new cover to you online - Insurance Notifications Articles 9001

Reusable Bags
We`ve gone all eco-friendly in our household as concerns about the planet`s welfare have pricked our minds. Instead of using plastic bags when we go to the supermarket we take our own type of Reusable Bags. In the bad old days we would think nothing about cramming our groceries into tons of plastic bags. When we returned home and emptied the bags in the kitchen the chances are they would be thrown away into the bin. Talk about wasteful and this should never have happened because good quality Reusable Bags are much better ideas. The only obstacle we had to get over was to remember to take the bags to the supermarket in the first place. This problem was soon remedied because we decided to leave the bags in the boot of our car ready to be used at the next grocery shop. If only more people could see themselves shopping with these bags there wouldn`t be millions of plastic bags on landfill sites taking ages to rot away. It`s not difficult to reach into the boot of the car to take out Reusable Bags at the local grocery store. Even folks who don`t drive can use these bags as they are easy to carry. I`m glad we have become a little more eco-friendly in our household and have started using the Reusable Bags.

Can you hear your compassion? It`s time to crank it up.

One of the most difficult challenges we face in our quest to be compassionate is dealing with conflict. Those we love most tend to be the ones most likely to engage us in sparring that cuts the deepest.

Why do we allow ourselves to use our harshest words and most acid tone of voice with the people we love most?

Precisely because we love them most. We`re counting on unconditional love. We know we are likely to be forgiven. We feel close enough to let our true ugliness shine.

Blindingly.

We wouldn`t dream of lashing out at our colleagues at work in this way. That would be way too risky. Instead, we bottle our daily frustration and dump it all over our loved ones when we get home.

Many of my clients struggle with showing compassion for their partners, children and parents when they are feeling stressed. Instead of relaxing into affection, they respond to requests or confrontation with anger.

Most frustrating of all is the fact that, while they are lashing out, they recognize that they are alienating those with whom they most want to feel a connection and find comfort. It`s as though they are watching themselves lob grenades but are powerless to stop.

One of the best--and easiest to remember--triggers for changing behavior is thinking of a particular song phrase. I teach clients to use the "ch-ch-chain" part of Aretha Franklin`s "Chain of Fools" to kick off a remarkably simple visualization exercise that is very effective in diffusing escalating conflict. It`s based on a traditional loving-kindness meditation, but it`s a lot more fun!

Visualize a chain of hearts--an extended valentine, if you will--connecting your heart to theirs. Remember that you are linked by this shared affection.

In our best moments, we do whatever we can to protect our loved ones from pain. If this person had an injury or illness, you would be gentle, soothing and kind, right? You`ve probably spent hours caring for this individual with great tenderness.

Tap into that.

Look at the chain of hearts. Your sharp words slash through that chain like a machete. STOP. Let the words drop away as you focus on that connection. Feel your anger and frustration being replaced by compassion.

"Ch-ch-chay-ay-ay-ay-ain...." It`s hard to stay cranky while mentally chanting the "ch-ch-chain" mantra and visualizing that valentine.

Can`t feel the love? Try another Aretha Franklin song. Instead of focusing on that ch-ch-chain of hearts, dive into "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" and replace that poison in your words with civility.

Not into Aretha? Pick your own song. Let your mental radio play, and use it to crank up your compassion.

[Bah-oomp] Makes me feel like A Natural Woman...