Real power isn't the ability to imagine and implement an endless series of new solutions to old problems, but to awaken the higher understanding that allows us to transcend the need we have to live with any painful problems at all. Which would you rather have: a big fire hose with a hydrant and a fire to put out every day, or a life without fires in them?
But what we have to examine here is the way we think! Most of us wouldn't know what to do if there wasn't something pressing us. Isn't it weird that we'll come up with a path, a solution, something that we're going to do, that once we do it we'll become whatever we've imagined? No more pressure, no more fear -- but then, the very thing that we set out to obtain, to make us fearless, to take the pressure out of our lives, becomes the source of a new fear and a new pressure! And then when that doesn't work, we do it again, and again, and again.
We have no idea of the power that we're created with. We are granted at birth the possibility of a freedom that has absolutely no contingencies whatsoever that can fall apart because the conditions in our lives do.
The kind of power I'm talking about is so simple. For instance, ordinarily we're trying to obtain things so that we can control or manipulate conditions, but we're not talking about that. Instead, how about the authority over our own negative reactions? That's a completely different kind of power, isn't it? To possess ourselves as opposed to trying to possess things or relationships through which we have a measure of security. The power to possess ourselves can't be granted by anyone or anything outside of us. It doesn't exist. No teacher, no book, nothing can grant us what it is that our heart of hearts actually longs for.
But something has gotten twisted up inside of us. We set out for life the minute we're born through family and tradition. We see our parents -- and every last person we meet -- striving for the power to achieve or protect. It never occurs to us that all we've seen and done in our lives has not produced what it is we're looking for. If we ever get far enough to even suspect the truth of that, then it turns the whole question on a dime.
What we then want to do is understand the nature of this illusion we have of being powerless in the first place! Because who seeks power? Who seeks power other than someone who feels powerless? That is the only reason that a person looks for power, whatever it may be. It is because something inside of us is afraid. So where did the whole notion come in this life that there is something that we're to live with that produces fear in us, and for the fear then sends us out for ways to find power to fulfill the end of our own fears?
The true powers put us in relationship with what grants us power instead of us looking for powers to control relationships as we presently do. There is a reversal that has to take place in our understanding. This reversal begins with the simple act of understanding what we've been talking about, which is: "I'm afraid of something... I'm going to go have dinner with someone in a few minutes," or "I have a meeting tomorrow," or "My health isn't what it should be..." What happens in the moment where the mind considers its own condition? It can't help but consider at the same time everything that it has collaborated with to make as perfect -- its expectations, "how things should be." The more it tries to keep what it wants, the more it refuses what it's been given. In other words, there are possibilities that are all the time being handed out to us that we simply push away because there is something in us that prefers the pain of trying to control problems -- while in reality they don't exist the way our mind imagines them.
Work to remember yourselves. Work to remember that at any given moment you don't have to be captured by anything that presently causes this compromise of your soul. Remember, there are always higher possibilities.
Excerpted from Seven Powers, "Freedom From the Fear of Feeling Powerless" by Guy Finley
For all sorts of reasons, speakers will decide not to use a microphone. They are not confident that they know how to use it, they believe their audience will be able to hear them, they consider that they have projection skills, they have spoken in the venue before … and more.
For all sorts of reasons, though, a microphone can enhance a speaker’s success. Here are three….
1. It is very easy to take our voices for granted. Vocal chords are, in fact, easily damaged and that damage can be permanent, irreversible. Even though you are capable of projecting, the sustained effort of projecting can contribute to damage. A microphone will help prevent you straining your voice.
2. Generally, you become familiar with the size of group you can speak to comfortably, without straining your voice, and so that everyone can hear. There are, however, other reasons that people may not hear, beyond the size of the group. It may be that your audience is elderly and hard of hearing. It may be that there is a little child or children in the audience who are noisy. It may be that there is machinery either within the room, like an air conditioner, or outside. It may be that there is another function or a noisy kitchen beside your room. It may be that people in your audience do not share your native language or do not understand some of your terminology.
Obviously, you need to research your audience to discover how they will affect your need for a microphone. Visit the room before your presentation if you can. Find out what is happening on the day and at the time you will be speaking. Test the acoustics. High ceilings can make it more difficult to be heard, for example.
And yet, despite all your research, you cannot always foresee what is going to be happening on the day. So if at all possible have a microphone available, and then if something unexpected happens or the audience is too large for your comfortable projection, then you will be prepared.
3 A microphone has the ability to improve your voice, not just prevent it being damaged. It will give you the ability to speak in a more conversational, more personal way and connect more strongly with your audience. If you have a lapel or handheld microphone it will also allow you to get closer to your audience for an even more personal approach. It is also a great way to add power to the points you want to emphasise.
It can also improve a soft voice, although this is difficult. Generally a person with a softer voice needs to speak directly into the microphone, always. Because of the inability to project, if they turn their head away at all, the voice will be lost.
So learn to project, but always ask for or accept the offer of a microphone. It will add impact to your speech and help save your voice. And you can always leave it off if you so choose.
© Bronwyn Ritchie If you want to include this article in your publication, please do, but please include the following information with it:
Bronwyn Ritchie is a professional librarian, writer, award-winning speaker and trainer. She is a certified corporate trainer and speech contest judge with POWERtalk, a certified World Class Speaking coach, and has had 30 years' experience speaking to audiences and training in public speaking. In just 6 months time, you could be well on the way to being admired, rehired as a speaker, with the 30 speaking tips. Click here for 30 speaking tips for FREE. Join now or go to http://www.30speakingtips.com
Bird by bird : some instructions on writing and life
by Anne Lamott
Anne makes it clear that writing must be pursued for something other than mere publication. It won’t solve the mechanical aspects of writing, or structural excellence, but it will spark creativity. It is incredibly informative, with startling revelations. The practical and real life advice will stay with you as you struggle to become the writer you already are. It is fabulously funny with unpredictable humor and absolutely generous warm compassion. => http://bit.ly/Lumxf5
80 Memorable Presentation Lessons from the Masters
by Jerry Weissman
Weissman shows you how to
Content: Master the art of telling your story.
Graphics: Design PowerPoint slides that work brilliantly.
Delivery: Make actions speak louder than words.
Q&A: Listen more effectively, and handle even the toughest questions.
Integration: Put it all together in one seamless, winning presentation! => http://bit.ly/NCM4ER
"Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do, when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not; it is the first lesson that ought to be learned; and however early a man's training begins, it is probably the last lesson that he learns thoroughly."
Thomas H. Huxley
"...conflict is the primary engine of creativity and innovation. People don't learn by staring into a mirror; people learn by encountering difference."
-- Ronald Heifetz
I have started running again. I love to run! I love the feeling of my body in sync and moving through space. Why did I ever stop? Especially since it is harder to get back into shape than it is to stay in shape. It got me thinking about how often I have experienced myself and other people giving up on themselves, their spiritual practice, a healthy lifestyle, financial abundance, their goals, and even their vision for their life. Why do we sabotage and give up on ourselves? Is it fear of failure? Fear of success? A belief that we are not worthy, too old or that it is too hard to continue on? Here are a few reasons as to why:
1) Very few of us are conditioned to be fully present to each and every moment and take action on what is ours to do. Most of us have whole lot of mind chatter telling us to worry about what how we failed in the past or focus on all the obstacles that are bound to show up in the future.
2) Most of us are also unaware of sabotaging intentions underneath our 'intention'.
3) Our commitment to what serves our highest and best good is forgotten because it is easier to blame outside circumstances instead of taking 100% responsibility for the effects in our life.
4) We put everyone and everything first vs. putting our self first.
5) Our tolerance for pleasure has a ceiling.
Here are some suggestions of what to do:
1) Practice bringing yourself into the present moment by taking a deep breath. Yes breathe in the energy of the Divine into your heart and feel what this feels like. Ask yourself, "What is mine to do in this moment?" Know that you are not bound by precedent. Let go of the past. Make self-forgiveness a daily practice.
2) Get clear about what your underlying intentions are that prevent you from following through. Identifying and feeling your emotions will support you in getting to know what is going on in your subconscious.
3) Stop blaming others for your deconstructive circumstances. Recommit to your intentions and goals moment to moment to keep you moving forward. Remember that the highest metaphysical law in the Universe is 'Don't Bitch!'
4) Each and every day commit to doing something loving for yourself despite what you are feeling or what is going on around you. Stop the excuses! YOU are worthy!
5) Set concrete goals that will bring more pleasure, joy, and happiness into your life. Give your blessing and appreciation for all that you receive. This will increase your mental equivalence for pleasure.
It takes persistence, practice and patience! My book, A year of possibilities certainly helps to keep me on track. The more I use it, the more I stay focused on my goals, aligned with my essence, and enthusiastic about my achievements. My confidence in my abilities deepen and I feel excited about creating and living my dreams.
When you find you have fallen out of the saddle so to speak, and I have literally -- at 14 I was trying to impress a boy. I forgot to tighten the cinch and when I stepped into the stirrup, the saddle and I flipped under my horse! --In any endeavour know that all the mind chatter is normal for any human being and that the moment you connect with your own divinity, your Light within the chatter has no power over you. At anytime you can get back in the saddle and continue on creating a life of joy that you truly deserve to live.
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Helen Valleau is an Author, Speaker, Coach and Visioning expert. She has inspired thousands of visions to come to life and has created a program and book called A year of possibilities to offer a variety of ways that people can work with her to achieve their dreams.
