you are unconscious, you "know not what you do" and therefore are never to blame for whatever it is you do while you're unconscious. Transcending blame is a prerequisite to your spiritual freedom. The "I am bad" thought that arises because of a "horrible" thing that you did in the past is always judgment and therefore still a sign of unconsciousness.
Spiritual Life Coaching can help you to reach this level of awareness now. It can help you to understand that you don't need to hold yourself accountable for the sins or mistakes of your past. Because you were not conscious of what you were doing, there is no need to hold a grudge against yourself. Know that you were not acting as your true Self and you will never judge your Self or anyone else again. This level of consciousness is the key to peace for you as well as everyone on the planet.
by Jason Lincoln Jeffers
Spiritual Life Coach, Jason Lincoln Jeffers is the founder of The Art of Transformation, a company devoted to teaching Self Realization to the world. His Spiritual Life Coaching program uniquely combines ancient spiritual wisdom with self transcendence, holistic wellness, predictive astrology, shadow & pain-body work, heart-based intention, the power of presence, and the law of attraction.
At this point you may be asking, "What if one side is right and the other is wrong? Doesn't the mere fact that one side is right justify its passion?" Try not to think of disputes as one side being right and the other being wrong. To the Next Human, both sides are right based on their individual viewpoints. Everyone clings to their own truth in accordance with their own unique perspective.
Just because you have a different view of the world than your neighbor, it doesn't necessary follow that they are wrong. And that's why people get into arguments, and fight, and create conflicts, and cause wars, because the ego says, "You're wrong and I'm right, and therefore you are my enemy." And of course, this is madness from the higher perspective of the Self Realized.
A three-year-old boy doesn't know what he's doing when he knocks over your wine glass, breaking it and staining the carpet. He simply doesn't know better. A baby girl doesn't know better when she screams and cries so loudly that you think your eardrums will pop. And a puppy dog doesn't know any better when it chews up your brand new pair of shoes and urinates on your carpet. They just don't know any better. And so it is the same with people.
So whatever they do, no matter how heinous it may seem, must be understood as; that's simply where they are. If people knew better, they would be behaving better. It's that simple. It's called the hierarchy of consciousness. The bee has a higher level of consciousness than a flower. A cat has a higher level of consciousness than a mouse. And an whale has a higher level of consciousness than a turtle. And so it is with people. Everyone has their own individualistic opinion based on where they are on the ladder of consciousness.
No One is separate from the divine, no matter how hard they try to be. Now, that being said, that doesn't mean that we should just sit on the sidelines and become apathetic to all of the violence that pervades today. To the contrary, we can end it all overnight. But we can't get there until we begin to look at the violence from the higher perspective of Spirit. Spiritual Life Coaching can help us to practice non-judgment, non-reaction, non-resistance, and non-violence in our daily life. Then we will no longer be perpetuating the violence that already is. We will be weakening it.
When you blame yourself for anything, you are judging yourself. If you do something unconsciously, then afterward awaken to it and blame yourself for "being unconscious," you are still judging yourself and therefore remain unconscious. When you are unconscious, you "know not what you do" and therefore are never to blame for whatever it is you do while you're unconscious. Transcending blame is a prerequisite to your spiritual freedom. The "I am bad" thought that arises because of a "horrible" thing that you did in the past is always judgment and therefore still a sign of unconsciousness.
Spiritual Life Coaching can help you to reach this level of awareness now. It can help you to understand that you don't need to hold yourself accountable for the sins or mistakes of your past. Because you were not conscious of what you were doing, there is no need to hold a grudge against yourself. Know that you were not acting as your true Self and you will never judge your Self or anyone else again. This level of consciousness is the key to peace for you as well as everyone on the planet.
by Jason Lincoln Jeffers
Spiritual Life Coach, Jason Lincoln Jeffers is the founder of The Art of Transformation, a company devoted to teaching Self Realization to the world. His Spiritual Life Coaching program uniquely combines ancient spiritual wisdom with self transcendence, holistic wellness, predictive astrology, shadow & pain-body work, heart-based intention, the power of presence, and the law of attraction.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Memorial Wooden Urns Come In Many Unique Styles
by Merle Nixon
Though wooden urns used to be simple, yet elegant, boxes, times have changed. Today, it is possible to choose from many unique styles. As more individuals choose cremation, their resting place options have indeed increased.
Choosing the type of wood that is a favorite is often the beginning part of the decision making process. These memorials are constructed from all kinds of favorite woods. Rosewood, redwood, maple, walnut, oak and cherry are all available. The choices for wood finishes also ranges from the very light to the very dark. With some intricate wood grains, a natural finish is also popular.
Detailed corners and edges are top features in these beautiful wood boxes. They are actually much like high quality furniture, and as such they receive attention to detail and construction that is the same. These tiny pieces of beautiful woodwork must be made very well as they will be on display for many years to come.
Styles are so varied that it may be very difficult to choose just the right one. Knowing about hobbies, pursuits, religious preference, and career can make the decision easier. These beautiful memorials can be purchased to reflect just about any lifestyle.
Angels are a popular subject for these artistic creations. Frequently posed on the top of a memorial, with arms and wings outstretched to guard over the loved one, these tender cherubs and guardians make sentimental additions to the wooden boxes. Name plates and candles holders in a variety of materials are often included.
Laser engraving into the wood is a popular and attractive way to enhance the design of these memorials. The complex patterns add to the look of luxury. This laser artwork is highly prized for the intricate beauty it adds.
For the passionate hobbyist, railroad trains, birds and flowers, butterflies and horses are just some of the decorative additions possible. A cowboy might choose a fancy saddle or boots. A nature enthusiast may pick frogs, bears, or leaves.
For sports fans, there plenty of sports equipment replicas that might be added to the memorial box. Some attractive versions come with picture frames. These can hold a favorite beloved photo. Often that picture taken in uniform speaks volumes about the person remembered.
Handsome wooden boxes in black lacquer feature armed forces medallions on the front. Service in any branch of the military can be shown. Or service as a fireman, policeman, paramedic, or doctor may be remembered with appropriate symbols.
Wooden urns make lovely memorial remembrances for those who have passed away. Any life path can be honored with a high quality choice carefully selected from among the many available. A fitting tribute to a loved one can be made in this way.
Wooden Urns
Though wooden urns used to be simple, yet elegant, boxes, times have changed. Today, it is possible to choose from many unique styles. As more individuals choose cremation, their resting place options have indeed increased.
Choosing the type of wood that is a favorite is often the beginning part of the decision making process. These memorials are constructed from all kinds of favorite woods. Rosewood, redwood, maple, walnut, oak and cherry are all available. The choices for wood finishes also ranges from the very light to the very dark. With some intricate wood grains, a natural finish is also popular.
Detailed corners and edges are top features in these beautiful wood boxes. They are actually much like high quality furniture, and as such they receive attention to detail and construction that is the same. These tiny pieces of beautiful woodwork must be made very well as they will be on display for many years to come.
Styles are so varied that it may be very difficult to choose just the right one. Knowing about hobbies, pursuits, religious preference, and career can make the decision easier. These beautiful memorials can be purchased to reflect just about any lifestyle.
Angels are a popular subject for these artistic creations. Frequently posed on the top of a memorial, with arms and wings outstretched to guard over the loved one, these tender cherubs and guardians make sentimental additions to the wooden boxes. Name plates and candles holders in a variety of materials are often included.
Laser engraving into the wood is a popular and attractive way to enhance the design of these memorials. The complex patterns add to the look of luxury. This laser artwork is highly prized for the intricate beauty it adds.
For the passionate hobbyist, railroad trains, birds and flowers, butterflies and horses are just some of the decorative additions possible. A cowboy might choose a fancy saddle or boots. A nature enthusiast may pick frogs, bears, or leaves.
For sports fans, there plenty of sports equipment replicas that might be added to the memorial box. Some attractive versions come with picture frames. These can hold a favorite beloved photo. Often that picture taken in uniform speaks volumes about the person remembered.
Handsome wooden boxes in black lacquer feature armed forces medallions on the front. Service in any branch of the military can be shown. Or service as a fireman, policeman, paramedic, or doctor may be remembered with appropriate symbols.
Wooden urns make lovely memorial remembrances for those who have passed away. Any life path can be honored with a high quality choice carefully selected from among the many available. A fitting tribute to a loved one can be made in this way.
Wooden Urns
Monday, April 18, 2011
Does God Choose When the Spirit Leaves the Body or Do We?
An interesting article which leaves the reader pondering some important questions!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Myths and Facts about Grief
Myths and Facts About Grief
MYTH: The pain will go away faster if you ignore it.
Fact: Trying to ignore your pain or keep it from surfacing will only make it worse in the long run. For real healing it is necessary to face your grief and actively deal with it.
MYTH: It’s important to be “be strong” in the face of loss.
Fact: Feeling sad, frightened, or lonely is a normal reaction to loss. Crying doesn’t mean you are weak. You don’t need to “protect” your family or friends by putting on a brave front. Showing your true feelings can help them and you.
MYTH: If you don’t cry, it means you aren’t sorry about the loss.
Fact: Crying is a normal response to sadness, but it’s not the only one. Those who don’t cry may feel the pain just as deeply as others. They may simply have other ways of showing it.
MYTH: Grief should last about a year.
Fact: There is no right or wrong time frame for grieving. How long it takes can differ from person to person.
Source: Center for Grief and Healing
Access full article
MYTH: The pain will go away faster if you ignore it.
Fact: Trying to ignore your pain or keep it from surfacing will only make it worse in the long run. For real healing it is necessary to face your grief and actively deal with it.
MYTH: It’s important to be “be strong” in the face of loss.
Fact: Feeling sad, frightened, or lonely is a normal reaction to loss. Crying doesn’t mean you are weak. You don’t need to “protect” your family or friends by putting on a brave front. Showing your true feelings can help them and you.
MYTH: If you don’t cry, it means you aren’t sorry about the loss.
Fact: Crying is a normal response to sadness, but it’s not the only one. Those who don’t cry may feel the pain just as deeply as others. They may simply have other ways of showing it.
MYTH: Grief should last about a year.
Fact: There is no right or wrong time frame for grieving. How long it takes can differ from person to person.
Source: Center for Grief and Healing
Access full article
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