The GROUP The Book

IT'S A CHOICE

2011-09-22T08:41:00.000-04:00

A 92 year old petite man, who was fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionablly combed and shaved perfectly - even though he is legally blind - moved to a nursing home today. His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making moving necessary.

After many hours of waiting in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready. As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, his aide provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window. "I love it," he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight year old having just been presented with a new puppy. "Mr. Jones, "she said, "you haven't even seen the room yet."

"That doesn't have anything to do with it," he replied. "HAPPINESS IS SOMETHING YOU DECIDE ON AHEAD OF TIME. Whether I like the room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged... it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice. I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day. Old age is like a bank account - you withdraw from it what you put in. So my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in that bank account! Free your mind from hatred and worries. Live simply. Give more and expect less. And always keep depositing."

Don't Make Assumptions

2011-05-15T16:41:00.000-04:00

Here is a wonderful reminder about how our lives can change if we replace assumptions with clear communication.

From Don Miguel Ruiz's The Four Agreements:
"Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life."

No Regrets!

2011-05-05T17:06:00.000-04:00

Bronnie Ware worked for many years in palliative care – with patients who had gone home to die. She was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives. She learned that people grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. She also learned five common regrets shared by her patients:

1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people have not honored even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.

It is very important to try and honor at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realize, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn't work so hard.

This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.

Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

Tell people how you feel about them, whether you love them, disagree with them or want to help them.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

Often they would not truly realize the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks: love and relationships.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.

When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying. Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly.

Choose happiness.

2011-04-27T11:39:00.000-04:00

Jared, a wise and beautiful friend of mine from Kenya, recently shared this story with me.

An old dog saw a puppy chasing its tail and asked, “Why are you chasing your tail?” The young puppy replied, “I have mastered philosophy; I have solved the problems of the universe which no dog before me has solved. I have learned that the best thing for a dog is happiness, and that happiness is in my tail. Therefore, I am chasing it, and when I catch it, I shall be happy.”

The old and seasoned dog stared at the little puppy and responded, “My son, I, too, have paid attention to the problems of the universe in my weak ways and I have formed some opinions. I have realized that happiness is a fine thing for a dog. And that happiness is in my tail. However, I have also noticed that when I chase after it, it keeps running away from me. But when I go about my business as usual, it follows me.”

Jared's message is this: Despite the hard times that many of us are encountering now, just go about your daily business as usual and fulfillment will come. Continue wearing a positive attitude and positive things will come your way.

Thank you, Jared!

Oh The Places You'll Go

2011-04-13T08:05:00.000-04:00

Nearly everyone is familiar with the classic children’s books The Cat in the Hat or Green Eggs and Ham. Reading Dr. Seuss was and still is a rite of passage for many young children. Although these books are practically a staple among young readers it might surprise you to know that Dr. Seuss's first book To Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street was rejected 27 times before finally being published by Vanguard Press. This kind of rejection might have discouraged a person from ever accomplishing their dream, but not Dr. Seuss. At the time of his death on September 24th, 1991, Theodor Seuss Giesel, had written and illustrated 44 children’s books, he had his books translated into more than 15 languages and over 200 million copies found their way into homes and hearts around the world. His work provided a source for television specials, Broadway musicals and major motion pictures. He also received two Academy Awards, two Emmys, a Peabody and a Pulitzer Prize. All of his amazing awards aside, most importantly, he brought joy and a love of reading to millions of children around the world all because he didn’t let a little thing like being rejected – 27 times – stop him from achieving his goal. The point is, keep at it! If you believe in yourself and you believe in your dream, no one can stop you from realizing what you set out to accomplish.

"OH, THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!

THERE IS FUN TO BE DONE! THERE ARE

POINTS TO BE SCORED. THERE ARE GAMES TO BE WON."

From: Oh, The Places You'll Go!

Are You on the Right Frequency?

2011-04-06T22:53:00.000-04:00

Recently I was talking with someone about connecting with Source Energy (or the Universe, or God, or Spirit or whatever you wish to call it). They said that Source Energy is always the same; its inherent nature never changes. It is always there and it is always flowing - it never stops, changes direction, or changes its frequency.

One analogy is to think of the radio: if Source Energy is on frequency 98.2 and you are on frequency 95.5, then you need to change your frequency to connect with Source Energy.

If you feel "disconnected" from Source Energy you might simply be on the wrong frequency or you might simply be traveling in the wrong direction. Sometimes all you have to do is turn around and change your direction!

Never Give Up

2011-04-03T10:56:00.000-04:00

Winston Churchill failed sixth grade. He was subsequently defeated in every election for public office until he became Prime Minister at the age of 62. He later wrote, "Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never - in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in except in convictions of honor and good sense. Never, never, never, never give up."

The Underlying Current of Relatedness

2011-03-26T13:24:00.001-04:00

Why does it feel so amazing to be part of a GROUP? So grand? So fulfilling? Because within a GROUP lies the underlying current of relatedness. When someone shares, you relate, connecting person to person, human to human. The GROUP process draws from each individual’s wisdom and experience. You learn from each other. You gain greater insight and knowledge from each other. You help, support and encourage each other…and in the process you help yourself. The GROUP becomes a significant resource and empowers everyone!

Seasons are shifting, change is in the air!

2011-03-20T13:54:00.002-04:00

Today's equinox marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the southern hemisphere. Seasons are shifting, change is in the air! “How do geese know when to fly to the sun? Who tells them the seasons? How do we, humans, know when it is time to move on? As with the migrant birds, so surely with us, there is a voice within if only we would listen to it, that tells us certainly when to go forth into the unknown.” -Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Swiss-American Psychiatrist and Author

THE DALAI LAMA

2011-03-13T10:41:00.000-04:00

The Dalai Lama was asked recently what surprises him the most about humanity. He answered, "Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived."

Use these wise words to guide you in your own life. Ponder what is really important. Enjoy each moment for what it is, rather than seeing it as a means to an end.

2011-03-02T16:51:00.000-05:00

"I've found that luck is quite predictable. If you want more luck, take more chances. Be more active. Show up more often." -Brian Tracy.

The great (and even average) accomplishments were never reached by sitting on the sidelines. You need to get out there in life - in the playing field - to make things happen and to live life to the fullest. Sure, it can be scary at times, and it can feel easier to sit on the sidelines, wishing and waiting...hoping that maybe something will happen for you. But it won't. You are the only one who can make "it" happen - whatever that "it" is.

Like Brain Tracy says in the above quote, take more chances. If you're heart is racing, if you feel nervous about taking a step, if you're scared...these are all good signs! You're stepping out of your comfort zone and pushing your limits. Test yourself a little every day. Take chances.

Woody Allen says that 80% of success in life is showing up. Show up. Get out there and try something new. Push the envelope. You never know what could happen.

The Power of The GROUP: Part 1

2011-02-11T08:08:00.000-05:00

What makes The GROUP so powerful?

Accountability. When you discuss your goals and specific action steps with your GROUP, you are inspired to follow through and take action. Your GROUP brings accountability into your life as it takes you from talking about your dreams to achieving your dreams. Regular meetings keep you motivated to continue manifesting your goals. How often have you put off taking certain actions steps toward your goal only to allow days, weeks, perhaps even years to go by without ever moving one step closer? Imagine now, the motivation you would feel if you had a whole group of people in your life who know exactly what you are trying to accomplish, they are visualizing your success and are excited to hear about your progress at the next meeting. Would you be more inclined to take a step? You bet!

Recipe for a Happy New Year

2011-01-26T07:19:00.000-05:00

A wonderful poem shared during one of our GROUP meetings. Wishing you a continued Happy New Year!

Take twelve whole months,
Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness, hate, and jealousy,
Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.

Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or
thirty-one different parts,
but don't make up the whole batch at once.
Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.

Mix well into each day one part of faith,
one part of patience, one part of courage,
and one part of work.

Add to each day one part of hope,
faithfulness, generosity, and kindness.
Blend with one part prayer,
one part meditation, and one good deed.
Season the whole with a dash of good spirits,
a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play,
and a cupful of good humor.

Pour all of this into a vessel of love.
Cook thoroughly over radiant joy,
garnish with a smile,
and serve with quietness, unselfishness,
and cheerfulness.

You're bound to have a happy new year.

~Author Unknown

There's No Better Time Than Now

2011-01-14T13:29:00.000-05:00

Many times we convince ourselves that things will be better or happier once this or that happens. Life will be better after we get married, or have children. Life will be better after the children are grown and we have more free time. Life will be better when our spouse makes a certain change, or after we move into a bigger house, or drive a nicer car, or can retire.

Alfred Souza said, “For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin – real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that those obstacles were my life.”

So stop waiting until you finish school…or go back to school, until you lose ten pounds, until you get married…or get divorced, until you get a new car…or your car is paid off, until the summer when it’s warmer…or the winter when it’s cooler. Stop waiting. Life is happening NOW. And there is no better time to be happy and to live your best life than right now.

Practicing Acceptance

2011-01-07T11:30:00.000-05:00

Are you hard on yourself at times? Do you ever have an underlying feeling that you are lacking in some way, or that you are not "enough?" Feeling this way can cause you to be judgmental of yourself, and if you feel this way towards yourself, it's not uncommon to also feel this way towards others. Be gentle with yourself. Practice accepting yourself just the way you are right now. You can have goals and work towards those goals; you may want to become better at this or that - and that's fine. But how would it feel to accept yourself right now, right where you are in life, with all your quirky ways and unique imperfections?

You are a part of the "whole" - called by us the Universe - and without you our Universe would not be complete. You are supposed to be here - YOU! - just the way you are. Thank you for being here...and for being YOU.

Belief

2010-12-21T11:00:00.001-05:00

Belief is perhaps the first and most powerful aspect responsible in getting what we want – or don’t want for that matter.

Take the placebo effect for instance. In placebo studies patients are given sugar pills and told they are taking a drug that will help their condition. It has been documented that the belief in any given placebo will produce the exact same physiological effects of an actual drug. Our bodies do not distinguish between a drug's actions and side effects and our mind's expectations of its actions and side effects. This has been proven to such an extent that placebos cannot be used as a true control in drug trials. And patients given placebos have proven time and again that through their belief, their minds have told their bodies to heal themselves without actual pharmacological or surgical intervention.

This is proof that it’s really our belief concerning what’s happening that truly determines what happens.

If you find this interesting pick up a copy of The Intention Experiment written by Lynne McTaggart. If you enjoy reading about the science behind manifesting you will enjoy her book.

Fresh Ideas, Different Perspectives

2010-12-15T19:35:00.000-05:00

At times you may not see the full range of possibilities that exists when seeking to accomplish your goals. By being part of a GROUP, you tap into the power of multiple minds. You draw on the ideas, wisdom and experience of every person in the GROUP. They help illuminate answers that lie within you and guide you to solutions. They help you see things from different perspectives, opening your eyes to new ways of accomplishing your goals. What may not have seemed possible in the past is now within reach.

Beyond Mere Coincidence

2010-12-12T21:34:00.000-05:00

If you need help taming your inner skeptic, think of psychologist Abraham Maslow: He warned against coming under the sway of "the antirational, the antiempirical, the antiscientific," but he also wrote, "To be looking elsewhere for miracles is to me a sure sign of ignorance that everything is miraculous." A rigorously trained scientist, he found that seeing everything as miraculous was only logical.

- O Magazine, The Wonder Years, article by Martha Beck, p. 227

Give Yourself Permission to Dream

2010-12-02T14:00:00.000-05:00

Time is one of the greatest factors in preventing people from following their dreams. It is easy to put off today what you can do tomorrow and before you know it, days, weeks, and even years have passed by.

You may have resistance to attending a meeting that focuses on your dreams when work is demanding, the laundry has piled up and your to-do list seems endless. Justifying precious time away from daily life—your career, your family, your home—for the purpose of attending a regular GROUP meeting can seem difficult.

You may find yourself using excuses such as:

“I’m too busy. I don’t have time.”

“I’ll do it when the kids are older.”

“Work is too demanding.”

“My life is too crazy right now.”

Excuses may always exist which means you may never find the optimal time to start or join a GROUP.

First and foremost, it is important for you to give yourself permission to dream. When you follow your dreams and take action, the empowerment you experience helps you manage life more effectively and with more enjoyment. The intrinsic value that you gain from your meetings far exceeds the actual time you spend at your meetings.

When you are part of a GROUP you become more efficient, better at communicating, stronger, and happier. Excuses do not have the power they once had. You plow right through them. Ask those who have participated in a GROUP and they will tell you that it is an experience you do not want to postpone.

“The greatest achievement was at first and for a time a dream. The oak sleeps in the acorn, the bird waits in the egg, and in the highest vision of the soul a waking angel stirs. Dreams are the seedlings of realities.” ~ James Allen

GRATITUDE

2010-11-24T11:26:00.001-05:00

"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice." -Meister Eckhart.

Feeling a sense of gratitude and thankfulness in one's heart is a powerful feeling. When we cultivate a sense of gratitude in our lives, we can alter our entire outlook of life. When we focus on the many things we have to be grateful for, the perceived "lack" takes a backseat.

"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues." -Cicero.

We, The GROUP, wish you all a gratitude-filled, wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Your Value and Worth are Intrinsic

2010-11-10T11:05:00.000-05:00

Sometimes we can feel as though our worth depends on outside factors. We feel it depends on how much money we have, how many degrees we hold, our job title, our looks, our knowledge, even how spiritual we are. There's nothing wrong with having more, being more, and doing more, but if our worth depends on it, what happens when it goes away? Each of us is worthy, special, and unique RIGHT NOW. You don't need to "add" anything to yourself to be good enough. Your value and worth are intrinsic...nothing can take it away.

Below is a cute little story that illustrates this point.

A speaker at a large seminar held up a $20 bill. He asked, “Who would like this $20 bill?” Hands started going up.

He said, “I am going to give this $20 to one of you, but first, let me do this." He then proceeded to crumple the bill up. He then asked, “Who still wants it?” Still the hands were up in the air.

“Well,” he replied, “What if I do this?” And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty. "Now who still wants it?” Still the hands went into the air.

“My friends,” he said, “You have all learned a valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Nothing I can do can change that. Like this bill, you never lose your value, your worth...no matter what happens to you.”

The GROUP Can Prevent Wrinkles

2010-10-27T21:03:00.002-04:00

We all know that stress seems to age people, just look at the aging of our president after four years. There really is no such thing as separation of mind and body. Each cell in our body is constantly responding to our external and internal environment. Scientists have finally determined a direct link between stress and aging. Chronic stress appears to shorten our cells life span and speeds the body’s deterioration.

Here is the good news! Numerous studies have demonstrated that having a network of supportive relationships will improve your well being. A strong social support network develops a sense of belonging, increases a sense of self worth and security and is exactly what The GROUP process inherently cultivates. Connecting with others like this promotes a reduction of stress hormones and gives a boost to your immune system, which in turn contributes to a slowing of the aging process.

So, if the idea of accomplishing your dreams wasn’t enough motivation for you to finally form a group then this news may inspire you to finally get started!
The GROUP = Better Relationships, More Success, and Less Wrinkles!

Belief

2010-10-21T18:28:00.000-04:00

The key to success is believing you will succeed. Just ask Dolly Parton:

Parton grew up the 4th of 12 children in a tin-roofed shack in East Tennessee's Appalachian mountains. During her teenage years Parton and her mother's brother, Bill Owens, also a songwriter, would venture into Nashville and try to get signed. "We used to come down in his rickety car any time we could beg, borrow, or steal enough money for gas," Parton remembers. "We'd clean up in service stations. I'd wash my hair in those old, cold sinks and put my makeup on in the mirrors in the car." Through it all, she says, "there wasn't ever a time I thought I wasn't going to make it."

–AARP Magazine, May & June, 2009, pg. 34

Part of a Whole

2010-10-17T16:35:00.000-04:00

“A human being is part of a whole, called by us the Universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”

- Albert Einstein

To Risk is to Learn, Change, Grow and Live

2010-10-09T16:19:00.000-04:00

What it means "To Risk" by William Arthur Ward:

To laugh is to risk appearing a fool,

To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.

To reach out to another is to risk involvement,

To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.

To place your ideas and dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss.

To love is to risk not being loved in return,

To live is to risk dying,

To hope is to risk despair,

To try is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing.

He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he cannot learn, feel, change, grow or live.

Chained by his servitude he is a slave who has forfeited all freedom.

Only a person who risks is free.

The pessimist complains about the wind;

The optimist expects it to change;

And the realist adjusts the sails.

Don’t give up on your goals!

2010-09-28T07:19:00.000-04:00

If at times your goal seems overwhelming and unreachable, take a look at what you want to achieve and break it down into smaller, more doable parts. The photographer, Bill Fortney, shares a wonderful story about the value of setting incremental goals: “A New Yorker stood amazed that a truck driver he met drove from New York to Los Angeles and back every 10 days. He asked the truck driver, ‘How can you drive all the way to Los Angeles and back?’ The truck driver said, ‘I don’t. I drive from New York to Pittsburg, then I drive from Pittsburgh to St. Louis and then from St. Louis to Kansas City, etc., etc.’”

Making Different Choices

2010-09-21T11:19:00.000-04:00

Sometimes we find ourselves in the same sticky situations over and over again. Sometimes we realize we are repeating patterns that don't serve us, but many times we don't see this clearly - we think others are to blame, or that life is just unfair.

Realize that you have choices in every situation. Even if it doesn't seem like there are choices, there always are. You just need to be open to seeing them. Be gentle with yourself as you change old habits. Many times we gravitate towards what is familiar, even if it is not healthy.

Here is a lovely little story by Portia Nelson, called "Autobiography in Five Short Chapters."

Chapter 1
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk
I fall in.
I am lost ... I am helpless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes me forever to find a way out.

Chapter 2
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I am in the same place
but, it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter 3
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in ... it's a habit.
But my eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

Chapter 4
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

Chapter 5
I walk down another street.

10,000 Times!

2010-09-17T11:06:00.000-04:00

"Mistakes"..."Failures"...there's no such thing, really. A "mistake" is actually just another step towards your goal, towards your success. Every so-called mistake is an opportunity to learn and move forward, stronger and wiser than before. The most successful people in the world are also the people who have "failed" the most. When Thomas Edison said he would invent an electric light, people laughed at him. Over one year and 10,000 failures later (yes, 10,000!), he demonstrated the first electric light bulb.

Albert Einstein did not speak until he was the age of four, and did not read until age seven. His parents thought he was "sub-normal," and one of his teachers described him as "mentally slow, unsociable, and adrift forever in foolish dreams." He was expelled from school and was refused admittance to the Zurich Polytechnic School. As we all know, he did eventually learn to speak and read...and he even learned to do a little math.

The biggest failure is not trying…or giving up. In the words of Winston Churchill, "Never, never, never, never give up." Here's to your goals and to your success!

Honor The Present Moment

2010-09-06T08:38:00.000-04:00

As soon as you honor the present moment, all unhappiness and struggle dissolve, and life begins to flow with joy and ease. When you act out of present-moment awareness, whatever you do becomes imbued with a sense of quality, care, and love - even the most simple action.
~ Eckhart Tolle from Practicing The Power of Now.
So often we place so much of the importance on the end result that we forget that the real memories - the real gifts, are found in the present moment. When we are only focused on the future there is an emptiness that can be felt when we finally arrive at our goal or destination. This is because we spend the entire present moment wishing and waiting for the future to come, only to feel empty when it arrives. Suddenly we feel the need to look forward to something else in order to keep from feeling depressed. The feeling of ‘What’s next?’ becomes a never ending cycle. This can be alleviated by remembering that the present moment is all there is. The present moment is truly where joy and happiness reside.

What's Your Story?

2010-08-31T11:30:00.002-04:00

There is a quote by W.L. Bateman: “If you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep on getting what you’ve always got.” This is also true in the case of the words you use and the stories you tell yourself and others. If you keep justifying why you are bad at something or unable to get things exactly the way you want them you will keep on fulfilling the very words you prophesize. Whatever “story” you make up, you will live into it. It is time to realize that you are the author of your life story. And you can rewrite your story at any time.

Write down a story that you can recall frequently telling about yourself. Think about how this story might be preventing you from growing past the limitation. How would you like the result to be different? What would need to change for this to happen?

A belief is just a thought we tell ourselves over and over again until we accept it as the truth. Then why can’t we tell ourselves (and others) a new story in which we overcome the obstacle? Instead of: “I am so bad with money. I can never seem to get ahead financially. My parents were terrible with money and I got it from them.” Your improved story might look something like this: “I have had to learn healthier habits when it comes to managing my money and now I make better choices. I am careful with my spending and I feel a sense of satisfaction when I save money. The lessons I’ve learned have paid off.” Commit to telling this new story when the opportunity arises and watch how your beliefs about yourself will change over time. Once you align your beliefs with what you desire there is little standing in the way of your success.

Success

2010-08-27T21:32:00.000-04:00

One reason successful people are successful is because they have such strong belief that they will succeed. They keep moving forward. If they encounter an obstacle, they go around it. If one idea doesn't work, they move on to the next idea.

"Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit."

- Conrad Hilton

Quietude

2010-08-23T21:17:00.001-04:00

Sometimes the best gift we can give ourselves is to rest and do "nothing."

"The resting place of the mind is the heart. The only thing the mind hears all day is clanging bells and noise and argument, and all it wants is quietude. The only place the mind will ever find peace is inside the silence of the heart. That's where you need to go."

Eat Pray Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert, pg. 141

Gratitude During Challenging Times

2010-08-10T16:09:00.005-04:00

It may seem easier to feel grateful when things are going well in your life, but even during challenging times, gratitude is a foundation you can count on. Gratitude is a stepping stone in a running stream of water. Everything may be wild around you, but when you stop for a moment and think of what you’re grateful for, your perspective changes. You begin to see more of what surrounds you. You gain greater awareness and clarity. You see the big picture, the larger landscape, of your life. You find yourself standing with perfect footing ready to step in the next direction.

Laugh a little…or a lot!

2010-08-07T10:32:00.000-04:00

Did you know that children laugh about 350 times a day whereas adults laugh only 15 times a day? Why is that? Laughter and humor have endless benefits including increasing happiness, boosting your energy, decreasing stress, strengthening your immune system, helping you relax and changing your perspective.

What can you do to add more laughter to your life? What would your day be like if you approached everything that happened with humor?

Take a walk on the lighter side of life and laugh a little (or a lot) more!

20 Ways to Exercise Your Imagination

2010-08-02T10:52:00.000-04:00

Our imaginations play a large role in how we perceive our lives and what we think we can or cannot do. So it’s time to stretch!

Take a walk in your neighborhood and imagine you’re seeing it for the first time

Express your ideas artistically…draw, paint, knit, write, photograph, bake, garden

Watch a children’s movie (Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, Harry Potter, The Chronices of Narnia, The Wizard of Oz, etc.)

Read a classic

Write down your bucket list (a list of all the things you’d like to do before you die)

Take a different route to work

Share stories: Tell a friend a story from your childhood and have him share one as well

Play a game (charades anyone?)

Rearrange the furniture in your home

Visit a museum

Write a short story: The Adventures of (fill in your name here)

Memorize a quotation, poem or song…maybe even write your own

Create a dream board – paste pictures representing your dreams onto poster board

Dance

Write down your ‘To Do List’ in the format of your favorite restaurant’s menu

Plan a trip…a day trip, weekend getaway or vacation

Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a long time

Volunteer at a local event

Do something you’ve always wanted to do

Write your own list of 20 Ways to Exercise Your Imagination

Have something to add? Let us know!

Helping Each Other

2010-07-28T09:54:00.001-04:00

When we learn how to celebrate others' success, we welcome more success into our own lives. In the same way, when we help each other, we help ourselves. We are all much more connected than we think and than we sometimes feel. This is a lovely little story that illustrates the benefits of helping one another.

A woman wanted to know what heaven and hell were like, so she asked an angel to explain it to her. First, the angel showed her a scene with a very large bowl of soup, so big that people were perched all along the edges of it. Everyone had a spoon with a very long handle that they were using to scoop spoonfuls of soup. But try as they might, the handles were too long and they couldn't bring the soup to their mouths to eat. Each was trying desperately to feed themselves, and all were starving. The angel said, "This is hell." Next, the woman is shown a scene very much like the first one: a very large bowl of soup with people perched all around, each with their long handled spoon to reach the soup. But here the people are smiling, happy, and healthy. The woman then notices that the people here are using the spoons to scoop spoonfuls of soup...and they are feeding each other. They are helping each other eat. The angel said, "And THIS...is Heaven."

Shine Your Light

2010-07-23T08:51:00.001-04:00

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." - Marianne Williamson

Let your light shine - the world needs your brightness. Don't worry about us...we'll put our sunglasses on. :-)

Take Things The Right Way

2010-07-15T08:08:00.000-04:00

We filter what people say to us through our own experiences, insecurities and beliefs. Because of this filtering process, it can be easy to misinterpret someone's words, actions or inactions as a personal assault or a statement about our self-worth. When we misinterpret or take things the "wrong" way, misunderstandings can easily arise. How many times have you been upset for days, months or even years over something someone said, did, or didn't do, only to realize later that the person’s actions were not meant to hurt you. In fact, it was not about you at all. All that stress and bad feelings and your interpretation was way off to begin with! If you can learn to take things in the best possible way you will save yourself much time worrying and generating unhappiness. The best way to handle this all too typical life situation is to adopt a no "festering" policy. If you are hurt or upset about something then nip it in the bud. Talk to the person. Ask them what is going on in their life and what they meant by their words or actions. More often you will find that the act was not meant for your harm and that you just interpreted the situation that way. It is helpful to remind yourself that everyone is having their own struggles, experiences and challenges. When we take the time to get to know where others are coming from we realize it’s rarely and mostly never, about us.

You Set The Tone

2010-07-08T21:23:00.000-04:00

You set the tone each and every day by how you begin. Try something different tomorrow morning. When you wake up, take ten deep breaths, give thanks, smile and tell yourself that something extraordinary is going to happen today - really get into the feeling of this statement. Nourish your body with a healthy breakfast and a big glass of water. Resist the urge to turn on the news. Instead, open a window and listen to the birds sing. Watch the dew drops sparkle in the rising sun. Enjoy your pets, your family and just be in the moment- even if you only have 15 minutes to spare. Remember, you are the creator of your day. So much that you experience depends upon your vantage point - which is heavily influenced by what you feed yourself - both inside and out. The beautiful thing is that every day you get another chance. Many Blessings!

Dare to Live Your Life to the Fullest

2010-07-01T10:16:00.000-04:00

“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.” –Theodore Roosevelt

Let Roosevelt’s quote inspire you to get out there in the “arena.” Dare to take chances…to take action…dare to live your life to the fullest!

Taking The First Step

2010-06-28T07:26:00.000-04:00

“He who has begun is half done.” –Horace

Sometimes taking that first step towards a goal feels like the hardest one. We can find many reasons that hold us back from taking that step:

“I’m too busy with work right now.”

“I’ll do it when the kids are older.”

“I have to prepare this or that before I begin.”

(I have a friend who wanted to get in shape before he started going to the gym!)

When we think about tackling a new goal (especially a big goal), it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. When we focus on the many steps it will take to get us there (to our end result), it can be enough to keep us from even starting!

Instead, look at your goal as a series of small steps. What is one step you can take before the end of the day tomorrow that will get you started? Is it a phone call? A little research on the computer? A visit to a store? Just one small step. That’s all. Before you know it, you’ll be taking another step…and then another.

Don’t let your dreams be swept under the rug because you never took that first step. More often than not, people in their 90’s don’t regret following their dreams; they don’t regret the chances they took…they regret not taking chances.

To your dreams!

Abundance

2010-06-22T10:33:00.001-04:00

“Acknowledging the good that is already in your life is the foundation for all abundance. Start by acknowledging and recognizing abundance without [outside of yourself]. See the fullness of life all around you. The acknowledgment of the abundance that is all around you awakens the dormant abundance within.” –Eckhart Tolle

All too often our focus and our thoughts are on the things we want. We want to have more, be more, do more. While it’s good to have goals, and even better to move towards those goals, many times we miss all the abundance that is here right now.

When you take the time to acknowledge and give thanks for all you have right now, a sense of gratitude and awe is awakened within you. By doing this, you’ll discover more abundance…more for which to be grateful.

Recognize the abundance in your life: Perhaps it’s the stranger holding the door open for you; the food in your refrigerator; the tiny flower blooming, the penny on the ground…the sun shining on your face.

Take a deep breath and give thanks for that breath. Have a wonderful day!

Holding the Space

2010-06-19T15:00:00.000-04:00

What is "holding the space"?

Holding the space for someone is to practice excellent listening skills, patience, understanding and kindness. It is a way of listening that allows the person speaking time and "space" to completely express his thoughts and emotions without being interrupted. The person is given the opportunity to find his own words in his own time, even if he pauses while searching for the right words. Silence is allowed. When appropriate, questions can be asked to help bring out more information from the person and to help him gain clarity. Often through this process, the person discovers insights and answers within himself.

It Couldn't Be Done, or Could It?

2010-06-13T11:42:00.000-04:00

GROUP meetings offer us the opportunity to share tools and words of wisdom that we find inspire, motivate and empower us. Here is a poem entitled It Couldn't Be Done by Edgar Guest, American poet (1881 - 1959). What do you think, can it be done? We think it can!

Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
But, he with a chuckle replied
That "maybe it couldn't" but he would be one
Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, as he did it.

Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that;
At least no one we know has done it";
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.
With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
There are thousands to prophesy failure;
There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle right in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
That “cannot be done,” and you'll do it.

What if...

2010-06-05T11:31:00.000-04:00

Despite knowing that worry is a waste of energy, I sometimes catch myself worrying about 'What if's' - "What if this happens...What if that happens?" It is helpful to remind myself that most of the 'What if's' that I ponder never happen!

-Amy

You Are Not Alone

2010-05-29T21:45:00.000-04:00

One of the things I have learned from being part of a GROUP is that I am not alone. I used to think that many of my fears, thoughts and feelings were only experienced by me and weren't necessarily shared by others. When you are part of a GROUP and you start sharing and listening to others, you realize that human beings have more in common than you could ever imagine!

Look Inside

2010-05-16T21:25:00.004-04:00

The following excerpt from The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, was read as the offering at one of our GROUP meetings. From time to time, I revisit the offerings that have been shared at our meetings over the years. This one in particular is very special to me. Enjoy.

A beggar had been sitting by the side of the road for over thirty years. One day a stranger walked by, “ Spare some change?” mumbled the beggar, mechanically holding out his old baseball cap. “I have nothing to give you,” said the stranger. Then the stranger asked: “What’s that you are sitting on?” “Nothing,” replied the beggar. “Just an old box. I have been sitting on it for as long as I can remember.” “Ever looked inside?” asked the stranger. “No,” said the beggar. “What’s the point? There’s nothing in there.” “Have a look inside,” insisted the stranger. The beggar managed to pry open the lid. With astonishment, disbelief, and elation, he saw that the box was filled with gold.

I am that stranger who has nothing to give you and who is telling you to look inside. Not inside any box, as in the parable, but somewhere even closer: inside yourself.

Those who have not found their true wealth, which is the radiant joy of Being and the deep unshakable peace that comes with it, are beggars, even if they have great material wealth. They are looking for scraps of pleasure or fulfillment, for validation, security, or love, while they have a treasure within that not only includes all those things but is infinitely greater that anything the world can offer.

-Eckhart Tolle
The Power of Now

Stepping Stones

2010-05-13T07:09:00.000-04:00

How many times have you said that you wanted to accomplish something but never really began taking steps toward your goal?

I used to tell myself that I would start working toward my goals when the conditions were perfect – when I had more free time or when I had more money. I was afraid to make a move until I felt I could do everything perfectly. I would also give myself such a wide timeline in which to accomplish my goals, that somehow the day never came to take action. My goals would sit, often for years, on a piece of paper just waiting for me to bring them to life.

What I learned through being part of The GROUP was that I never needed to wait for any of these “perfect” conditions to appear in order to begin making meaningful headway toward my goals. When taking steps toward a goal you can even be - dare I say - messy or imperfect. You can make mistakes! Yes! The important thing is that there is movement. This movement creates momentum. To quote our book: It is better to take action - any action - than to sit on the fence, afraid that you might make the wrong move.

Think of one step that you can take toward your goal. Even if the step is as simple as making a phone call, write this step down where you can see it. In the course of the next week make it your joyful priority to accomplish that one step. Just continue identifying and taking the steps, even if they are seemingly small and insignificant. They are the stepping-stones that lead you to your dream.

Strength in Numbers

2010-05-03T21:55:00.001-04:00

Don't underestimate how empowering it is to have a group of people behind you, supporting you and cheering you on.

"We rarely – if ever – reach our chosen destinations in life completely on our own. In truth, we need each other to realize our dreams."

~Excerpt from Praise for The GROUP by Steven Lane Taylor, author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat: A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow

Timing

2010-04-26T20:08:00.000-04:00

About a year ago, a friend of mine went through a very difficult time. She and her husband lost everything: their business, home, cars, boat - everything. Recently I received an email from her saying that she has been witness to how the timing of everything was perfect, and that as she and her husband look back over the year, they have seen that the timing of all events was exactly as it should be. Had things happened any other way, they wouldn't be where they are now. She believes that not only will things work out, but they will work out for the BETTER. Encouraging words from someone who is living proof!

Set Your Imagination Free!

2010-04-12T13:40:00.000-04:00

"Your imagination is your preview of life's coming attractions." ~ Albert Einstein

If you could have anything you desired in your life, what would that be? IMAGINE...hold a thought or an image of what you'd like in your mind for a moment. As you do this, add details. How do you see yourself? How will you feel when you have achieved your goal? What will your life be like when your dream is a reality? Set your imagination free! You may even surprise yourself with ideas you didn't know you had. Remember, all great creations begin as a thought.

"First comes thought; then organization of that thought, into ideas and plans; then transformation of those plans into reality. The beginning, as you will observe, is in your imagination. " ~ Napoleon Hill, American Author, 1883-1970

Celebrating Success

2010-04-07T10:57:00.000-04:00

"One of my favorite things about being in a GROUP is sharing in the joy, excitement and gratitude of others when they accomplish their goals. With this kind of support, so much is possible. A GROUP, with the right people, is the best tool that I know of to live the life that we dream of living - it is amazingly powerful." -Jennifer Smith, Sarasota, Florida

In our competitive society, we are not usually taught to celebrate the success of others. We may feel jealous or envious, and another's success can cause us to feel inadequate. We may even put successful people down in an attempt to make ourselves feel better.

However, it's easier to attract success when you are happy for the success of others. The ability to celebrate the success of others opens you up to more success of your own. If another person can have it or do it, that means you can, too!

Like Jennifer mentioned above, there is great joy in celebrating other's success. A powerful advantage of being part of a GROUP is that this happens naturally - you don't have to force yourself to feel this way. The longer you are part of a GROUP, the stronger this feeling becomes. Illusory walls break down and are replaced by a sense of unity. You feel the connection that you share with your fellow human beings. When one person wins, we all win.

To your success!

Reaching Your Goals!

2010-04-01T17:55:00.002-04:00

"The greatest achievement was at first and for a time a dream. The oak sleeps in the acorn; the bird waits in the egg. Dreams are the seedlings of realities." - James Allen

Achieving a goal has many layers, or aspects, to it. First, as James Allen suggests, a dream takes shape as your imagination becomes activated. Albert Einsten said that imagination is actually more important than knowledge, because it points to what you might yet discover and create. You also need clarity regarding what the goal is and you need to believe that you can achieve it. Another beneficial ingredient is flexibility. It's helpful to be open to different possibilities rather than becoming too attached to how you think your goal will be reached.

Imagination, clarity, belief, flexibility - these components lay the foundation. But you also need to take action. Don't worry about how big or small your action steps are. Any action in the direction of your dream, no matter how small, creates momentum. And don't worry about making mistakes as you move forward. This is what Jack Canfield says about taking action: "As you begin to take action, you must realize that not every action will be perfect. Not every action will produce the desired result, or even work. Making mistakes, getting it almost right, and experimenting to see what happens are all part of the process of eventually getting it right."

What is one thing you can do right now that will bring you closer to your goal? Go do it now and then celebrate that you took that first step - congratulations!

Being a good listener has many benefits. Here is another reason to give rather than to receive:

2010-03-22T21:24:00.002-04:00

LEND AN EAR, HELP YOUR HEART
Being generous with your attention can reduce your risk of heart attack. Cardiac arrest is highly correlated with the amount of self-reference ("I," "me," "my") in a person's speech. The best advice? Listen to and connect with others - social ties lower your risk of dying from heart disease.

– O Magazine, December 2009, article entitled “You Give, You Get” by Stephen Post, PhD, and Jill Neimark, page 227

Inspirational stories remind us that anything is possible!

2010-02-25T17:27:00.010-05:00

During the Opening of our GROUP meeting this month, Amy shared an inspiring article about Barton Brooks, founder of Global Colors/Guerrilla Aid, who reminds us that a small gesture can make a big difference whether you're in your own neighborhood or in a foreign country. It is true that one person can change the world! Learn more about Barton's incredible story at www.globalcolors.org.

The Opening, the first segment of a GROUP meeting, sets a powerful tone. As the Guide for the meeting, you have the opportunity to share your favorite quotations, parables, passages from books, or anything that you find creative, encouraging or inspirational.

"The GROUP" Nominated for the 2010 Independent Publisher Book Awards

2010-02-16T09:24:00.000-05:00

The GROUP: An Amazing Way to Achieve Success, Happiness & Extraordinary Relationships has been nominated for the 2010 Independent Publisher Book Awards to be announced at Book Expo America in New York City in May.

2010-02-08T12:43:00.001-05:00

Only 7 more days to get your FREE copy of the book, The GROUP: An Amazing Way to Achieve Success, Happiness & Extraordinary Relationships. Click here for full details. This is a wonderful opportunity to see for yourself the power of The GROUP.

2010-02-02T16:54:00.003-05:00

"Before I began meeting with my GROUP, I let health issues and emotions lock me into an unhappy set of circumstances. Not anymore! There is a sense of empowerment that now surrounds me. Being Honored and being in the presence of everyone in my GROUP has helped me change my attitude towards the life I'm living. I feel really good! It's like there's a big, comfortable down pillow cushioning my life and helping me get through the day." - Cheryl Caldwell, Port St. Lucie, Florida

It's true that GROUP meetings are incredibly powerful when they are occurring, but they are also a source of support when you're out in the world, living your life. Like Cheryl, many GROUP members report that simply thinking about their GROUP and what transpires during the meetings, helps them find the strength to get through difficult times, follow through with goals, and believe in themselves more. To learn more, visit us at http://www.thegroupthebook.com/.

Making The Most Out of Your GROUP: Answers to Two Very Common Questions

2009-12-15T17:24:00.003-05:00

Two commonly asked questions we receive from members of GROUPS are:
1. What should we do if one GROUP member is not listening well and dominating the conversation at our meetings?
2. What should we do if someone in our GROUP is being negative during the sharing of Gratitudes and Successes, or just overly negative in general?

A GROUP member who shares her story when it is actually someone else’s turn to speak can be frustrating. This may ultimately derail the unique process which makes The GROUP so powerful – the amazing ability for discoveries to be made as a result of being truly listened to and supported by your fellow GROUP members.

Similarly, when someone complains often, or tends to focus on the negative, some of the power of The GROUP can be lost.

The same approach can be taken with both of these problems.

First, make sure that everyone has read (at least once) Chapter 3, Creating The Ideal GROUP Atmosphere and Chapter 4, Active Listening: The Key to Understanding Others. Discuss why it is important to “practice” active listening and make a GROUP commitment to support each other with this in the coming meetings. We say “practice” active listening because it is just that – a practice. No one is perfect but with “practice” we can all get better and it becomes easier.

If a person continues to interrupt or interject out of turn, or continues to be negative, the best way to deal with this is to take a kindhearted approach. Perhaps this person isn’t even aware that he or she is dominating the conversation or focusing on the negative rather than the positive.

A non-confrontational solution is to have a meeting separate from your GROUP meetings to revisit and discuss Chapters 3, 4, and 6. The purpose of this meeting is to open up discussion between every GROUP member. Talk about whether or not everyone feels like they are doing things to help the GROUP be as effective as it can be. This can be an open and honest discussion and everyone should be included. This “check-in” meeting should focus on where things can be improved rather than singling out bad behavior and being confrontational.

In our book we write about “taking things the right way.” This is the perfect opportunity to put this concept into practice. All members should commit to “taking things the right way.” When someone kindly offers suggestions, whether about listening or being less negative, everyone should commit to being open to hearing this feedback. Taking things the right way means not becoming defensive. It means focusing on how everyone can make their GROUP better, stronger and more cohesive. When you have these qualities within your GROUP, anything is possible.

Pave the Road to Your Dreams

2009-10-23T15:43:00.012-04:00

Book Review of The GROUP
by John Calabrese, Editor-at-Large at Creations Magazine
October/November 2009
http://www.creationsmagazine.com/articles/C128/C128_Books.html

Written by four friends who consciously applied the timeless power of a focused group to their individual goals, The GROUP is a friendly little book that shows how to pave the road to your dreams. If you can forgive some of the well-intentioned but simplistic language, The GROUP is a fun-to-read guide to becoming healthier and more successful, using the accountability and motivation provided by a group. Formatting is excellent, with short pages and text pleasantly arranged in block paragraphs. Content is concise and accessible, such as explanations for active listening and holding a space, with clear examples of how to do and not do each.

The authors have done a great job explaining how to run a group, covering all the essential aspects of productive group dynamics. Checklists are included, along with instructions for phrasing what you want to say in ways that help people to truly hear you. As an additional help, personal experiences are sprinkled throughout the book in the form of italicized vignettes–easy to spot and perfect for deepening your understanding of these empowering ideas.

Free Copies of the Life-Changing New Book, The GROUP, to be Given Away Nationally

2009-10-11T13:57:00.030-04:00

Apply Now

DC Press, the publisher of the new book, The GROUP: An Amazing Way to Achieve Success, Happiness & Extraordinary Relationships, is distributing 500 complimentary copies on a first-come basis to help as many as 3000 people – particularly those hardest hit by the current economy. Applications can be downloaded now at the website www.TheGroupTheBook.com.

This unique step-by-step guide by Rebecca Carswell, Mirja Heide, Tiffany Kaharick and Amy Mead describes in detail the unprecedented way they have been able to transform their lives by creating The GROUP in August 2006.

Ideal for dealing with a personal crisis, such as a job layoff, The GROUP becomes a powerful tool for exploring alternatives, finding solutions, and celebrating successes in a safe, encouraging environment. Tiny in size in comparison to other organizations, The GROUP consists of just four to six members who meet once a month for two hours. Highly-focused, each session consists of five timed segments – called Opening, Gratitude, Successes, Honoring & Action Steps, and Closing – designed to harness The GROUP’s collective wisdom and energy for the benefit of each member.

Among the issues addressed by the authors with the help of The GROUP, Carswell, a clinical hypnotherapist, was able to finally let go of the terror of being hit by a plane at 13,500 feet while skydiving in 2002 – a freak accident that left her nearly paralyzed for over a year. Mead, an accomplished graphic artist with her own advertising agency, feared she had waited too long to start a family. Within months, she was pregnant with her first child. For nearly a decade, Heide, a seasoned world traveler with her own computer training company, was inexplicably afraid of visiting Africa. Within weeks of telling The GROUP, she was on her way to volunteer for Earthwatch during an expedition to help the endangered Desert Elephants of Namibia. No one could have guessed that Kaharick, an avid skydiver and former critical care registered respiratory therapist who spent two years flying with the elite Florida Flight 1 medical helicopter team, suffered from low self-esteem. No longer, she says.

Dr. Lewis Losoncy, a psychotherapist and author of 23 books, including the upcoming Early Poppers: Secrets of Early Starters, calls The GROUP “the book you’ve been waiting for to change your life. Creating a GROUP is not only simple and practical, it’s easy and doable. Reading the book is the only requirement to understand, become motivated and inspired, and to give and get the benefits of this magical process.”

To qualify, you simply need to find three to five other individuals who are interested in forming a GROUP, then complete and mail the application form before February 15, 2010. Books will be distributed on a first-come basis until all 500 copies have been shipped. Complete instructions are posted on the website.

The GROUP: An Amazing Way to Achieve Success, Happiness & Extraordinary Relationships (DC Press, $16.95) by Rebecca Carswell, Mirja Heide, Tiffany Kaharick and Amy Mead is also currently available in bookstores and online at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

Apply Now