Blessings of Enlightenment

Love and Sharing!

2008-09-18T12:58:00Z

Good Morning from the chilly mountains this morning. There is a touch of Autumn in the air and it is delicious! The sky is a hazy pink that I love and the weather is perfect. This is the kind of day you just know in your heart that all is right in the heavens.

I have been doing a lot of thinking about a blog this morning and decided to share some pictures that really made me think about true love. I call them a lesson in sharing. I think these photographs tell a story that is as old as time. That where love abides anything is possible. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Living on a farm and having a multitude of animals in your life really teaches you to observe. Animals will and do show you what love is all about most of the time.

I had a cat that cared for my daughter's pet rat as if she was her Mother. My dogs and cats have always cared for each other and guarded one another as if they are from the same family. I know that some animals are predatory like the family of owls that live in our barn but they never harm the baby kittens that are there either. Love crosses all boundaries and we can all learn lessons from our animal friends. The lovely sheltie in the photo's adopted the baby chick and mothered her as if she was taught to look after it. It is a sweet story of a loving heart. Something our world needs badly right now.

Wishing you joy this day!

Rosie

I will be online today into the wee hours as my schedule allows. If you see me listed as on "Alert" status please call for that just means I am multitasking and will pick up right away. If you see me on "arrange a call" means I have stepped away from my desk and will connect with you as soon as I can so please sign in on the "call back" list. If you cannot find my listing please type in Rosalea on the "select Advisor" space or call 1-800-ASK-KEEN and ask for extension 01888797

Reponsibility!

2008-09-16T22:48:00Z

Responsibility!

Good evening from the cool mountains! The Harvest moon is bringing some unrest to the world I believe and I am feeling her pull a great deal this month. The weather has a touch of the fall today and it is wonderful to be outside. I have not been blogging for a few days and have been taking some time to reflect on the impending crisis in the economy, the storms, the flooding and the election. I am so tired of hearing others place blame for things we as individuals bear the responsibility for that I thought I would examine the word responsibility and how it relates to all of us.

Responsibility means many things to people and I wanted to explore the reasons behind some of our actions when faced with the task that is labeled "our responsibility".

As humans we tend to divide the world into blocks or pieces and do not consider that we are part of the whole. We divide things up into "your responsibility", "my responsibility", ..."not my responsibility" etc.

We are obsessed with the idea of individuality instead of the concept of the community of souls working together. The common dictionary definition for responsibility is:

The moral and forward-looking sense of responsibility is the sense in which one is responsible for achieving (or maintaining) a good result in some matter. The idea is that one is entrusted with achieving or maintaining this outcome, and expected to both have relevant knowledge and skills, and to make a conscientious effort.

However, no matter how much effort we put into things or tasks the desired result may not be achieved. For instance, the advice given by a counselor or advisor may not be heeded or followed and unexpected results can occur. If someone is told not to board a train on a given day and they do not heed the advice given and are killed is an example of desired results not being achieved.

We are constantly looking outward for answers to problems instead of inward and in affect are trying to heal our bodies by ignoring our spirit.

Responsibility can become just a myth to many people. They may in fact believe in right and wrong but expect others to clean up the messes they make in their lives. It is a sad situation and happens all too often with the young generation as well as the older ones. For example this week we are looking to place blame on our congressmen, president and all the leaders for the damage that has been done to our economy when in fact we are ignoring the part that we have played by being complacent and letting others assume our responsibility.

We all are aware of global warning, that cigarette smoking can and will kill us, that cutting down forests will contribute to the global warning, that dependency on foreign oil will make us enslaved to those holding the power and yet we are leaving these important matters to those who supposedly have our best interests at heart.

We are the guardians of Mother Earth and our lives. We cannot continue to shift the blame on others.

If we want true change in the government then we must vote for those representatives that will bring change and if they don't do what they say will do then vote them out.

We have the ability collectively to be a powerhouse of change if we stop believing the rhetoric we have been fed and really examine the failed policies of those in power.

I have noticed that most politicians are living in the dark ages about how responsibility really applies to the individual. When they get some positive feedback and figure they accomplished their goals they have a tendency to beat on their chests like gorilla's in the wild and display all their colors like a peacock. If their actions do not bring positive results then out come the sabers and the blame calling begins as they point to others who supposedly do not live up to their responsibility either. This is just a game for the politicians that they learn to play. It is important that all of us as a nation remember that we are pieces of the whole and we are our "brother's keeper" no matter how easy it is to deny.

The new age has been defined as "the age of responsibility" or "the age of discretion" and it is casually thought that those of this age are mature enough to exercise good judgment. That is not true I do not believe. Some are still behind the times.

When looking at the word responsibility and recognizing that we all must accept it then we must examine the word Ethics also. The term ethics is defined as the standards for ethical and/or moral behavior of a particular person or group.

Ethics is the study of morals and responsibilities. It is also the name for a branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of morals and moral evaluation. What is right and what is wrong, what is virtuous or vicious for instance.

Along with accepting responsibility for our own actions we must also take into account what is morally and ethically appropriate.

In conclusion, I do believe we have to start viewing our lives as strands in the giant web of life. If one strand falters or breaks then the web is weakened. If we accept responsibility for our actions and stop pointing fingers of blame then perhaps we truly start strengthening the web one strand at a time. We need to look within to find the morally and ethically appropriate answers for we are all mirrors of the divine whole. We do not have to adopt a "hive conscience" but we do have to accept the fact that we as an individual do have responsibility for what happens on this planet and we do have a responsibility for helping others find their way.

Wishing you a day filled with joy! I will be working the nightshift again tonight so I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Rosie

I will be online this evening into the wee hours as my schedule allows. If you see me listed as on "Alert" status please call for that just means I am multitasking and will pick up right away. If you see me on "arrange a call" means I have stepped away from my desk and will connect with you as soon as I can so please sign in on the "call back" list. If you cannot find my listing please type in Rosalea on the "select Advisor" space or call 1-800-ASK-KEEN and ask for extension 01888797

On the Nightshift tonight!

2008-09-13T04:19:00Z

Good evening from the mountains! I am on a Hurricane Ike vigil and decided to work the night shift tonight. There have been some major tragedies in the news today and now Ike is causing devastation on a major scale. The train wreck between a commuter and freight train today was horrific with loss of life and the damage was really extensive. As of an hour ago there were still reports of injured being removed. My heart goes out to all that are involved in that disaster and I am offering prayers for their safety. As for Hurricane Ike I believe it will be called the major storm of the season and wreak havoc with all in its path.

I hope all of our advisor's and our clients here on Keen check in with us and let us know you are safe. I am keeping vigil with many others in hopes our efforts will diffuse this giant from causing catastrophic damage to many.

The world is getting a little scary but there are still areas where we can find peace and hope. We need to collectively join together and unite to bring peace to our world and our nation as a whole.

We can feel the turmoil in the air and most of us who are super sensitive to natural disasters are feeling like we want to jump out of our skin. The shift is rapidly occurring and with it brings changes that I don't think we are prepared to endure no matter how much we try. I am the perpetual optimist and I believe we can do anything if we collectively want to so I am not a doomsday type of person but right now I do not want to hide my head in the sand either. We need to recognize the possibility of the changes that are coming our way and in a hurry.

This week there have been reports of pharmaceuticals in our water supply in hundreds of major cities; and many animals are endangered including the polar bear and others because of the rapid glacier melt. We have to get grounded and know in our heart that this will all wash over us like a wave and in the end we will be okay. We will recover, we will find an answer to the energy crisis and we will become informed about the direction we are going on the world stage.

We can and will make a difference. I see young people joining together to develop the means to run their cars on alternative fuel. My son is converting his truck to run on biofuel and/or alcohol and along with a group that is forming on the internet is involved with developing algae for fuel. My neighbor is laughing and joking about making moonshine but he has bought a still to produce alcohol for his own fuel. Americans are a resilient bunch and we will overcome all adversity I believe. We will ultimately find new ways to overcome the energy crisis and we will finally be free of the tyrants like Chavez and the Saudi's that are threatening our existence.

What a lot of people don't understand is we purchase a major portion of our oil from Venezuela and Latin America and with the pending crisis there things may start to get really grim fast with the gasoline situation. I was appalled that the gas companies started jacking up their prices before the Hurricane hit so they could once again capitalize and gouge us again like they do every summer. This morning my son paid over $5 dollars a gallon for gas. It is going to get scary if we don't move quickly to show others just how self sufficient we can be as a nation and by that I mean we need to pour money into research right away and retro fit all cars to run on biofuel.

I see evidence of many people starting community gardens and growing their own fruits and vegetables and that really is a good thing considering we don't have a clue what the FDA is doing to our food and what additives they are pumping into it. The fear that our food supply cannot be trusted is a real thing. The fact that we have corn syrup and/or aspartame in every soda that our kids drink makes me a little crazy. I don't like the fact that I have been eating the medications in the meat that I purchase so I have almost become a vegetarian. These are real fears and they are not imaginary.

In the meantime we just have to become involved with helping each other. The weather changes are going to be affecting all of us and I doubt any part of the nation will escape having some problems. The coastal regions are going to be the hardest hit however and if I could tell anyone what to do I would advise relocating from the coastal regions for at least five years.

I am trying to no avail to get my older children to relocate out of California but it is not working! They are convinced that they will not leave their homes. I can understand and relate for many years I felt the same. I have never been an ocean loving person and am content in the high mountains for I have a past life aversion to dark water and flooding is just terrifying for me. I have worked on releasing that fear but it still crops up once in awhile just like my aversion to frogs!

I hope you will join in and give us some ideas what you are doing to save our planet and weather the changes that are occurring right now.

Sending you blessings of peace and safety this cool rainy night.

Rosie
I will be online throughout the night if I can stay alert!. If you see me listed as on "Alert" status please call for that just means I am multitasking and will pick up right away. If you see me on "arrange a call" means I have stepped away from my desk and will connect with you as soon as I can so please sign in on the "call back" list. If you cannot find my listing please type in Rosalea on the "select Advisor" space or call 1-800-ASK-KEEN and ask for extension 01888797

Soul Loss and Retrieval

2008-09-12T00:00:00Z

Soul Loss and Retrieval

Good Morning from the cool mountains this morning! There is a touch of Autumn hanging in the air and the fox family is coming out and about to delight me this morning. The cubs are moving out on their own and the Mother is still shy and hiding in the tree line but she comes out and looks at me on occasion and we have a little conversation telepathically. I feel this little Mothers heart sometimes and it lifts my spirits. She is respectful of me and keeps her distance but she is a great Mother and is so devoted that I admire her spirit.   She has told me that she must leave this year but I just don't understand why. I think that she is having difficulty finding enough food for many of the areas that used to be heavily wooded are now clear cut and bare. When she has to leave I will miss her.

I chose the topic of soul retrieval this morning because lately I have been seeing a lot of clients that are missing parts of their soul and that is why I wanted to touch on the subject and explain briefly what soul fragmentation really means. This date (9/11) signifies a traumatic event that occurred to the United States and many people during that period suffered loss of loved ones, shock and fragmentation of their soul. I decided I would touch briefly on this subject today for it is a special reminder of an event that traumatized a nation and left many to suffer in its wake.

During traumatic events in a persons life parts of the soul can "fragment" and separate from the original soul. This fragmenting can happen because of severe trauma to the body. For instance when a child is abused, a fragment of their soul returns to the higher soul for protection and nurturing that the earth mother cannot or will not provide. This can happen also with any abuse even in adult life. As the parts of the soul split away they do remain attached by a silver thread to the original soul and therefore those parts that have split away can be retrieved.

When there is soul loss it is a life coping mechanism where the fragment leaves the pain, shock and extreme trauma behind and retreats to the Higher self for protection. The symptoms of soul loss may manifest as feelings of being not really there, or blocked memory and not being able to remember parts of your life. Often the person is unable to completely express their emotions, are considered apathetic in some instances. The loss of the soul fragments often lead to addictions and most often severe depression in later life. Some people often adopt a "victim" personality and seem unable to cope with any discord in their lives.

However, each fragment always maintains a connection to the original soul and can through therapy be coaxed back into the original soul to help heal. This can be accomplished by a good practitioner of hypnotherapy, regression therapist or in some cases simply by the persons own desire for reconnection through meditation. As a person heals they can reintegrate the fragments as they become emotionally aware of the loss and stronger in body. I have seen instances of soul fragmentation even in severe illnesses such as cancer or other life threatening diseases such as AIDs and drug/alcohol addiction. The trauma of losing a mate or when there is a death in the family are other instances where fragmentation can occur.

During my career I had the experience of helping a client reintegrate fragments that had been left behind during her childhood. She was experiencing anxiety, low self esteem, inability to cope and of course depression. She had become a virtual recluse and often did not leave her home for months. She would depend on others to get her food etc and just become so isolated that finally she realized that she must do something to get back to living her life and that is when she decided to contact me. Another client and friend of mine suggested she call me and we begin an association that lasted for over two years. It was possibly the most difficult case I have ever encountered. I did not think it was possible that the soul could and did fragment into so many parts. She was barely existing.

I have always been able to see an individual's aura and it tells a complete story of your life and most important it also shows where parts of your soul are missing. You can actually see holes or vacant areas that are clear and transparent. It is like looking at a piece of cellophane paper. All of us have aura's and they are multi-colored glorious bands that surround us. When there is fragmentation there are definite areas of the aura that are translucent. Identifying those areas are the beginning stages of soul retrieval. How close the transparencies are to the body is a clue that the trauma occurred in childhood.

Each fragmented part is like a separate being that has sought refuge in the Higher soul. To say they are fragments is a little misleading for it is like a complete copy of the soul reproduces and forms a separate being. It takes patience and skill to reunite the fragment with the original soul for sometimes the fragment does not want to return to the emotional pain or endure the shock. In the case of my client, with each integration she became stronger and retrieving the remainder of the fragments became easier as she was able to convince the higher self that she needed each fragment to heal properly. She was so fragmented that with each integration you could feel her body and her spirits getting stronger. The process involved identifying each trauma and when it happened and when the fragment left. It involves patience and most important the desire of the client to want to heal.

Often a counselor can see obvious fragmentation and during the course of a session can reintegrate the fragments without the participation of the client but that does not always succeed with very severe cases such as the client I am speaking about. The process involved regressing her through each year of her childhood and repairing as we progressed. It is not wise to do this all at once for the shock can and does impact the soul. It takes time and is well worth the effort once started.

There are many new practitioners of this process of soul retrieval and you should be careful to make sure the person you choose is willing to move your through the entire process.   One of the pioneers in this work is Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D., a noted Shamanic practitioner and an author of numerous books about this subject. I highly recommend you investigate his life work for it is extensive.

Wishing you joy in this day and peace in your heart!

Rosie

I will be online today throughout the day as my schedule allows. If you see me listed as on "Alert" status please call for that just means I am multitasking and will pick up right away. If you see me on "arrange a call" means I have stepped away from my desk and will connect with you as soon as I can so please sign in on the "call back" list. If you cannot find my listing please type in Rosalea on the "select Advisor" space or call 1-800-ASK-KEEN and ask for extension 01888797

Repressing emotions.......

2008-09-10T09:35:00Z

Repressing your emotional suffering consciously will guarantee that you will suffer unconsciously.

When you move through life and you ignore situations that you should confront and deal with then you are consciously repressing them and you will have to deal with them at a later date. You can keep pushing them down until they erupt on the surface in a rush and cause you to suffer the anxiety over and over.

The only way to resolve the traumatic situations of your life is to face them honestly and as soon as you can. Do not give them time to fester within. I do know that you can refuse to let the problems of the day stop weighing you down by delaying the time you deal with them. That is okay but you can only delay for so long if they are critical trauma's that are impacting your life.

When you accept that these are life lessons then you are accepting responsibility for them and you are accepting that you may need to experience them for your spiritual growth. As you become accustomed to dealing with your problems face on they decrease in intensity and you develop the wisdom that does erase karma. The law of Grace (if you love and have mercy in your life you will receive the same) is much more powerful and does eliminate karma.

When you are willing to face your problems and accept that whatever comes your way that you will find the ability to deal with it then life becomes much easier to handle.

When you allow negativity to flow through your body but not affect it then you are learning to detach from it. It is just a process that you are experiencing. When you store negativity and fear then you can be sure that you will have it as your life partner and it will awake within you when you least expect it.

I recently had a client that has suffered through most of her adult life because of an abusive childhood, abusive parents, and abusive siblings. She felt the need to try and fix the situation by constantly staying connected with her abusers. She developed phobia's, anxiety attacks and suffered her families abusive without complaint. When she identified that the problems did not lie within her but in the heart of others then she slowly begin to extricate herself from the family that had tormented her for more than 40 years.
Letting go of the guilt was the first step and learning to understand that the programming you receive throughout your life from others is simply their opinion and not always the truth. Many people make the mistake of thinking that they must stay connected with family because that is just the only family you have and you are supposed to love them. You are not meant to suffer! When someone is emotionally blackmailing you it is time to face the fact and leave the situation behind you if possible.

Making an effort to analyze the problem and eliminate the guilt did wonders for my client and now she is living a life anxiety free by putting 1000 miles between her and her family and by honestly looking at what had been the root of her problems for years.

The healing did not take place overnight however, and repairing the damage to her aura and her chakra system took quite a while but it was possible once she identified the problems and faced them. Then we made wonderful progress in getting her balanced and developing the skills to resolve her problems as they occurred and not years later after they have plagued her soul.

The way you choose to look at your own circumstances in life is a deciding factor whether your life journey will be a rocky ride or smooth sailing.

Wishing you a day filled with wonders today!

Rosie

I will be online today throughout the day as my schedule allows. If you see me listed as on "Alert" status please call for that just means I am multitasking and will pick up right away. If you see me on "arrange a call" means I have stepped away from my desk and will connect with you as soon as I can so please sign in on the "call back" list. If you cannot find my listing please type in Rosalea on the "select Advisor" space or call 1-800-ASK-KEEN and ask for extension 01888797

Time is passing....

2008-09-09T16:16:00Z

Good morning from the soggy mountains! The rain is dripping on the roof and the air feels steamy and warm. Summer rain is just a delight to me because all my younger years were spent in areas where summer rain was non existent. Hot, dry summers are nice but feeling the morning rain on your face while you sit on the porch in shorts and a t-shirt is wonderful!

I was having a long conversation with my son about his truck and musing about the weather when I realized this was a moment in time that probably would never come again. The old crow was sitting on the ledge begging us for our muffins and chattering away at the cats in the yard. He is so territorial and I begin to wonder how long crows live. Henry the wayward crow adopted us a long time ago and I cannot remember a time I did not see him on my window sill in the morning waiting for a handout. He is wild and free but tied to me in spirit.

If I am in the yard he is never far away. He used to snag a ride with me when I was out riding my horse in the early morning for years but now we spend the mornings together on the porch. He is a really ornery bird and he is not a pet actually and more of a nuisance than anything. I love him however and it makes me realize how nice and comforting to know that when you love an animal how easily they respond and return it right back to you. Henry has a lot of characteristics of my husband if the truth was known! As humans I think we have forgotten sometimes how to love unconditionally. I feed Henry and he gives me joy with his antics. It is an even exchange and always remains the same. The only time he gets his feathers ruffled is when I spend to much time with the hummingbirds or the cats. Henry loves to badger the cats. That is his job in life. One of these days he may lose more than a few feathers if he is not careful!

I just really dread the time when he will no longer be with me. I know that the time is getting close for he stays in his tree a lot and he moves much slower. He looks as if one of his eyes are blurred and he does not like the rain on his back. I can relate. My bones ache in the cold weather and my eyesight is fading a bit also. Learning to let go of those that we love in life is difficult. They belong in the pattern of our life or the web and when they leave us the web is never the same.

I remember my youth and the feeling of invincibility that only youth can bring. I thought I was going to live forever. Now that I am in the Autumn of my life I have no regrets only a few sorrows that will not heal.

Today my husband and I celebrate our 32nd wedding anniversary. I feel like we have been together forever. The love I feel for him has not faded like my youth. He is the rock I lean on and my strength when times are hard. Like Henry he is a constant in my life. We have fought, loved, raised our children and managed to survive in times of happiness and sorrow. I have been blessed.

I see my husband with the same eyes of the girl who first fell in love with him. He has not changed for me. Love will endure if you take the time to nurture it. Love matures and ripens and like good wine it improves with age. I know that it is not fashionable anymore to contemplate long relationships but having someone who is your best friend to share your life with is a gift. Love changes like the seasons and as both of us reach an age where half the time we cannot remember what the heck we are doing in the kitchen it is so nice to have your best friend there to gently remind you.

I do not want to think of a time without him being in my life and like my love for Henry I do not want to see him leave me behind. I can not remember a time when my love for him has let me down. The love that I have shared with my husband, children, family and friends has returned to me 100 fold. I recommend to all who are beginning their journey's together to remember that love will endure as long as there is respect for one another and you never forget that what you do to those you love you do to yourself. When you inflict pain on those you love the pain is twice as severe when it returns to you. Loving, living and forgiving are the essentials.

As I watch the morning rise over the mountains I am grateful for this day and for the love that I have shared in my life and I pray that this precious gift of life will continue for a few more sunrises and I can see my husbands smile as he crosses the yard to come sit with me on the swing. I highly recommend you find your love in life and you nurture it and watch it grow and mature for love that endures is the richest kind.

Wishing you joy in the morning light this day!

Rosie

Gossip.......

2008-09-08T15:47:00Z

Gossip or ........

I was emailing a friend this weekend and the topic was about a recent blog that another person had written and I found myself falling into an age old practice of gossip and criticizing that made me feel really negative the entire day.

Talking about others is not the issue here by itself. People naturally come up in our thoughts and conversations. The distinction is in the way we feel. When we view others in a kind, accepting, and complimentary light, good feelings are prevalent, and our vibrations are high. It's when we plunge into negativity and nit-picking that our vibrational levels take a turn south.

Killing off good feelings and high vibrations isn't difficult. It usually starts with a 'harmless' comment like "Can you believe how she acted last night?" With a little comment like that, the snowball is off and rolling.

Law of Attraction plainly states 'Like attracts like.' So where there's one comment, there's usually one more, then another. Before you know it, that particular conversation - and likely many of your subsequent interactions - take on the low-vibrational tone of proving what's wrong with everyone else and this will snowball if you don't recognize it and stop the interaction.

The need to compare is the real villain here. When you think or say something derogatory about another person, you're basically comparing yourself to them. What you're really saying is, "At least I'm not as bad as they are!" And in that moment, you create separation, vainly attempting to elevate yourself by diminishing another. You rise to the top by default, so to speak.
Comparing ourselves to others gives us a built-in excuse to stand still. By making ourselves appear better, we become convinced that we don't have to move forward in our own life (since we're already 'not as bad' as those people).
It's a ticket to going nowhere fast. Rather than focus on how WE could be growing, we shine a spotlight on faults in another's life. Then, of course, we don't have to look to the one place which really matters - ourselves.

The good news is, when we recognize this is happening we can change the entire scenario to one of positive growth. Just as my friend and I shifted our own thoughts and words to higher ground, so can you.

In those moments when you find yourself finding fault with others, ask yourself this empowering question: "What does this say about ME?"

Because if we're being completely honest, that's often the one place we don't dare look. What we find might not be the rosy picture we're venturing to paint. When we hold up the proverbial mirror, we are likely to discover we're criticizing in another is what we are lacking ourselves.

I was told by a very wise Mother that the things that we hate in another are usually the things we do not want to admit about ourselves.

The need to compare is born from a place of lack and reeks of insecurity. It assumes the position that one thing is better than another, and that our take on the world is 'correct' (there's no correct anything, just different ways of seeing the universe). And while invoking comparison may give us the facade of feeling better about ourselves - or feeling worthy - when really examined it accomplishes exactly the opposite.

So the next time you feel drawn to comparison, step back and consider where it's coming from.

Don't use others to boost your self esteem. Try acceptance and understanding, recognizing that any perceived differences you have with another is merely their unique version of the world.

Trying to stay on top of the heap is a formula for dissatisfaction and emptiness. You can leave all that behind for the more fulfilling world of compassion and co-creation.
When you drop the need to compare, an entirely new path unfolds before your eyes. Your life flows more smoothly than ever before.

This always happens when you align with your highest self. It's in your hands. You have the power to change the world.

Many Blessings to you all this blessed day!

Rosie

I will be online today throughout the day as my schedule allows. If you see me listed as on "Alert" status please call for that just means I am multitasking and will pick up right away. If you see me on "arrange a call" means I have stepped away from my desk and will connect with you as soon as I can so please sign in on the "call back" list. If you cannot find my listing please type in Rosalea on the "select Advisor" space or call 1-800-ASK-KEEN and ask for extension 01888797.

A Rant about Gender Bias & hypocrisy in our "news"media.

2008-09-05T19:00:00Z

A Rant about Gender Bias & hypocrisy in our "news"media.

Joan (DruidsGlenTarot) created a blog yesterday that really touched on this topic and I thought was brilliant. I was so in agreement with her that I wanted to expound on this very issue and I hope she does not feel I am copying her but I just want this to really be something we all think about lately and discuss again and again if necessary.

Gender bias starts in our school system. Boys get more failing grades than female students; they have a record of 9 out of 10 alcohol and drug violations; and they account for 80% of the high school dropouts nationwide. They are also credited with a larger percentage in regards to diagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder. With all those statistics why do you think our female children are made to believe that somehow they are inferior to their male counterparts in school? Why are the football jocks given the larger scholarships versus the female basketball players?

It all boils down to gender bias and it has been going on for centuries.

It is evident in our news media especially now during the ongoing election process. In school it starts with a permissive attitude by school officials towards sexual harassment; the socialization process where females are taught to be neat, quiet and calm where boys are taught that it is okay to be aggressive, intolerant and ego driven for "boys will be boys" as they say in the media.

There is a process that starts very early on in education where girls are taught to think they are less than their male counterparts. The public school system pushes this dichotomy and so do most religious schools. During the late 60s and 70s did we see a little shift where female students began to pursue careers in science and mathematics for example or strive to be engineers.

Classrooms are microcosms of society, and they mirror the strengths and weaknesses etc. It is very important that we understand that our children are being taught that being female is considered less than desirable.

This bias is worldwide and in third world countries it is a major cause of impoverishment. Birthrates decline when and only when steps are taken to increase women's control over their own economic resources. Having control over pregnancy, birth control etc play a role in the gender dominance by men.

In addition rising literacy rates among females in third world countries have been linked to lower declines in the birthrate.

It is really obvious that it is better to keep the women fat, dumb and pregnant then let them be educated and have the ability to care for their own needs and no longer be dependent. It is preferable in third world countries that women bear male children and if they are not able to produce a male child are cast aside. It has been a reason for divorce in many areas for only men are allowed to inherit property. In china it is a factor because China limits the number of children that a couple can have. Many female children have been destroyed after birth because of this. There are laws in place that condone the violation of a woman's body by genital mutilation in many countries in this day and age. We are not out of the dark ages yet it is clear.

This relates to what is going on in the media right now. The same thought processes are at work. Keep women out of control. It is generally known that media bias occurs in other areas also but if you put a women out there that is outspoken and forceful just watch the media jump all over her like she is totally an aberration. You can relate to that by how they treated Hillary Clinton, Michele Obama and recently Sarah Palin.

Joan's blog today really touched on that topic and I was so in agreement with her that I wanted to expound on this very important factor.

Hypocrisy abounds in our society. Hypocritical behavior is evident in all walks of life and even here on Keen.

The definition of hypocrisy is according to Dictionary.com:

1. a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that one does not really possess.
2. a pretense of having some desirable or publicly approved attitude.
3. an act or instance of hypocrisy.

I think we all have to be watchful for the "wolf in sheeps clothing" and those that pretend to be sanctimonious and turn out to be less than perfect the majority of the time. The optimum word is "pretense" and those pretenders are brainwashing us to believe that their opinion matters because they are the news media or someone who has "right" on their side like some evangelicals who push their religious ideology on others. Those who shout to the rooftops about how offended they are about something someone else does should be viewed carefully for as I understand there was only one perfect being born on earth and it sure isn't me or the common person that exists on earth today.

We all have faults, we all make mistakes and we all are human. To use our gender against us or to use our economic situation as a means to judge us makes no sense to me at all. I have seen so many instances where the news media judged someone entirely because of their ability to be in a higher income bracket. They attack politicians for example who defend women's rights, want to lift up the poor or who want to support our constitutional rights. The News Media bizarrely gives greater scrutiny to personal finances of wealthy candidates whose policies help the poor than to wealthy candidates whose policies help the rich. How terrible is that?

I personally feel my tax dollars would be better spent helping the impoverished here at home and providing more jobs etc rather than supporting a war effort.

I could go on an on about gender bias, hypocrisy in the news and in our schools but the important point to make is that it is there and we need to be aware that some of the stories that are being hurled around the world are meant to keep women in general dependent and classified as less than equal. We need to recognize this and work to elect those that do not agree with the "good ole boy" policies of the past.

I don't really consider myself a warrior per se but....I have fought for female rights in the workplace for over two decades. I just don't think we can give up the fight right now when we are just beginning to make progress. Taking the news media to task is just futile I believe for the regular news agencies are dominated and run predominately by men and they will do everything to make sure it stays that way. We just have to discredit them when we can. The internet and the social websites are helping to curtail the "news as it always has been" theory a little.

This election brings about another set of problems that I just don't think we are looking at in the proper way. Roe vs Wade is a very important piece of law. It keeps the right to choose within our reach. I will never ever vote for another male or female politician who does not at least acknowledge female rights and the right to have control over her own body. Even though I would never have an abortion personally I will fight to my last dying breath for those who chose that for themselves.

When we take away the right for a women to chose what happens to her body then we are returning to the dark ages of despair once again and moving in the direction of a third world society. Having worked for many years to keep this right I would never vote for those who are trying to take any rights away from us that we have fought long and hard for. I remember the days where I seen friends dying from botched abortions and from being ostracized by family and friends. The abuse that was heaped on their heads if they happen to fall in love and make a "mistake" as they used to label unwanted pregnancy was never ending. I never saw one politician offer to help a young Mother support her unwanted child and help the Mother get an education without labeling her unfit. The women took the brunt of responsibility for unwanted pregnancies and I saw my Mother-in-law waste away from having too many children and finally die from the causes associated with too many pregnancies. My own Mother suffered also from that. She had 6 live births but 5 miscarriages. I never heard the priest offer to help her with the cost of raising those children either.

I hope we are all smart enough to realize that we cannot afford to go back to those days no matter how we individually feel about abortion. It is about the rights of women and we need to look at the big picture on how women are judged in the workplace, news media and even our schools to realize how tenuous a hold we have on our rights. Look at the third world countries and those who oppress women just because they can.

I know that I am taking a big chance here of offending some but I hope we will all just take a look at what is at stake here in our country and how important it is to know that the next elected president will be able to install probably 2 to 3 supreme court judges. This factor alone can tip the scale for female rights. We have the ability to turn the tide and to keep our rights intact or at least keep our constitutional rights that we have fought for and that includes the right to bear arms. We cannot ever again be complacent and let an elected official alter our constitution.

Blessings to all this day.

Rosie

I will be online today throughout the day as my schedule allows. If you see me listed as on "Alert" status please call for that just means I am multitasking and will pick up right away. If you see me on "arrange a call" means I have stepped away from my desk and will connect with you as soon as I can so please sign in on the "call back" list. If you cannot find my listing please type in Rosalea on the "select Advisor" space or call 1-800-ASK-KEEN and ask for extension 01888797.

Letter from Michael

2008-09-03T21:05:00Z

Good morning from the quiet still mountains this morning. The pink and purple sunrises that have been occurring lately make me happy for they are the most beautiful colors to me and are my absolute favorites. I painted a pink sky with fluffy white clouds when I was young and I just loved it. I often wondered what I did with the painting for I remember it so well just not what I did with it!

I believe in miracles! Miracles happen everyday but the following story I am including in this blog today has been a traditional story that was broadcast on radio stations all over America for the last 20 years or more. This is a letter written by a young marine named Michael who was wounded on the battlefield during the Korean war and this was the letter he wrote home to his Mother. It was first read and seen by a Navy Chaplin who immediately called to talk with his mother. The Sergeant, the patrol members and Michael were and are real people. This story is a copy of the original letter from Michael. This is exactly how the story was relayed on radio and on the airways for years during the Christmas Season. I have received other letters from our boys on the battlefield and received a really interesting one that If I can get permission I will relay to you on a later blog. Here is Michael's story and I hope it brings you hope that miracles are possible.

Dear Mom,

I wouldn't dare write this letter to anyone but you because no one else will believe it. Maybe even you will find it hard. But I've got to tell somebody. First off, I'm in a hospital. Now don't worry. You hear me? Don't…don't worry. I…I was wounded, but I'm okay. You understand? Okay. The doctor says I'll be up and around in a month, but that isn't what I want to tell you.

Remember when I joined the Marines last year? Remember when I left, how you told me to say a prayer to St. Michael everyday? You really didn't have to tell me that. Ever since I can remember, you always told me to pray to St. Michael the Arc Angel. You even named me after him. Well I always have. When I got to Korea, I prayed even harder. Remember the prayer you taught me? "Michael, Michael of the morning. Fresh court of heaven adorning." You know the rest of it. Well I said it everyday. Sometimes when I was marching. Sometimes, resting. But always before I went to sleep. I even got some of the other fellas to say it. Well, one day I was with an advance detail, way up forward, in the front lines. I was plotting along, in the bitter cold. My breath was like cigar smoke.

I thought I knew every guy on the patrol, but along side of me comes another Marine I had never met before. He was bigger than any Marine I had ever seen. He must have been six foot four, and built in proportion. It gave me a feeling of security to have such a buddy near. Anyway, there we were, trudging along, rest of the patrol spread out. Just to start a conversation I said, "Cold! Ain't it?" And then I laughed. Here I was, with a good chance of getting killed any minute, and I'm talking about the weather.

My companion seemed to understand. I heard him laugh softly. I looked at him. "I've never seen you before. I thought I knew every man in the outfit." "I just joined at the last minute," he replied. "The name is Michael." "Is that so?" I said. "That's my name, too." "I know," he said. "And then we're on, "Michael, Michael of the morning." I was too amazed to say anything for a minute. How did he know my name? And the prayer that you had taught me. Then I smiled to myself. "Heh". Every guy in the outfit knew about me. Hadn't I taught the prayer to anyone who'd listen? Why now and then, they even referred to me as St. Michael.

Neither of us spoke for a time, and then he broke the silence. "We're gonna have some trouble up ahead. He must have been in some fine physical shape, for he was breathing so lightly, I couldn't see his breath. Mine poured out in grape clouds. There was no smile on his face now. Trouble ahead, I thought to myself. Well, with the enemy all around us, that's no great revelation. Snow began to fall, in great thick globs. In a brief moment, the whole countryside was blotted out and I was marching in a white fog of wet, sticky particles. My companion disappeared. "Michael!" I shouted in sudden alarm. I felt his hand on my arm. His voice was rich and strong. "This will stop shortly."

His prophecy proved to be correct. In a few moments the snow stopped as abruptly as it had begun. The sun was a hard shining disc. I looked back for the rest of the patrol. There was no one in sight. We lost them in that heavy fall of snow. I looked ahead as we came over a little rise. Mom, my heart stopped. There were seven of them and their padded pants and jackets and funny little hats, only there wasn't anything funny about them now. Seven rifles were aimed at us. "Down Michael!" I screamed and hit the frozen earth. I heard those rifles fire almost as one. I heard the bullets. But there was Michael. Still standing. Mom, those guys couldn’t have missed.

Not at that range. I expected to see him literally blown to bits. But there he stood, making no effort to fire himself. He was paralyzed with fear. It happens sometimes, mom, even to the very bravest. He was…he was like a bird, fascinated by a snick. At least, that's what I thought then. I jumped up to pull him down, and felt a sudden flame in my chest. I often wondered what it felt like to be hit. Now I know. I remember feeling strong arms above me. Arms that laid me, ever so gently, on a pillow of snow. I opened my eyes for one last look. I was dying. Maybe I was even dead. I remember thinking well, this isn't so bad. Maybe I was looking into the sun.
Maybe I was in shock. But it seemed I saw Michael standing erect again, only this time, his face was shining with terrible splendour. As I say, maybe it was the sun in my eyes, but he seemed to change as I watched him; he grew, bigger. His arms stretched out wide. Maybe it was the snow falling again, but there was a brightness around him; like the wings of an angel. In his hand was a sword. A sword that flashed with a million lights. And that’s the last thing I remember until the rest of the fellas came up and found me. I don't know how much time had passed, but now and then, I had a moment's respite from the pain. I remember telling them that the enemy was just ahead. "Where's Michael?" I asked. I saw them look at one another. "Where's who?" asked one. "Michael". "Michael, that big Marine that I was walking with just before that big snow squall hit us". "Kid," said the sergeant. "You weren't walking with anyone. I had my eyes on you the whole time. You were getting too far out. I was just gonna call you in when you disappeared in the snow."

He looked at me, curiously. "How'd you do it kid?" "How'd I do what?" I asked, half angry, despite my wound. "This big Marine named Michael and I were just…" "Son," said the sergeant kindly. "I picked this outfit out myself, and there just ain't another Michael in it. You’re the only Mike in it." He paused for a moment. "Just how'd you do it, kid? We heard shots. There hasn't been a shot fired from your rifle. And there isn't a bit of lead in them seven bodies over the hill there. I didn't say anything. What could I say? I could only look, open-mouthed, with amazement. It was then the sergeant spoke again. "Kid," he said gently. "Every one of those seven bodies over the hill there was killed, by a sword stroke." That's all I could tell you mom. As I say, it may have been the sun in my eyes. It may have been the cold, or the pain. But that’s what happened.

Love,
Michael

I hope you loved this story for my favorite Archangel and the one that I have total confidence in is Archangel Michael. Whenever I call on him for assistance he has never let me down. He is a rock you can lean on in times of need and he never fails to protect you in your darkest hour.

Blessings to all this morning.

Rosie

I will be online today throughout the day as my schedule allows. If you see me listed as on "Alert" status please call for that just means I am multitasking and will pick up right away. If you see me on "arrange a call" means I have stepped away from my desk and will connect with you as soon as I can so please sign in on the "call back" list. If you cannot find my listing please type in Rosalea on the "select Advisor" space or call 1-800-ASK-KEEN and ask for extension 01888797.

Keeping positive in an unsettled world!

2008-09-02T17:30:00Z

Keeping positive in an unsettled world.

Good afternoon from the sizzling hot, sweltering mountains this afternoon.

With all the turmoil hitting us from all sides in the world it is little wonder that we live like we are walking on the edge of a precipice most of the time.

We can alter the effects that the turmoil has upon our bodies and minds however if we choose to do so. It involves selectively choosing what we allow our minds to dwell on and ponder. The truth of the matter is we are the only inhabitant of our minds and we are fully capable of screening what we allow in and what we put out. We are the masters of our life and we can choose to just shut out the most painful of things if only for a short time in meditation for example but as you do that you will find you can shut out the turmoil as long as you desire if you practice controlling your thought processes as you move through your day.

Keeping the negative thoughts all in one place helps me. I have used a simple technique to handle thoughts that are troubling me throughout my life and it is easy to learn and put in practice.

1. Find a quiet place to sit down comfortably

2. For about 5 minutes take this time to softly breathe from your diaphragm counting the intake breaths and releasing. Just quiet your mind slowly by counting your breath.

3. I want you to imagine a box about the size of a hatbox in your mind. I want you to see the box as being silver in color. Like a bright silver that shines and glints when light hits it. A silver box that reminds you of Christmas wrapping.

4. When you can fully see the box in your mind and you can envision it then I want you to create a brilliant red lid that is covering the box. This silver box looks like a lovely Christmas package and you are going to remember this box for it is going to reside within your mind and serve a great purpose for you in the future. Consider this box as a gift for you to use. It is free and it is going to hold all the negative thoughts that you think about each day.

5. As you meditate on the box I want you to tell your mind that this box will be there immediately as you need it during the day or night.

After you have fully envisioned the box and you know that it is there then the next thing I want you to do is become consciously aware of your thoughts in a controlled manner. When you are thinking of things that cause you grief for example, I want you to look at the thought like it has some weight and then I want you to open the red lid on your silver box in your mind and envision putting the depressing thought in and closing the lid quickly. As you do this tell your subconscious that you do not want to deal with unpleasant thoughts and that you are storing them for later when you are stronger. Keep putting the thoughts in the box as they come and refuse to linger over them.

As you make this a habit, the subconscious is being trained that you are not going to pay attention to the depressing thoughts and they will flood your mind less and less.

This practice is very good when you are going through a breakup or grief. As the thoughts of loneliness, isolation, fear etc crowds your mind just put the thoughts in the box and tell yourself "I am not strong enough right now to look at these thoughts and memories so I am saving them in the box until I am stronger" and proceed to replace the negative thoughts with something that makes you laugh or smile or feel good about yourself.

You might not feel immediate results for this practice takes time but it works if you practice it everyday.

Begin to replace the negative thoughts with positive affirmations the minute they appear and soon you will be training your subconscious to eliminate the negative for you.

This will not make the memories disappear and if you want to call up the things you need to deal with like bills, car payments etc you can remember them when needed but you don't have to let them control your every waking thought throughout the day.

When we worry we gain nothing but despair and unhappiness. Controlling what and when we worry is the first step to ending worry in our lives. If you must deal with bills then select a certain time of the week or day to do so and then throughout the day when worry about the bills come up just put them in your silver box and tell yourself that you will deal with the bills at 4 pm or whatever time you designate in the day to deal with bills and obligations. That will leave the rest of the day to experience and think about the joyful things that bring light to your life.

Wishing you joy and peace this day!
Rosie

I will be online today throughout the day as my schedule allows. If you see me listed as on "Alert" status please call for that just means I am multitasking and will pick up right away. If you see me on "arrange a call" means I have stepped away from my desk and will connect with you as soon as I can so please sign in on the "call back" list. If you cannot find my listing please type in Rosalea on the "select Advisor" space or call 1-800-ASK-KEEN and ask for extension 01888797.

An Affair is a two way Street

2008-08-30T17:33:00Z

An Affair is a two way Street

Most people when hearing that a man or a women has cheated on their spouse are quick to condemn them and label them as a despicable human being undeserving of any pity or consideration. The other party is considered the "victim" and pity is heaped upon their heads like a benediction. Well in life there is no such thing as an "innocent victim"!

The "cheater" does have the ability to control his/her actions but the "cheated on" must accept some responsibility also. The ‘cheated-on’ partner could not control the ‘cheater’s’ actions but they certainly contributed to the state that the relationship was in prior to the cheating.

Our society as a whole tends to see everything in black and white and does not stop to consider the "gray" matter in between.

Relationships go through phases and are cyclical. They have their ups and downs. Each partner must realize and tune into the danger signs that happen within a relationship. If one partner is withdrawing, there is no communication and your sex life is non existent then you must realize you definitely have a problem and seek some solutions.

All to often the complaint I hear from men specifically is "she is not even interested in sex anymore" or "she has totally let herself go". Although most of the time the male callers will not take responsibility for the lack of response in their mates it is certainly something they have to realize they ARE responsible for. If there are no medical conditions present that cause a lack of interest then you better realize that you probably have made her feel unloved or used. Expecting a women to be receptive without a little romance or without taking into consideration that she has worked all day, came home to fix dinner, do laundry and help the kids with their homework while you are having a beer, kicking back in the easy chair and "resting" after a hard day at work can make a women feel used.

There are of course many other reasons why women opt out of the relationship and the most prevalent complaint from women I hear is "he never really sees me anymore" or "I am just a servant here at home". In our society we tend to want it all and are finding out the having it "all" means paying a high price with our health and well being. Women are working 40+ hours a week on the job, 40+ hours per week with the household duties and attending to the responsibility of the children so there is no time for personal care or for finding time to be romantic.

In the "honeymoon" phase of a relationship both parties give the relationship their undivided attention. When the kids arrive then the demands of parenthood take over and less and less time is devoted to making the relationship work. When the "cheater" starts looking for another relationship outside of the marriage it is usually because they are searching for the excitement of the "honeymoon" stage again and even like the sneaking around that is associated with an affair. When they are with the new partner they can leave the worries of the bills, the kids, the complaints from the partner etc behind. The new person devotes specific time to them and they are having great sex without having to contribute much other than attention to the new person.

The "cheated on" adopts the attitude that all they were doing was taking care of the home and kids and work. They feel they did not contribute to the demise of the relationship. This is not true however no matter how angry this might make a lot of people. Cheating is a two way street with traffic on both sides! We need to stop the madness and take an active role in keeping the relationship with our spouses alive. When we let it slide into nothing then we must take the responsibility and accept that we are also to blame.

Their are many extenuating circumstances that contribute to a breakup and cheating and far to many to cover here but the one point I want to make with this blog is that yes ...cheating is terrible, it breaks hearts, it destroys trust but there is a middle ground that can be reached and relationships can heal from infidelity if both parties agree to accept responsibility and to make a concerted effort to repair the damage. That may mean cutting back on things that you really don't "need" but want in your life like two cars, extra clothes, expensive items for the kids etc. It may mean moving from a full time job to a part time job etc. There are many ways to rekindle your relationship if you want to do so. The first step is realizing that there are ways to heal if you just take the time to communicate and look for solutions.

Sending blessings to all for a safe holiday weekend.

Rosie
I will be signed on Keen on and off throughout the day today and into the evening. If you see "arrange a call" indicated by my listing please sign in and get on the call back list as this will indicate that I am on another call or stepped away from the phone for a few minutes. If you cannot find my listing please type in Rosalea on the "select Advisor" space or call 1-800-ASK-KEEN and ask for extension 01888797.

Wanted to share this with you.....

2008-08-29T20:57:00Z

I received the most beautiful card and message today from a client and a friend that brought tears to my eyes and a deep abiding love to my heart. I wanted to share this card with my friends and especially my lovely clients who mean so much to me. The card was produced by Blue Mountain Arts and was printed on handmade mulberry paper. The verse is by Donna Fargo and is so very meaningful I just had to share it with you.

I prayed for you today
by Donna Fargo

I prayed for you today,
gave thanks for your life,
wished you the best, asked
the heavens to bless you with
good health and happiness

I prayed for you today,
I sent good thoughts, surrounded
you with hope and faith and love.
I asked your guardian angels to
protect you and keep you safe from
any harm and to blanket you with
joy and contentment and peace and
prosperity. I asked that you be
guided with the wisdom to make
choices to enhance your life
and the awareness to make changes
that are in your best interest.

I wished for you a storehouse
of opportunities, the ability to
meet your goals, and the joy of
your own approval and acceptance.

I wished for you your heart's desire,
every need met, every prayer answered,
and every dream come true.

I prayed for you today.
I asked that you be prepared for
whatever life hands you or whatever
you're going through. I asked that
you spirit be strong and lead you
and guide you down every path you take.
I asked the Universe to confirm for you
that you are someone special. I asked the
earth to be good to you, and I asked
God to show you his perfect way.

I prayed for you today!

Sending blessings of love and peace to all my clients and friends who have supported me in my life and my business this day.

Rosie

I will be signed on Keen on and off throughout the day today and into the evening. If you see "arrange a call" indicated by my listing please sign in and get on the call back list as this will indicate that I am on another call or stepped away from the phone for a few minutes. If you cannot find my listing please type in Rosalea on the "select Advisor" space or call 1-800-ASK-KEEN and ask for extension 01888797.

Is it ever ok to have an affair?

2008-08-29T12:03:00Z

Good morning from the misty mountains! The day has begun in a soft haze with an overcast sky. This always puts me in a pensive mood and it is the reason why I choose the topic today in my blog. When is it alright to have an affair?

I have noticed how self righteous people become when someone in political office is caught having an affair like the Edwards affair. I even read where the news media attacked his wife because she did not expose her husband. What kind of nonsense is that? I felt so sorry for this women who had been betrayed and then betrayed a second and third time by the American public.

I have case studies that show numerous reasons why people have affairs and many of them (approximately 35%) are understandable and have occured for reasons I could definitely relate to.

A case in point which I am revealing with the permission of the parties involved (not using real names) is the following story.

Angela and Robbie had been married for over 25 years. Angela is 12 years younger than Robbie. She is just approaching her 45th Birthday and he is 57. For the last five years Angela has watched her husband spiral down as he was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease around his 52nd Birthday. He has progressively detiorated both mentally and physically and more than half the time does not even recognize her. She has been investigating and trying to find a home that she can afford to put him in that will not require her to sell the family home and she can still provide for her family. Thankfully Robbie is a veteran and the VA should help after she wades through the mountains of red tape that is required. Robbie has become a danger to the family and her especially for during the times he does not recall who she is he is violent with her.

She has endured this for five years and was so despondent she began to lose her hair and lost so much weight that the family was truly concerned for her mental health. The despair was overwhelming. Last year she changed jobs because she needed to be home more with Robbie and was having difficulty finding anyone to care for him. When she changed her job she found a new friend. He was a man who had been divorced for 3 years, lonely and raising two kids on his own. Being a single Father he understood the demands of caring for someone at home. They grew close and he even volunteered to help with Robbie if she needed to get away on occasion. Angela has grown to love him and he loves her. He is also a veteran and is helping Angela with getting Robbie in a facility that will care for him and where the family can see him regularly. David has become the rock she leans on and he has been more than a friend. They have become intimate friends in the last six months. Angela has hope once again and she is gaining a little weight, can face the days ahead with some sense that there is help for her and for the first time in five years she is smiling and taking care of herself.

Robbie and Angela have no children and David's two children bring her joy also. She is deeply religious however and the guilt has made her think twice and reach out for advice. When she first came to me I wanted to assure her that she did not have to feel guilty anymore that what she was doing was perfectly understandable from my point of view.

Learning to counsel without judging sometimes can be very difficult and you have to remember that sometimes things are not just black or white.

I have numerous cases like Angela's and Robbie's story that would break your heart and you would feel exactly like I do. There are many reasons that constitute why someone may cheat and not all of them are bad in my opinion.

However, having said that I feel that most of the "cheaters" in the world do not have valid reasons for being unfaithful and do deserve to be scrutinized when their intent is totally selfish and self serving. Cheating destroys a relationship but like all matters in the world there are many facets to the act of cheating and we should not be quick to draw conclusions unless we are totally aware of all aspects. As counselor's we must remain non judgmental for there are "grey" areas that must be considered.

In conclusion, I would love to hear from those of you that share my opinion and most importantly those who do not. We all have opinions and it really helps in our spiritual growth if we learn to look at things with a broader more informed view.

Blessings to all who suffer and are in despair this day, rejoice for change is coming!

Rosie

I will be signed on Keen on and off throughout the day today and into the evening. If you see "arrange a call" indicated by my listing please sign in and get on the call back list as this will indicate that I am on another call or stepped away from the phone for a few minutes. If you cannot find my listing please type in Rosalea on the "select Advisor" space or call 1-800-ASK-KEEN and ask for extension 01888797.

Subliminal Messages Work, at Least Sometimes

2008-08-28T23:09:00Z

Good afternoon from the rain soaked mountains today! Like many other patriotic Americans I have been glued to my computer watching the Democratic Convention whenever I could the last three days. It has mesmerized me this time for the choices that have to made in our country are so critical and the election this year is one of the most important one of my lifetime and many others. I hope you will all tune in tonight and listen but most of all I hope you will get out there and vote for the change that is needed for our country.

The article that I have included today has to do with subliminal programming for as many of you know I am a hypnotherapist and am an advocate of using self hypnosis for reprogramming and for changing our attitudes. The following is an article that interested me for science is finally coming around to realizing that we as a society are being subtly influenced by the advertising we see daily.

Subliminal Messages Work, at Least Sometimes

Attempts to manipulate consumers with subliminal messages, flashed onto movie or TV screens, once thrilled advertisers and panicked the public, but the furor faded when the technique failed to work.

But a study published on Thursday has given what is claimed to be the first evidence to the contrary -- that our decisions can, in fact, be influenced by subconsciously perceived cues.

An unusual experiment, recounted in the British-based journal Neuron, could go a long way to explaining the mystery of what is often called intuition, its authors say.

"Humans frequently invoke an argument that their intuition can result in a better decision than conscious reasoning. Such assertions may rely on subconscious associative learning," said lead author Mathias Pessiglione of University College London.

For example, a poker player who somehow always knows when to fold or call a bluff may be picking up on telltale signals from his opponents, using a part of his brain unrelated to conscious thought.

Previous studies have shown that people, like rats or dogs, could be conditioned to respond to unconsciously perceived stimuli. A subliminal image linked to an electrical shock, for example, will -- after repeated jolts -- cause a person's palms to sweat with anticipation.

But these are so-called "automatic" responses that do not involve conscious thought.

The new study is the first to show that such cues can influence deliberate choices too.

In the experiment, 11 men and nine women aged 18 to 39 were repeatedly exposed to one of two symbols sandwiched between a pair of abstract images.

The symbols flashed for only 33 or 50 milliseconds, not long enough to be consciously perceived.

After seeing each trio of images, the volunteers -- told to "follow their instincts" -- had the option of pressing on a button, knowing that one of the symbols corresponded to winning money, and the other to losing one.

About half way through each "learning session," which consisted of 120 decisions, most volunteers began to earn money, which they had been told they could keep.

On average, they made the "right" choice 63 percent of the time, though some individuals scored far better than others.

Pessiglione used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to find out what part of the brain was activated during the experiments and found that a region called the ventral striatum responded to the subliminal visual cues.

"Even without conscious processing of contextual cues, our brain can learn their reward value and use them to provide a bias on decision making," he said.

The study implies that humans may not be immune to the kind of subtle, below-the-threshold-of-awareness marketing that, in the 1950s, fired the imagination of advertising executives.

Provided they were reinforced with simultaneous rewards, subliminal advertising could probably influence some of the choices we make, Pessiglione said.

Sources:
Discovery News Subliminal, But Not So Subtle | Video: The Human Animal Aug. 28, 2008 --

Blessings of Enlightenment to all this day!

Rosie

I will be signed on Keen on and off throughout the day today and into the evening. If you see "arrange a call" indicated by my listing please sign in and get on the call back list as this will indicate that I am on another call or stepped away from the phone for a few minutes. If you cannot find my listing please type in Rosalea on the "select Advisor" space or call 1-800-ASK-KEEN and ask for extension 01888797.

Healthy Foods for your Arteries!

2008-08-27T09:23:00Z

Good Morning from the rainy mountains this morning. We are experiencing a soft gentle rain that is washing the world clean this morning and I love sitting on the porch in the summer and watching the rain fall. It is warm here and the rain is welcome for everything smells so clean and fresh but I am very thankful that I am not experiencing the endless rain that has occurred in other states and the flooding that has brought so much grief this summer to others.

We have been watching the convention the last couple of nights and I am once again in awe of Hillary Clinton for her speech was wonderful last night and I feel she has done so much for women as a whole. I am saddened that Mr. Obama chose not to select her as a running mate and wish she had broken through that glass ceiling that prevents so many women in our country from rising to new heights. Having said that she impressed me with the fact that we must vote and we must chose wisely for the entire world is watching. If we don't want another 4 years of the same garbage that the current administration has given us we must in all conscious chose to back Mr. Obama and I intend to do so.

I am including an article from a newsgroup that I subscribe to that is very informative this morning. As many of you know already my husband and I both have heart disease and we are always on the lookout for ways to improve our diet and avoid foods that will cause harm. This article is an excellent reminder of some of the foods we need to have regularly in our diet that will help keep our arteries open and free.

10 Foods that Keep Your Arteries Clean
by www.SixWise.com

Your arteries are blood vessels that transport oxygen and nutrients from your heart to the rest of your body. In order for this important process to occur, your arteries should be flexible, strong, elastic and clear of any deposits.

All fruits and vegetables are said to help prevent heart disease, but certain varieties (like apples) pack a particularly powerful punch.

However, over time deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and other substances can build up in your arteries. These plaques can severely restrict blood flow and, even more seriously, they can cause your arteries to rupture, leading to blood clots. Blood clots can then block your blood flow entirely, leading to heart attack and stroke.

In fact, a build-up of plaques in your arteries, known as atherosclerosis, is the main underlying cause of heart disease.

So keeping your arteries clean is not only a key part of your heart health, it's a key to your health overall.

While exercising on most days of the week is an excellent way to keep your arteries healthy, your diet also plays a major role. Here we've identified 10 foods that are especially adept at helping to keep your arteries clean.

Grapefruit: It contains a type of fiber called pectin, which has been shown in animal studies to slow down the progression of atherosclerosis.

Green Tea: This healthy beverage contains procyanidins, which have been found to help prevent blood clots and promote healthy endothelium (the tissues that lines blood vessels and your heart).

Apples: Apples (particularly Red Delicious and Granny Smith) are also rich in procyanidins.

Garbanzo beans: Garbanzo beans contain both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, which help to remove cholesterol-containing bile from your body. They are also known to help prevent heart disease.

Olive oil: Using olive oil as your exclusive source of oil may cut your risk of coronary heart disease almost in half, according to the CARDIO2000 case-control study, published in Clinical Cardiology. Meanwhile, studies show that particles of LDL (bad) cholesterol that contain monounsaturated fats (found in olive oil) are less likely to become oxidized. This is important because only oxidized cholesterol is able to stick to your artery walls and form plaques.

Spinach: This leafy green contains both vitamin C and vitamin A, which team up to prevent cholesterol from becoming oxidized (and thereby helping to prevent plaques from forming in your arteries).

Salmon: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fats, which make blood less likely to clot inside arteries and prevent cholesterol from becoming damaged or oxidized. Choose wild-caught salmon (instead of farm-raised) for the most benefits.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may make LDL cholesterol much less susceptible to becoming oxidized -- again, this is the first step in the formation of plaque formation and is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Swiss Chard: Swiss chard is an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamin E, which helps prevent free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol. Eating a diet rich in vitamin E has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis.

Garlic: Garlic helps your heart and arteries in numerous ways, including:

Stimulating the production of nitric oxide in the lining of blood vessels, which may help them to relax

Inhibiting coronary artery calcification, which serves as a marker for plaque formation

Preventing the oxidation of cholesterol

Reducing the formation of nanoplaque (the first building blocks of plaque) by up to 40% and reducing the size of the nanoplaque that has already formed by up to 20%, according to a study by German scientist Professor Güautnter Siegel, M.D., from the University of Medicine in Berlin

A dinner of salmon and spinach will give you plenty of omega-3 fats, vitamin C and vitamin A -- all of which are excellent for your arteries.

I hope you find this information informative and will include the above foods in your diets. We love garlic and olive oil and red tomatoes and use them in our diet regularly. I grow fresh garlic and it is a wonderful addition to salad dressings, sauces such as spaghetti sauce and lasagna, on french bread etc. We use it almost daily. I hope you will consider the benefits of keeping your arteries clear of plague and not waiting for the damage to occur later in your life.

Wishing you healthy eating and joy in your life this week!

Rosie

I will be signed on Keen on and off throughout the day today and into the evening. If you see "arrange a call" indicated by my listing please sign in and get on the call back list as this will indicate that I am on another call or stepped away from the phone for a few minutes. If you cannot find my listing please type in Rosalea on the "select Advisor" space or call 1-800-ASK-KEEN and ask for extension 01888797.