Trust the pie...

I went to see the latest installment of the "Men in Black" movies this weekend.
I can say it's worth the price of admission which in Dallas, TX with popcorn
and goodies can be upward towards 50-60 bucks. So at those prices, I'm expecting
a life changing event...

There is a particular scene in the movie (no, I won't spoil the plot) in which there is a needed
beak in the action and the character played by Tommy Lee Jones states "his grandfather always recommended a slice of pie when a unresolvable problem presented itself" (paraphrased).

I totally agree that when you have worked your head (conscious mind) until you have exhausted all of your known responses to a challenge, problem or issue the best course of action is to do nothing.

Talk a walk, take a nap, color in a coloring book with your kids DO SOMETHING OTHER than thinking and something amazing with occur. The solution to the problem will present itself. The power of the unconscious mind to reach into other areas of expertise and to draw upon resources outside of your self is boundless, if you allow the process to work.. The funny thing is that you cannot be in your conscious mind and your unconscious mind at the same time, so for me, the answer is obvious. The conscious mind can keep track of 7 (plus or minus 2) things at any one time and the unconscious mind and keep track of a infinite number of things simultaneously; which one would you pick?


The next time you've got a "something" you need to figure out...TRUST THE PIE


here's the trailer



talk to you soon,
M

about the Author

Michael Harris, PhD, internationally known hypnotist, transition coach, speaker and author is an expert in language of communication of Sensory Stacks. He is active locally and nationally, including private and public speaking on the Mind/Body Connection, Hypnosis and Sensory/Learning Styles. See his latest video on youtube and on BlogTalk radio

Inside and Outside the Bubble by Michael Harris, PhD

I had a request from a client, the other day via email, to talk more about Sensory Styles or Markova Stacks in terms of groups and organizations. And, "yes" before you ask, I'm planning to do another class very soon. I thought was a good idea to talk about the concept of groups, organization and even countries having a specific and secondary Sensory Style.

So what is a Sensory Style? The definition of a Sensory Style is how a person processes what they see, hear and feel in the world and in what order, that they process that sensory information. Each person will have a primary or most preferred style and usually at least one secondary style that they can easily move into if or when needed.

So what does that mean? It means we have different verbal and non-verbal cues that tell us whether or not to let someone into our “protective bubble”. That decision is usually automatic and unconscious, which is fine if you live in your cave on top of your mountain your entire life without every going anywhere.

However if you plan to move around on the planet with all these other humans you might want to know that there are six basic methods of Sensory Style processes.

KAV – body smart and visually sensitive
likes touch and to be touched
being seen for who they really are is the most private part of them

KVA – body smart and auditorally sensitive
likes touch and to be touched
being listened to and hearing their truths are the most private part of them

AKV – auditory smart and visually sensitive
Speaks with lots of feeling and rhythm
being seen for who they really are is the most private part of them

AVK – auditory smart and body sensitive
Has extensive vocabulary, Speaks logically about facts, ideas, concepts
knowing how they feel (emotionally) on the inside is the most private part of them

VAK – visually smart and body sensitive
Connect most easily with others through eye contact, face reveals feelings
knowing how they feel (emotionally) on the inside is the most private part of them

VKA – visually smart and auditory sensitive
Connect most easily with others through eye contact, face reveals feelings
being listened to and hearing their truths are the most private part of them

Yes, I can go on for hours talking about all of the individual nuances of each of these patterns, how wonderful each one is all of the ways that you can conversationally elicit that information. The most important thing(s) to know about these patterns is we do ALL of them in some context and they are variable by situation, experience and emotional intensity. Think of these patterns which are similar to what the Myers/Briggs was attempting to explain is how people do what they do and why they do that. But what if groups, organizations and countries use these patterns as well? They do.

Recently, I was at a Full Moon party the other day and I noticed that this particular party was full of people who knew each other very well and there were a few newcomers (I was one of them), not in the “click”. It was very obvious to me that the group of people who knew one-another had different rules of engagement for the group and for the ones not yet in the group. It was also NOT obvious to those newcomers and I noticed a few problems that could have escalated but luckily did not.

Small companies have their own Sensory Styles. I worked for a sales organization in my early twenties. This company was more like a family than a company. (except for we didn’t have any arguments at thanksgiving). The process was simple, people worked for their own individual and team sales production. If you were having a problem you could tell someone and the problem would get fixed. The management was interested in the whole company succeeding and no problem was too small to be addressed and acted on. The one thing that stood out to me as unusual was the focus of “this is work time” and this is “off time”. Vacations were not mandatory but we all were making so much money, why not go somewhere and spend it?

I hear Japanese corporations are similar to this or used to be. It probably explains why so many Japanese corporations have employee that one for ONE COMPANY their entire life and then retire with a pension.

American and European Corporations have a different more hands-off Sensory Style where everyone is in a cube there is no talking, touching and frequently even different departments have no idea what’s going on outside of their “little world”. The focus is on production, profit and in my opinion, this “dehumanization” is far more damaging to the people, community and the planet than anyone is taking about.

So what happens when you go to a different company, city, state or country? Each of these groups have their own individual rules of engagement that are so engrained in the culture that you’d never know about them until you violate one of the unspoken rules. If you do violate the rules it is possible that you can be removed or labeled rude, a troublemaker, etc. Here’s a couple of examples.

In China, it perfectly all right and socially acceptable to stare at someone without blinking for long periods of time, the person is “just looking at you”. This can be unnerving to Americans where our culture is organized primarily about “no-eye contact in public.

In Spain, the men are world renown for being “very attentive” and can make physical contact with someone they know or care about as many as 158 times per hour.(yes there was a study, lol) If you are into touch and being touched, go to Spain.

Conversely, England is the best know for being formal, distant and proper. If you really don’t like being touched all that much by strangers this could be the place for you. Each Country, each group has individual rules of engagement but there are clues.

Here’s Five Simple Steps for identifying Sensory Styles

1. Ask Questions before you go.

The best way to find out something before you do anything is ask. The internet is loaded with information on just about any topic, company, state and country. A few minutes (or hours) of research can cut your learning curve down significantly.

Going to Japan? I’ll be there’s at least 10 yahoo groups that can answer any question that you might have about Japan, it’s culture, it’s rules and how best to “BLEND”

2. Observe what other people are doing before you jump into the deep-end of the pool.
Look before you leap. A few minutes or hours of observation may be worth the time it takes to observe what’s really going on in a new situation. You may even need a couple of examples. Many times group dynamics may skew your first observation. I’ve been to a couple of places in Dallas and there is definite difference between the people who show up early and those who arrive late. Just knowing that one thing can be the difference between great time or boring one just by knowing what time to arrive.

3. Find a mentor, coach or friend.

Going to do something, you’ve never done before? Ask someone who has been to that place, state or country, what goes on there? Can they meet you there so you’ll have at least one person to talk to, introduce you to new people and guide you as you walk this “new terrain”?

4. Be Flexible about your behavior.

When I go to Mexico, I just shift into “vacation time” because I’m not going to be able to affect the entire country so I motor down to whatever rhythm that the general populace is operating at and it’s all good.

I have this skill I call “vacation time”. I live in Dallas, which isn’t New York, but it is a little more busy than Casper Wyoming. So the time scale of Dallas has it’s own rhythm and if you’re used to it it’s great and if you’re “new” here, it can drive your crazy. Everyone here is 15 minutes late, so if you have a “time thing” you need to adjust because the general populace of Dallas isn’t going to adapt. My Mom hates coming to Dallas because it’s too busy and everyone is in a hurry. She lives in a small town in East Texas where the lights blink “yellow” after 6 pm. As my friend, Robert Caruso says, “just roll with it”.

5. Give yourself a minimum of three examples
You may have heard try something twice before you decide whether or not you like it. I agree. The first time you do something you have no experience what-so-ever. So go try something to experience it. Have fun, be scared scream, laugh or whatever it is that’s supposed to happen. Next, try it again to see, hear, feel if you actually would consider doing it again.

My theory is do it three times. Once to experience, twice to like it and the third time to decide whether or not you’re going to include it into your life as a add-on, hobby or even as a career… because you never know, right?

Want a cheat sheet or Want to know your Personal Sensory Styles? Send me an email

The important thing to remember is just because you know how to do something doesn’t mean that is the only way to have it done. Humans have a remarkable about of flexibility about how, when and for what reason to do something and the ways they devise to make that happen never cease to amaze and astound me.

GO FORTH, BE AMAZED, and let a few people into that bubble of yours.

I’ll talk to you again soon

Michael

About the author
Michael Harris, PhD, internationally known hypnotist, transition coach, speaker and author is an expert in language of communication of Sensory Stacks.
He is active locally and nationally, including private and public speaking on the Mind/Body Connection, Hypnosis and Sensory/Learning Styles. See his latest video on youtube

Surviving Cancerland

Listen to internet radio with Dr Michael Harris on Blog Talk Radio

Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos  is a two- time breast cancer survivor who penned SURVIVING CANCERLAND: The Psychic Aspects of Healing. She is represented by Scovil, Galen & Ghosh Literary Agency & Steve Allen Media. She’s a phone counselor for R.A. BLOCH Cancer Foundation, Q&A cancer columnist for CapeWomenOnlineMagazine, an inspirational speaker, mentor, cancer volunteer, and Cambridge Who’s Who Executive Professional of the Year 2009-2010. Follow her @ http://www.survivingcancerland.com/    http://twitter.com/PsychicHealing  http://www.facebook.com/pages/SURVIVING-CANCERLAND-The-Psychic-Aspects-of-Healing/142803307934?ref=m    http://www.linkedin.com/myprofile?trk=hb_tab_pro

Kathy was born to a military family, raised in Europe, graduated from Munich American High School and Keene Teacher’s College, taught Special Education and Psychology at University of South Florida.

She’s been featured in newspaper,TV,  http://www.acelebrationofwomen.ca/?p=6512, http://www.pepsiweinspire.com/archives/4170, radio, and contributes to C4Women, Colette Baron-Reid’s Intuition Now, Featured in Examiner.com National-TheGuidedPath, Examiner.com/Chicago-SelfAwareness-Examiner, Writer’s Digest Community,  Scribblerati, guest contributor to author Carolyn Howard Johnson’s SHRING WITH WRITERS BLOG SPOT,  NCCS cancerversaey.org, blogs, National Wellness Community Online Support blog and discussion groups, Cancer Advocacy Now blog site. International REIKI Association’s blog and website, ACOR (Association of Cancer Online Resources) blog & web chat,  NBCC (National Breast Cancer Coalition) journal & blog, USA TODAY Community Blog, LinkedIn, OM TIMES MAGAZINE, linked to heal@healthcarewhisperer.com, volunteers for cancer organizations & online groups.

It's Fat Tuesday!!!

okay let's start with a little history lesson... (thanks to american catholic.org)

Mardi Gras, literally "Fat Tuesday," has grown in popularity in recent years as a raucous, sometimes hedonistic event. But its roots lie in the Christian calendar, as the "last hurrah" before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. That's why the enormous party in New Orleans, for example, ends abruptly at midnight on Tuesday, with battalions of street sweepers pushing the crowds out of the French Quarter towards home.

What is less known about Mardi Gras is its relation to the Christmas season, through the ordinary-time interlude known in many Catholic cultures as Carnival. (Ordinary time, in the Christian calendar, refers to the normal "ordering" of time outside of the Advent/Christmas or Lent/Easter seasons. Carnival comes from the Latin words "carne vale", meaning "farewell to the flesh." Like many Catholic holidays and seasonal celebrations, it likely has its roots in pre-Christian traditions based on the seasons. Some believe the festival represented the few days added to the lunar calendar to make it coincide with the solar calendar; since these days were outside the calendar, rules and customs were not obeyed. Others see it as a late-winter celebration designed to welcome the coming spring. As early as the middle of the second century, the Romans observed a Fast of 40 Days, which was preceded by a brief season of feasting, costumes and merrymaking.

The Carnival season kicks off with the Epiphany, also known as Twelfth Night, Three Kings' Day and, in the Eastern churches, Theophany. Epiphany, which falls on January 6, 12 days after Christmas, celebrates the visit of the Wise Men bearing gifts for the infant Jesus. In cultures that celebrate Carnival, Epiphany kicks off a series of parties leading up to Mardi Gras.

Epiphany is also traditionally when celebrants serve King's Cake, a custom that began in France in the 12th century. Legend has it that the cakes were made in a circle to represent the circular routes that the Wise Men took to find Jesus, in order to confuse King Herod and foil his plans of killing the Christ Child. In the early days, a coin or bean was hidden inside the cake, and whoever found the item was said to have good luck in the coming year. In Louisiana, bakers now put a small baby, representing the Christ Child, in the cake; the recipient is then expected to host the next King Cake party.

There are well-known season-long Carnival celebrations in Europe and Latin America, including Nice, France; Cologne, Germany; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The best-known celebration in the U.S. is in New Orleans and the French-Catholic communities of the Gulf Coast. Mardi Gras came to the New World in 1699, when a French explorer arrived at the Mississippi River, about 60 miles south of present day New Orleans. He named the spot Point du Mardi Gras because he knew the holiday was being celebrated in his native country that day.

Eventually the French in New Orleans celebrated Mardi Gras with masked balls and parties, until the Spanish government took over in the mid-1700s and banned the celebrations. The ban continued even after the U.S. government acquired the land but the celebrations resumed in 1827. The official colors of Mardi Gras, with their roots in Catholicism, were chosen 10 years later: purple, a symbol of justice; green, representing faith; and gold, to signify power.

Mardi Gras literally means "Fat Tuesday" in French. The name comes from the tradition of slaughtering and feasting upon a fattened calf on the last day of Carnival. The day is also known as Shrove Tuesday (from "to shrive," or hear confessions), Pancake Tuesday and fetter Dienstag. The custom of making pancakes comes from the need to use up fat, eggs and dairy before the fasting and abstinence of Lent begins.

Now that we know all that... what does this mean? I think that the basic idea is we all need to reign ourselves in from time-to-time. Since humans are wired to eat and eat and consume until all the resources are gone in a particular area; then we move on to the next area and repeat the consumption process. 

The problem may be that our nervous systems haven't evolved or it could be that we have populated every area on the planet so there isn't an new area to go inhabit. Either way I see the carnival/lent period of the year as a way to pull back a little on the "wretched excess", to STOP and do some inventory about our lives, our actions and the pile of stuff that we've accumulated throughout the year.


Do you have clothes that are "last season" or don't fit anymore? Is there someone who could use those clothes? Have you been meaning to start an exercise program or new eating routine? this would be the perfect time to that started. You know that most people (78%) who begin an exercise or eating program on Jan.1 have already "fallen off the wagon" NOW would be a great time to get back on the bus or to finally begin that new program.


Why am I talking about Lent as a starting point for new routines? BECAUSE IT'S ONLY 40 DAYS LONG!!! it's just a little longer than a month, which is plenty of time to notice what's working and not working in your "new routine". It give you a snapshot of what has to happen in order to make this new routine a regular habit AND it will be long enough to notice what other areas of your life are beginning strain form the increased attention that your putting to a single area.

I'm all about B-A-L-A-N-C-E. You have 8 major areas in your Wheel of Life and it is so common for us to throw ourselves into a new project with checking to see if the "new addition" to your schedule with work congruently with all your other commitments in the of the areas of your Life Wheel. If you are in a relationship/ married and/or have kids the process can get even more challenging.


So for today... party your buns off! 

Tomorrow let's talk about setting some well-formed intentions about how you're going to get rolling on your new goal. I'll post some downloadable link for a well-formed intention with action-steps so you can started correctly and who knows maybe the next 40 days will begin the most focused you've been all year.


best regards,
Michael Harris, PhD


I will also be posting a special price ($20.00 for 20 minutes) phone consultation link for those of you who would like a little extra help getting your well-formed intention complete and ready to start immediately.

Book Review - Shaman, Healer, Sage by Alberto Villodo, PhD

Shaman, Healer, Sage: How to Heal Yourself and Others with the Energy Medicine of the Americas

It seems like almost every book I read I love and that may be true. Yes, I'm a "bookhead" and I find the written word to be as seductive as any other physical pleasure that you might imagine; and I can imagine a lot... lol
Occasionally, I find a book that upon reading it, I must run to the top of the mountain and tell everyone to read. This would be one of those books.

Alberto Villodo has lived the life we all THINK we might want and the parts of the book that detail his progression from seeker to shaman are well-written and thoughtful. I'm interested in getting the rest of the his story and yes I've already ordered his two other books, so expect more mountain-top shouting in a couple weeks

We all have a path that we must walk, sometimes ride in a limo, sometimes crawl through 10 miles of burning glass to receive a tasty bite of a sh*t sandwich but who really knows what lies ahead? You still must walk the path. If you have a desire to help people I highly recommend that you add this book to your library of reference, you know, the books you keep at your finger tips for quick review. Yes! It's that good.

And please keep in mind this man has spent a lifetime digesting the teaching and learning from is mentors, so before you run out and hang a shingle announcing yourself to the world as the next "healer"; take a little time to get some training, which oh by-the-way Alberto offers on his website

enjoy this book and I'll see you soon,

Michael Harris, PhD

The Space Between the Notes

headless spirit on Bourbon Street (taken Feb.11, 2012 by KJ)

This may come as "newsflash" but not everyone who helps people for a living takes their own advice. Over the weekend I just  took my first "real" vacation in over seven years and I can tell you that it was long overdue. Perhaps we all should heed the advice that "It is the space between the notes that makes the music... - Wayne Dyer".


I had a great time! The weather was a little uncooperative during the driving portions of the trip and in the middle it was cold and the wind was blowing most of the time. When we finally got back to Texas it was snowing! You know what? It didn't matter.


In my other life, when I was using my hypnosis and NLP skills as peak performance and physical trainer, I used to take a 5-day break every 6 weeks. I'm not sure that going to be possible with my 5 year-old being school but surely we can get on the road a couple of times per year.The most important part is creating time. Time to enjoy yourself with friends or family, and even time with just you and you. For those of you who can't get away anytime soon here's the link to my 10-Minute Mental  Vacation mp3

Now that I"m back, I'm rested and re-charged, I'm going to be adding a new component to my existing business. A friend of mine has asked me to be part of his paranormal investigation business and I said "yes".

I'm not really sure how this is going to work and I'm also sure we'll make some mistakes along the way. I seen way too many paranormal investigation shows on TV with the focus on "evil spirits", hauntings, etc. How come one ever ever investigates the people who are attracting that stuff in the first place?

After 20 years plus in the "help" industry, I know that people's thoughts, automatic language, habits and behavioral patterns attract lots of things; including spirits, both positive and negative. I've also had enough people in my office who needed some serious cleaning (exorcism) and then there are those who are conflicted by opposing thoughts that manifest physically in interesting ways enough to understand there is lots more for us to learn in this area. Perhaps this new endeavor is just what the Dr ordered...

The Mind/Body Connection does necessarily just mean ONLY YOUR MIND and ONLY YOUR BODY; we're all connected remember? And just because someone you're connected to doesn't currently have a body does that mean that the mind connection is severed? Inquiring minds really wish to know the answer to this one...I'll keep you posted on the developments as they continue.

about the Author:

Michael Harris, PhD is an expert in language of communication of Sensory Stacks and Transition Coach and internationally known Hypnotist, Speaker and Author. He is active locally and nationally, including private and public speaking on the Mind/Body Connection and Hypnosis. 

If you wish to book an appointment in person or via phone or internet (Skype) email Michael at this link 
 
See his latest video on youtube

Help Jody Save Her Finger

this message is forwarded by request...

A friend called and asked for help.  Her pinky ring finger had been severed in a car door.  The end of her little finger (the entire nail) on her right hand had fallen to the ground.  She said she picked it up and put it back on her hand but it fell off again.  She went into the gas station and doused it with Young Living Oil, Purification, and stuck it back on again.  She said it was really burning.

This accident happened last Thursday and she was out of state.  She returned late Monday night and called Tuesday morning.  She was in extreme pain and I  found her quite anxious. Dr, Ging cancelled his appointments so he could attend to her.  Dr. Ging said she had infection but her quick action replacing the end of the finger helped her.

Monday night I woke up with this little song in my head:  "One little, two little , three little Indians...  Many of us learned to count to that song. 

   

Her name is Jody and she is a massage therapist.  If you are a therapist or have every had a massage you know it takes two hands. Presently she can't work and she has no insurance. 

Jody needs our help now.

We have "Save The Whales" , "Save The Dolphins", we even save paper bags but how often do we get to help someone save their finger? 

She is worried about paying her rent and this drains her energy she needs for healing.

So I am asking you to send her any amount to save the little Indian and say a prayer for her..  If for whatever reason you are unable to send her a few dollars please put her on your prayer list.   

Please don't expect a thank you card as it is her dominant hand that is injured and she can't write.  Thank you for understanding.

I just want us to rally around and let her know there is a abundance of good people in the universe that want to see her whole and well with all her digits.

Here is her information:

Jody O'Callaghan

3501 Beech St.

Rowlett, TX 75089.

Blessings to you and yours,

Rev. Michelle Taylor

PS: Look at your hands and thank them for serving you.  They work tirelessly and endlessly for you. We are so blessed.

Dr. Ging, (www.vitalchi.com) graciously discounted her treatment and Dr. Michael Harris,(www.drmichaelharris.com) gifted her a hypnosis/NLP session to elevate the post stress.  Thank you both.