Read This Blog – Human Snapshots in Time

A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer in Cambridge, MA

2012-01-25T12:24:00.000-08:00

My sister, Jenn Sutkowski, is co-directing and producing a Eve Ensler/Mollie Doyle edited collection of monologues on women, to be held in Cambridge MA on Feb 17 and 18. Proceeds go both to a local charity and to the editor's national organization to stop violence against women. Read more or purchase tickets by clicking here:

Change the story of women!

Join us as we raise awareness and

funds to end violence against women and girls!

A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer is a groundbreaking collection writings to stop violence towards women.

Join us on February 17th and 18th at Outpost 186
Inman Square, Cambridge

8pm, Doors at 7:30pm

Outpost 186
186 Hampshire Street
Cambridge, MA 02139

Cross-post - Eco-cleaning your yoga mat

2012-01-25T12:08:00.000-08:00

I have just recently begun hot yoga, including Bikram and Vinyasa. Basically, you sweat your way through the class, which suits me just fine, but requires more yoga mat cleaning. The directions are super easy. Also, if you love essential oils like I do, you can add your favorite oil. I love Young Living Essential Oils, and added Lavender to our concoction that I will share with my daughters. In the middle of a class, it is so nice catch a whiff of your favorite oil, rather than your neighbor on the mat next to you. Truthfully, hot yoga is no smellier than regular yoga - I was just being cute. I highly recommend trying it out. Pretty soon you will need this yoga mat cleaner too. Thanks to Eco-Yogitini of Halifax for the great post!

Winter Classes Starting Jan 27 with Mary Beth

2012-01-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

Turn over a new leaf this Winter

Have you ever tried hypnosis? I am a psychotherapist and hypnotherapist in private practice in HoHoKus, Bergen County, NJ, specializing in helping people get past blocks that keep us from living the full, happy life that we all deserve. This winter, we will retrain ourselves to accept health and happiness by getting past negative habits and blocks.

Workshop series are by registration only and are available at a $20 cost per class or $70 for four classes in advance, and are held in my HoHoKus office.

Call me at 201-394-2319 or email to mbdelbalzo@gmail.com to register or to inquire.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction 4 sessions - Fridays 6 – 7:30 – Jan 27, Feb 3, Feb 10, Feb 17

Everyone feels stress. You will learn the tools needed to diffuse, cope with, and avoid it. Channel energy otherwise spent on stress into positive energy in order to achieve abundance, happiness, and health. Learn to quiet your mind and turn inward for many physical and emotional benefits. ($20 per class or $70 for all four in advance)

Weight Control & Food Issues 4 sessions Saturdays 1-2:30, Jan 28, Feb 4, Feb 11, Feb 18

What are you hungry for? Reach ideal weight easily, safely, and permanently. Eliminate your desire to focus on food, naturally, with self-hypnosis for lifelong results. This safe and proven method does not involve the use of diets, pills, willpower or calorie counting. This program, which combines talk and hypnotherapy, supports you in safe and permanent weight control with lasting results. ($20 per class or $70 for all four in advance)

Blessings and happiness for a wonderful New Year!

Mary Beth Del Balzo, LCSW, CHt

201-394-2319

Smoking Cessation Hypnosis Workshop Series with Mary Beth

2012-01-02T04:19:00.000-08:00

Smoking Cessation
Maybe you know someone who smokes, or maybe you have struggled with smoking. Quit smoking healthfully through hypnosis. Group classes are being held on Saturdays in January and February. Some people report smoking cessation after just one session, while others need several classes to really lick the habit. Don’t let a belief that you should be able to quit in one day what took you years to build into today’s habit stand in the way of your health! Make a commitment to yourself and attend all four classes. ($20 per class or $70 for all four in advance). How many packs of cigarettes is $70 worth?

4 sessions

Saturdays 10-11:30 - Jan 28, Feb 4, Feb 11, Feb 18

Weight Control and Food Issues Hypnosis Workshop Series with Mary Beth

2012-01-01T04:24:00.000-08:00

Weight Control and Food Issues

4 sessions

Saturdays 1-2:30, Jan 28, Feb 4, Feb 11, Feb 18

Meditation Practice begins Friday evening, Jan 6 in Bergen County with Mary Beth

2011-12-28T04:26:00.000-08:00

Meditation Training

Learn to quiet your mind and turn inward for many physical and emotional benefits. It is okay to be a beginner or a skilled meditation practicioner.

Ongoing First Friday of the month – call ahead to register. ($20 per session or $80 for all five in advance). Call ahead to register 201-394-2319 or mbdelbalzo@gmail.com

7-8:30pm, Jan 6, Feb 3, March 2, April 6, May 4

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Series with Mary Beth

2011-12-27T04:18:00.000-08:00

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Everyone feels stress. You will learn the tools needed to diffuse, cope with, and avoid it. Channel energy otherwise spent on stress into positive energy in order to achieve abundance, happiness, and health. ($20 per class or $70 for all four in advance). All classes held at my HoHoKus office. Contact me to register at 201-394-2319 or mbdelbalzo@gmail.com

4 sessions

Fridays 6 – 7:30 – Jan 27, Feb 3, Feb 10, Feb 17

Making friends with yourself - let go!

2011-12-05T12:40:00.000-08:00

Recently, and, actually, quite often, my clients come wanting to improve relationships with others. Good relationships often elude us. With many of us, it is often apparent that the relationship most in need of mending was relationship with self. How do we make friends with ourselves?

Are there people in your life who I call untouchables, meaning people with whom you forgive all and almost always employ understanding? The upside to this type of behavior is that you already know how to forgive, to let go. Try pretending that you are one of those people. After a while, if something is for your benefit, the result could very well be lasting. The downside of this behavior is that we sometimes stuff down feelings rather than feeling them, coming to terms with them and then letting go. You will know which you are doing by your feelings. If you feel good, you have let go. If you do not feel good, you are probably stuffing.

Why is letting go a good idea? Sometimes we are conditioned to want retribution, or understanding, love, compassion or an apology. You might never receive these from some others. They just might not be capable, or, they don't understand that they have wronged you. More good news - you are capable of understanding, of forgiving and loving yourself. You know how you feel. Practice compassion. Begin with yourself.

Try saying this short phrase: "even though I (whatever is upsetting you about yourself), I completely forgive and unconditionally love myself at this moment in time". If you want to, you can put your hands over your heart as you say it, or even hug yourself.

You don't need to sustain the feeling - just say it. At first it may be foreign or feel like a lie, but keep it up every day for 21 days. Many studies say that it takes about three weeks to break a habit and start a new habit. Maybe it will take you a bit longer, but hang in there. Won't it be worth it? Just in case you are not sure, the answer is yes!

Twelve Blessings for a Wonderful Holiday Season

2011-12-04T05:26:00.000-08:00

I was recently quoted by De'on Mallory, Fashion & Culture Writer, Stylist, Personal Shopper & Image Consultant, in the December issue of Bergen County, NJ's 201 Magazine about staying healthy and happy during the holiday season. De'on's article lists a number of good tips for staying happy during the holiday season. I enjoyed speaking with her when she was first putting the article together. Here are a few tips for health and happiness, some from De'on, some from me. I've also quoted Nutritionist Joy Bauer, and author and medium Karen Noe.

1. Put yourself on your own list - take care of yourself - no one else is going to do it for you! You are in charge of your wellness. This is my number one rule!

2. Schedule yourself so you can pace yourself. Plan ahead and you'll know what you need when, and who is showing up.

3. Don't worry if the unexpected will pop up - it always does!

4. Keep and extra generic gift on hand - you will probably need it.

5. De'on says - take time to feel good on the outside - it is okay to look great!

6. Most of of say to stick to your budget - you'll feel better after the holidays. Let's try and listen this year!

7. Joy Bauer, Nutritionist, says though it is hard to stick to a diet during the holidays, allow yourself one of each good thing - one drink, one of each of the appetizers, one dessert. Though you may still indulge a little bit more than usual, it will give you some guideline for saying no and keeping in check, even while indulging yourself.

8. I always suggest that we take time to decompress and have a little quiet. The holidays can be pretty frenetic. Soft music helps, meditation and just breathing helps too! How about taking a quick 10 minute quiet time - a little self-imposed time out. Lay down, turn off the lights, close the door, turn everything off, just for a few minutes. Alternately, get outside and breathe the fresh air for a few minutes. Sunlight helps too.

9. Plan on a little altruism - giving makes us feel good. If you can't give money or gifts, give of your time. Help out at a soup kitchen, or donate just a few canned goods. It will help you get into the spirit of the season. Or, just reflect your love and blessings to others.

10. Remember, the holidays can be bright and sparkly, but it can also through some of us into a down mood. We remember the people we miss who are no longer with us. These times are milestones that sometimes cause us to look back and bring up old regrets. We can only start from the present moment. Go ahead and have your cry, but remember that today is a new day and we have a new chance to make our lives exactly the way we want to, starting from right this moment. Envision exactly how you want to be, how you want to feel. Imagine feeling that way, and it will actually help put you in that frame of mind and heart.

11. Accept help from others. Whether it is monetary help or just help around the kitchen, say yes! Make a list of what you are grateful for, who is in your life and the good things about them.

12. My talented friend, author and medium Karen Noe, suggests that we reflect on our lives and the people in it, and imagine what you could say to improve your relationship, if you could do it right now. Take responsibility, write a letter telling them that you love them and that you wish them well. Let go of blame and be filled with forgiveness. You never have to mail the letter, but you will release yourself from having to carry around tough things from the past.

I hope these suggestions will help you have a wonderful, healthy and joyful holiday season!

Change Your Life with Meditation and Therapy - How Do You Like That?

2011-10-15T08:43:00.000-07:00

As a psychotherapist and hypnotherapist in private practice, I witness the positive effects of indivuals participating in their own wellness. They feel better, in so many ways. It was nice to come across two articles which bear out this notion.

Essentially, two articles, from two different modalities, talk therapy and meditation, both laud the positive effect of regular, positive reinforcement of the brain, whether in passive, mindful moments like meditation, or in active participation in talk therapy. Interestingly, this idea, or practice, supports the notion that positive thoughts, actions and feelings do have a positive effect on an individual's mental health. And we all know that when mental health is optimal, it has a positive effect on emotional well-being, intellectual prowess and even physical health.

Click here to read Dr Melanie Greenberg's great article on the positive effects of meditation, entitled Changing Your Brain To Change Your Mind

And a more clinical but just as encouraging article from Psychiatric Times (August 11, 2011) entitled How Psychotherapy Changes the Brain, for relief from depression, anxiety and the like. Visit my page on twitter to link to the article - #mbdelbalzo

Health and Wellness Expo, Oct 29 in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, new space!

2011-10-12T08:39:00.000-07:00

I will be a part of a large Health and Wellness Expo on Saturday, October 29 from 9-4 in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, (10 minutes from the Tappan Zee Bridge and 2 minutes from Rockland County) and I wanted to make you aware of the event. I do not usually participate in these events, but found that this one seemed sound and well rounded. I will be speaking at 9:30 am on staying healthy during the holidays. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions. Also, if you know of anyone else you feel might be interested, thanks in advance for passing it along. Thanks! Flier is below with coupon for discounted admission.

Secondly, just want to let you know that i have moved to a new, beautiful healing space in HoHoKus, New Jersey, where I will continue to work with others through psychotherapy and hypnotherapy, specializing in life transitions, easing anxiety and depression, and as a resource for hospice and grief counseling, family business counseling and food issues. Please feel free to visit my website for full details. http://marybethdelbalzo.com

Disordered Eating from a Healthy Start

2011-08-05T06:32:00.000-07:00

So very many people with good intentions fall into bad "healthy" habits by accident, or through sheer lack of knowledge.

Jess Cording, long time blogger, posts regularly about healthy eating in her blog "Keeping It Real Food". This article about orthorexia is worth a read...

When Obsession With Healthy Becomes Harmful

Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization and Honoring your Soul's Intent

2011-07-07T05:05:00.000-07:00

Though my blogs are so often about nurturing, self help, and self discovery, it has come to mind so often, especially in the past few months, regarding social media marketing, social networking and search engine optimization. Without getting too philosophical or stretching the limits too much, aren't we still talking about communicating effectively and persuasively? And, more importantly, isn't that what so many of us are striving for, frustrated by and working on, namely, communicating with others, and being heard? Further, though our lives are not about being accepted and being a part of the bigger scheme of things, don't we also look to find a place that is comfortable for us, where we have people who understand us, and where we can serve our life's purpose, our soul's intent on this planet, so we can be happy, find our bliss?
Now we have jumped from the internet to the soul. A bit scary, perhaps, but not so weird, after all. To take it even a bit further, does anyone remember that song by Joan Osborne, "What if God Was One of Us"? "...just a stranger on a bus trying to make his way home"... I always loved this, as we often see the divine by looking into the eyes (or dreams or conversation) of another person. Does the same hold true when we post, blog, text, chat?
Look for it, and be it.

Time to Reflect

2011-07-04T05:40:00.000-07:00

Seems that the theme of many of my (infrequent) blogs lately have been rest and reflection. I find myself with little time to do this, though it is so important for mind, heart, body and spirit. Working in higher education and also separately in an independent therapeutic practice, I'm often working, but joyful for the varied and fascinating challenges, and the many wonderful people who I have the opportunity to meet and to work with.

In my education related position, working at a small, private college, we have faced many challenges. The US Department of Education has put many regulations upon our sector of education has caused us to take time away from students, as well as away from our normal responsibilities and duties, and go in to "show me" mode. Without going into great detail, we meet and exceed challenges, and continue to thrive while helping students to succeed.

My biggest challenge, apart from the one mentioned above, has been to develop and create an online division at The College of Westchester. I am happy to report that as of June 29 we are fully operational. Phase one of this project, creating the division, has taken two years to complete. From inception, through to the present date, we have developed and received approval (from the New York State Education Department and Middle States Commission on Higher Education) to offer two programs fully online including our Associate Degree in Business Administration - Management/Marketing and our Bachelor (BBA) in Business Administration. Phase two includes attracting and enrolling qualified students to participate in the first classes this September, and growing the college. We already have some interest among alumni.

Aside from raising two wonderful daughters and receiving my Masters in Social Work, this has been my greatest challenge and accomplishment. I'm not going to take credit for it all myself, though. It has taken so many people so much time and effort, and vision from our president and board, that I'm just the lucky one who has had the job to push through the process and steer the boat this time around. It has been and continues to be great fun, and I truly am grateful for the opportunity.

Prescription for a gloomy, quiet day!

2011-05-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

I"m in Cambridge MA visiting with my sister, Jenn. It has been a busy few months at work; relentless, really. I'm sure many other people can relate. I finally have a quiet bit of time to just rest and reflect. In reality, it has been 24 hours since I boarded the Amtrak to Back Bay station, ran out to a wonderful baby shower, dinner, etc, so I haven't had a chance to let my mind rest too much until this morning. I'm staying at a lovely B&B, and am now tucked away able to write my first blog in a couple of months.

It is a gloomy morning, but I am anticipating a nice day of yoga, planning a party and lovely meal with loved ones, so there are fun things planned. I don't have to leave until late Monday morning, also a bonus. Until this present project in process at work is turned into a completed project, I'll just have to make due with the occasional respite. I'll take it.

My suggestion for a gloomy day when you find yourself with a little extra time? First, let yourself feel it. Sometimes we roll through our days, and have the emotional ups and downs that we all have, aware or unaware of the reasons. If we don't let ourselves feel those feelings, they eventually make themselves known. I woke up this morning still feeling that emotional roller coaster. Instead of immediately rushing to "feel better", I thought about where those feelings had come from, trying to put some framework around them. Sometimes they are just there. However, giving myself a chance to connect the dots was very helpful this morning. The other point is that I actually had the time to clear my mind and do this!

I spent about 5 minutes meditating and clearing my mind as best I could. Trust me, even after many years of meditating and self-hypnosis, this can take some doing. After clearing my mind, I always ask if there is a message, thought or feeling for the day that will help. Today I got the message to be grateful for all of the other people who are working hard right along side of me. This is an important message as it took me out of feeling alone and left me feeling supported and, yes, loved, and grateful for those other people there with me in the trenches, day in and day out!

Easiest way to take those 5 minutes? Find yourself a quiet place to just sit. Turn off the TV or radio, set the alarm for 5 minutes. Close your eyes and begin to breathe slowly and deeply. Alternately, instead of breathing, just notice how your body is feeling and try to relax any spots that are holding tension by focusing your love and attention,one spot at a time. At first, your mind may wander. Just bring it back. If you have trouble clearing your mind, think of a clear blue sky or the sound, feeling or look of running water.

You will be amazed how fast those five minutes go. Remember, this is called a practice for a reason - because we get better at it as we practice. Some days are easier or harder than others. Be gentle with yourself. I promise to let myself have five minutes a day!

Words to live by!

2011-03-14T17:36:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite sayings, from Uncle Al Pusz:
What you see here,
What you hear here,
When you leave here,
Leave it here.

(a framed slogan hanging in my Uncle Al's bar in the basement)

Adorable - Michaela Wallace and her viral video "Justin Bieber's Girlfriend"

2011-03-11T08:26:00.000-08:00

or if you prefer to visit

Source Yahoo says Michaela Wallace, 14, has co-written the tween new girl anthem: a bubbly, Hanson "Mmmmbop"-esque song called "Justin Bieber's Girlfriend." The video for the song depicts Wallace receiving Bieber concert tickets in the mail and then attending his meet-and-greet and concert. It has received more than 1 million plays on YouTube.

Thought for a gloomy Monday afternoon

2011-02-28T14:48:00.000-08:00

Someone always has it better, somebody always has it worse. However, Oliver Julius, my sister Jenn's kitty, has it made in the shade.

In other news, Jim and I spent a really nice weekend in beautiful California! It rained a lot, but finally cleared up long enough to get a couple of photos in the sun.

I'm not complaining, and feel like I am among the luckier today.

Like, loving this, you know?

2011-02-09T11:15:00.001-08:00

Melina shared this with me - need i say more, like really?

hope you enjoy, if, like, maybe, it is your thing?

Reincarnation, Past Life Regression - Brian Weiss in NYC

2011-01-31T13:32:00.000-08:00

I was fortunate enough to be invited to my friend, medium Karen Noe's, show a few months ago on a Saturday afternoon. We talked about past life regression, reincarnation and healing. It was a wonderful time, as we rarely have the opportunity to just sit down and talk.

Dr. Brian Weiss will be hosting an experiential workshop on Sunday, March 6, that i will attend in NYC with one of my sisters and a friend. For details go to Hay House. I loved the 2 hour session I participated in a few months ago - amazing! This should be a great day. Here is another blog I posted months ago about past life regression that might interest you. Namaste!

Happy New Year

2011-01-02T05:14:00.001-08:00

As cliche as it sounds, many find the new year a time for new beginnings, a fresh start. I love this concept, and believe that a new beginning is available to us every day, every moment. Seize the opportunity, at this moment, to accept yourself as you are and to believe in your highest potential and to make this moment the time to change, develop and grow. You are perfect at this moment in time.

The light that is within me honors the light that is within you. Namaste!

Hallejulah Chorus at Macys

2010-11-24T05:15:00.000-08:00

I've been singing Handel's Messiah since I was about 14, and have always loved the musicality of it. Someone said that watching a western won't make you a cowboy and hearing this song won't make you into a Christian, and it is in that vein that I offer this beautiful rendition of a wonderful piece usually sung at Christmastime. It is sung as one of those "random acts of culture" that has been popping up all over the place, mostly "randomly" on tv. This is a sweet one, performed by the Opera Company of Philadelphia, sung at Macy's in Philly over Halloween weekend, 2010.

Happy Felix Unger Day, Everyone!!

2010-11-12T11:16:00.000-08:00

I've loved the Odd Couple since i was a young girl. We celebrate officially on Felix Unger Day, November 13.

On November 13, Felix Unger was asked to remove himself from his place of residence. That request came from his wife. Deep down, he knew she was right, but he also knew that someday he would return to her. With nowhere else to go he appeared at the door of his childhood friend, Oscar Madison. Some years earlier, Madison's wife had thrown him out, requesting that he never return. Can two divorced men share an apartment without driving each other crazy?

One of the Reasons I Love Michael Moore

2010-09-18T15:13:00.001-07:00

If you know me, you know I have opposed this war we are in from the very beginning. I love our country and believe in protecting our way of life. Two of my uncles were in the Air Force in WWII, may God Bless them. This insidious, creeping war is different. We should never have gone there, and should not still be there. I had to post this blog (below) from Michael Moore. You can also click through to the original, here.

Michael Moore and I don't agree about everything, but that is one of the reasons I love him. He will take on anyone, anyone, conservative, liberal, left, right, etc, if he feels that the truth is not being told. Please read - it is worth it. And here is hoping, praying, that this war ends soon. Just one note - Michael Moore says that we elected an anti-war president. I just don't buy it. I think President Obama is waiting until the optimal time for his re-election campaign to bring the troops back home - blood will be on his hands in order to get himself re-elected - it's just how I feel. (Who of you remembers Nixon and Vietnam in '72?)

With love towards you and yours,
Mary Beth

Never Forget: Bad Wars Aren't Possible Unless Good People Back Them
Today's OpenMike blog by Michael Moore
September 15, 2010
I know we've been "free" of the Iraq War for two weeks now and our minds have turned to
the new football season and Fashion Week in New York. And how exciting that the new fall
TV season is just days away!
But before we get too far away from something we would all just like to forget, will you please allow me to just say something plain and blunt and necessary:
We invaded Iraq because most Americans -- including good liberals like
Al Franken, Nicholas Kristof & Bill Keller of the New York Times,
David Remnick of the New Yorker, the editors of the Atlantic and the
New Republic, Harvey Weinstein, Hillary Clinton, Chuck Schumer and
John Kerry -- wanted to.
Of course the actual blame for the war goes to Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld/Wolfowitz
because they ordered the "precision" bombing, the invasion, the occupation, and
the theft of our national treasury. I have no doubt that history will record that they
committed the undisputed Crime of the (young) Century.
But how did they get away with it, considering they'd lost the presidential election
by 543,895 votes? They also knew that the majority of the country probably
wouldn't back them in such a war (a Newsweek poll in October 2002 showed
61% thought it was "very important" for Bush to get formal approval from the
United Nations for war -- but that never happened). So how did they pull it off?
They did it by getting liberal voices to support their war. They did it by creating
the look of bipartisanship. And they convinced other countries' leaders like Tony
Blair to get on board and make it look like it wasn't just our intelligence agencies
cooking the evidence.
But most importantly, they made this war (and its public support) happen because
Bush & Co. had brilliantly conned the New York Times into running a bunch
of phony front-page stories about how Saddam Hussein had all these "weapons
of mass destruction." The administration gleefully fed this false information not
to Fox News or the Washington Times. They gave it to America's leading liberal
newspaper. They must have had a laugh riot each morning when they'd pick up
the New York Times and read the nearly word-for-word scenarios and talking
points that they had concocted in the Vice President's office.
I blame the New York Times more for this war than Bush. I expected Bush and
Cheney to try and get away with what they did. But the Times -- and the rest of
the press -- was supposed to STOP them by doing their job: Be a relentless watchdog
of government and business -- and then inform the public so we can take action.
Instead, the New York Times gave the Bush administration the cover they needed.
They could -- and did -- say, 'Hey, look, even the Times says Saddam has WMD!'
With this groundwork laid, the Bush crowd ended up convincing a whopping 70%
of the public to support the war -- a public that had given him less than 48% of its
vote in 2000.
Early liberal support for this war was the key ingredient in selling it to a majority of
the public. I realize this is something that no one in the media -- nor most of us --
really wants to discuss. Who among us wants to feel the pain of having to remember
that liberals, by joining with Bush, made this war happen?
Please, before our collective memory fades, I just want us to be honest with ourselves
and present an unsanitized version of how they pulled off this war. I can guarantee
you the revisionists will make sure the real truth will not enter the history books.
Children born when the war began started second grade this month.
Kids who were eleven in 2003 are now old enough to join up and get killed in Iraq
in a "non-combat capacity."
They'll never understand how we got here if we don't.
So let me state this clearly: This war was aided and abetted by a) liberals who were
afraid to stick their necks out and thus remained silent; and b) liberals who actually
said they believed Colin Powell's cartoon presentation at the U.N. and then went
against their better judgment by publicly offering their support for the invasion of Iraq.
First, there were those 29 (turncoat) Democratic senators who voted for the war.
Then there was the embarrassing display of reporters who couldn't wait to be
"embedded" and go for a joy ride on a Bradley tank.
But my real despair lies with the people I counted on for strong opposition to this
madness -- but who left the rest of us alone, out on a limb, as we tried to stop the
war.
In March of 2003, to be a public figure speaking out against the war was considered
instant career suicide. Take the Dixie Chicks as Exhibit A. Their lead singer, Natalie
Maines, uttered just one sentence of criticism -- and their career was effectively dead
and buried at that moment. Bruce Springsteen spoke out in their defense, and a
Colorado DJ was fired for refusing to not play their songs. That was about it.
Crickets everywhere else.
Then MSNBC fired the only nightly critic of the war -- the television legend, Phil
Donahue. No one at the network -- or any network -- spoke up on his behalf.
There would never again be a Phil Donahue show. (Little did GE know that, when
they soon filled that 8pm hour with a sports guy by the name of Keith Olbermann,
they would end up with the war's most brilliant and fiercest critic, night after night
after night.) There were a few others -- Bill Maher, Janeane Garofalo, Tim Robbins
and Seymour Hersh -- who weren't afraid to speak the truth. But where was everyone
else? Where were all those supposed liberal voices in the media?
Instead, this is what we were treated to back in 2003 and 2004:
** Al Franken, who said he "reluctantly" was "a supporter of the war against
Saddam." And six months into the war Al was still saying, "There were reasons to
go to war against Iraq ... I was very ambivalent about it but I still don't know if it
was necessarily wrong (to go to war)."
** Nicholas Kristof, columnist for the New York Times, who attacked me and
wrote a column comparing me to the nutty right-wingers who claimed Hillary had
Vince Foster killed. He said people like me were "polarizing the political cesspool,"
and he chastised anyone who dared call Bush's reasons for going to war in Iraq "lies."
** Howell Raines, editor-in-chief of the "liberal" New York Times, who was,
according to former Times editor Doug Frantz, "eager to have articles that supported
the war-mongering out of Washington ... He discouraged pieces that were at odds
with the administration's position on Iraq's supposed weapons of mass destruction
and alleged links of al-Qaeda." The book "Hard News" reported that "according to
half a dozen sources within the Times, Raines wanted to prove once and for all that
he wasn't editing the paper in a way that betrayed his liberal beliefs..."
** Bill Keller, at the time a New York Times columnist, who wrote: "We reluctant
hawks may disagree among ourselves about the most compelling logic for war --
protecting America, relieving oppressed Iraqis or reforming the Middle East -- but
we generally agree that the logic for standing pat does not hold. ... we are hard
pressed to see an alternative that is not built on wishful thinking."
(The New York Times is so left-wing that when Raines retired, they replaced him
with... Keller.)
** The New Yorker, the magazine for really smart liberals, found its
editor-in-chief, David Remnick, supporting the war on its pages: "History will
not easily excuse us if, by deciding not to decide, we defer a reckoning with an
aggressive totalitarian leader who intends not only to develop weapons of mass
destruction but also to use them. ... a return to a hollow pursuit of containment
will be the most dangerous option of all." (To cover its ass, the New Yorker had
another editor, Rick Hertzberg, write an anti-war editorial as a rebuttal.)
Some of the above have recanted their early support of the war. The Times fired
its WMD correspondent and apologized to its readers. Al Franken has been a
great Senator. Kristof now writes nice columns (check out last Sunday's).
But the support of the war by these leading liberals and the majority of the
Democrats in the Senate made it safe for the Right to let loose a vicious and
unchecked tirade of hate and threats on anyone (including myself) who dared
to step out of line. It was not uncommon to hear the media describe me as
"un-American," "anti-American," "aiding the terrorists," and being a "traitor."
Here are just a couple of examples of what was said about me over the
airwaves by two of the nation's leading conservative commentators:
"Let me just tell you what I'm thinking. I'm thinking about killing Michael
Moore, and I'm wondering if I could kill him myself, or if I would need to
hire somebody to do it. No, I think I could. I think he could be looking me
in the eye, you know, and I could just be choking the life out -- is this wrong?
I stopped wearing my 'What Would Jesus Do' band, and I've lost all sense
of right and wrong now. I used to be able to say, 'Yeah, I'd kill Michael Moore,'
and then I'd see the little band: 'What Would Jesus Do?' And then I'd realize,
'Oh, you wouldn't kill Michael Moore. Or at least you wouldn't choke him to
death.' And you know, well, I'm not sure." (Glenn Beck)
And:
"Well, I want to kill Michael Moore. Is that all right? All right. And I don't
believe in capital punishment. That's just a joke on Moore." (Bill O'Reilly)
(Ironically, O'Reilly made his threat/joke the night after Janet Jackson's
breast was bared at the Super Bowl -- which got CBS fined over half a
million dollars because, you know, nipples are far more frightening than
death threats.)
So that's how I'll personally remember the early war years: living with a
real and present danger caused by the hate whipped up by right-wing
radio and TV. (I've been advised not to recount certain specific incidents
that happened to me, as it would only encourage other crazy people.)
So I dealt with it. And I'm still here. And I know many of you went
through your own crap, standing up against the war at school, or work,
or at Thanksgiving dinner, taking your own blows for simply saying
what was the truth.
But how much easier it would have been for all of us if the liberal
establishment had stood with us? We didn't own a daily newspaper,
or a magazine with a circulation in the millions. We didn't have our
own TV show or network. We weren't invited on shows like "Meet
the Press," because they simply could not allow our voice to be heard.
The media watchdog group FAIR reported that in the three weeks
after the war started, the CBS Evening News allowed only one anti-war
voice on their show -- and that was on one night in one soundbite (and
that was four seconds of me in a line from my Oscar speech) -- even
though in March of 2003 our anti-war numbers were in the millions
(remember the huge demonstrations in hundreds of cities?). We were
around 30% of the country according to most polls (that's nearly 100
million Americans!) and yet we had no way to communicate with each
other aside from through the Nation and a few websites like
CommonDreams.org and Truth-Out.org.
But that was no way to build a huge mass movement of Middle Americans
to oppose the war. Unless you had just lucked out and been handed an Oscar
on live television in front of a gazillion people where you had 45 seconds to
say something before they cut you off and booed you off the stage (hahahaha),
you had no public platform. (Jeez, I sure did get booed a lot that year:
simply walking through an airport, or eating dinner in a restaurant, or
sitting at a Laker game where they suddenly put me up on the Jumbotron
and the place went so angry-crazy that Larry David, who was sitting next to
me, felt that maybe for his own safety he should perhaps slide a few seats
down or go get us a couple of wieners. Instead, he stuck by my side -- and
his skillful ninja moves got us out of there alive after the game.)
I know it's hard to remember, but when this war started, there was
no YouTube, no Facebook, no Twitter, no way for you to bypass the
media lords so you could have your own friggin' say.
Too bad for the bastards, those days are over.
The next time around, it won't be so easy to shut up a country girl
band or try to silence someone while he accepts his little gold statue
-- or completely ignore the millions of citizens in the streets.
So now we can hope that one of our wars is over. Too bad we lost.
I hate to lose, don't you? But the fact is, we lost the very day we invaded
a sovereign nation that posed absolutely no threat to us and had nothing
to do with 9/11. We lost lives (over 4,400 of ours, hundreds of thousands
of theirs), we lost limbs (a total of 35,000 troops came back with various
wounds and disabilities and God knows how many more with mental
problems). We lost the money our grandchildren were supposed to live on.
And we lost our soul, who we were, what we stood for as a once-great
country -- lost it all. Can we now ask for redemption -- for forgiveness?
Can we be... "America" again?
I guess we'll see. The vast majority of the country eventually came around
to the Dixie Chicks' position. And we elected an anti-Iraq-war guy by the
name of Barack Hussein Obama.
But, please, promise yourselves never to forget how our country went crazy
7 1/2 years ago -- even though, to many people at the time, it seemed completely
normal. And I'm here to tell you, no matter how much better it's gotten, no
matter how normal you may think things are now, we're still halfway nuts.
Just listen to the new batch of "sensible pundits" as they start to beat the
drums about what we should do to Iran. One war down, one (or two or
three) to go.
C'mon, Mr. President, not one more kid needs to die overseas wearing a
uniform with our flag on it. We can't win like this. Let's dig a few thousand
wells in Afghanistan, build a few free mosques, leave behind some food and
clothing, fix their electrical grid, issue an apology and set up a Facebook page
so they can stay in touch with us -- and then let's get the hell out.
Your own National Security Advisor and your CIA Director have told you there
are less than 100 al-Qaeda fighters in the entire country. 100???
100,000 U.S. troops going after 100 al-Qaeda? Is this a Looney Tunes
presentation? "A-ba-dee-a-ba-dee-a-ba-dee -- That's All Folks!" Let's get real.
I'm glad one war is "over." But I know how we got there -- and I'm willing now
to fight just as hard to stop these other wars if you won't, Mr. Obama.
Your call.
Yours,
Michael Moore
Mike@MichaelMoore.com
MichaelMoore.com
P.S. Just a thought, Mr. President. Can I ask that you go back and watch this
movie I made -- "Fahrenheit 9/11." There might be some answers there. I give
you my permission to download it for free by going to this site: TorrentHound.com.
Don't tell the studio I said it was ok! They've only made a half a billion $$ on it so far.
P.P.S. To everyone on my list: Thanks to your thousands of generous donations,
we've raised over $60,000 for the Muslim community center near Ground Zero.
This has made news around the world, that there are Americans who believe in
our stated American principles.
--------------------------------
The second part of Mike's interview with Wolf Blitzer will air today on
CNN's The Situation Room (5-7pm ET).
Also: Bill Maher has asked Mike to be his first guest of his new season this
Friday at 10pm ET on HBO.

Droid - Ignorance Is Bliss

2010-07-11T05:54:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to help my daughter pick out a new phone. She opted for the Droid with Verizon service.

While we were shopping, we looked into all of the features that smartphones have available. One of the most shocking to me is that parents can purchase phones for their
kids with a gps feature that allows the parent to know where their child is at all times. Once a kid is a bit older, do you really want to know where they are ALL the time? I am going on the record. I don't.
(image courtesy of The Telegraph, UK)
The phrase "ignorance is bliss" really has something going for it, sometimes. I can understand that a parent of a 10 year old needs to know, or at least wants to know where their child is. It is their duty, within reason, to keep that child safe and teach the child safety.

But a college kid? A 20-something? Give me a break. Even a high school kid needs some privacy. This takes helicopter parent to a whole new level. I would rather home school my kid than put a tracking device on them and send them out into the world. And believe me, I would rather send them out into the world.

Whatever happened to letting them make their way, and they will find their way home? What about the old saying - if you try to hold sand too hard in your hand it will sift its way out.

Can't there be some happy medium? How about teaching kids limits so they can test them, make mistakes and know what a huge cliff or hole is so, hopefully, they won't step into it. Further, what about learning? If we spoon feed everything to them, will they learn best? Our learning styles are unique to each of us. I learn best by rote - in other words, by doing. Will kids learn if they don't get to do? Some will and some will not. Let's give them a chance.

Vacation Time

2010-07-10T06:31:00.001-07:00

(image - Banksy's Wet Dog)

Just got away last weekend for some much needed R&R, and to enjoy hanging out with family. It was a chance to catch up with a good book (Anthony Boudain's Kitchen Confidential - so much fun i was laughing out loud!), some sun (sorry, Sharon - I might have incurred a little sun damage but soaked up some much needed vitamins!), some good cooking (spaghetti with red sauce and italian sausage, quinoa with a million veggies, and some tuscan cured meats and mozzarella and a fabulous but inexpensive Gavi - yum!) and, of course, the wonderful 4th of July fireworks. My sis has a place with a roof deck, so we had a great view.

Mostly, vacation time was a chance to try and sleep past 5:30am and stay up past 10:30pm. Mission accomplished.

Here's hoping you can get that rest and replenishment you need in these steamy summer days!

Forensic Hypnosis

2010-07-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

What is forensic hypnosis? It is the process of utilizing hypnosis to access your own mind to remember something that that you have forgotten, but that you know is in there.

Down the shore watching a rerun of House. He has amnesia and is being hypnotized so he can remember something important that he has forgotten. It was so nice to see hypnosis portrayed in a positive light. He simply remembered what he needed to, without any negative posturing in the script, or lack of belief. It is what it is. Hypnosis can work when you need to remember something.

One caveat - if there is something significant you may have forgotten, it is often the mind protecting you from something you may be better off forgetting. This is a complicated discussion better left for another blog, or, even more carefully, a discussion with a professional you trust! An even more complicated discussion revolves around repressed memories and false memories.

Painfully shy otherwise known as Social Anxiety?

2010-05-23T17:05:00.000-07:00

I usually do fine speaking with people and meeting new people. I often have to go out to various functions, walking into rooms full of people I do not know. However, I went to a function today, Sunday, and really did not want to go in by myself. My Dad was supposed to join me but he had not yet arrived. Luckily, a couple I am friends with were also going to join me, and after waiting outside for about 15 minutes, they arrived at the function. I was very glad to see them. After waiting outside a few more minutes for my dad, I called him and found out that he wasn't joining us, as he had overslept, and I went inside to join my friends.

Maybe it was because it wasn't a work function that I felt like I had a choice about whether to mix with others. I'm not sure. I was just very happy that I didn't have to be there by myself. Once I got inside with my friends I felt better and had a good time.

When I work with clients, I feel as if I have deep understanding as I continue to struggle with some of the same challenges that they do. So my advice for others is, be gentle with yourself, hang in there and do the best you can.

Fears and Phobias

2010-05-15T04:54:00.001-07:00

Over the years, I have worked with so very many people suffering from various fears and phobias.

Women facing childbirth want a happy experience but have heard the "war" stories from others. After learning how to relax and getting past the fears, they report back that the birth experience was wonderful, surprisingly peaceful.

One of the most daunting is the fear of something that we need, like food or fluids. We can get ourselves twisted up into fears that turn into phobias, that feel so real, but we know are irrational. The frustration builds on itself until it feels as if we will always feel that fear.

Others have anxiety around other people, or nature, insects or animals. It all feels so real because it becomes real. You are not crazy.

Peace is possible. It is possible to get past those fears, that visceral, physical reaction that is getting in your way from living a full, happy life.

Learning a combination of relaxation tools and talk therapy, we can help desensitize you to the root fear so you can get past it and experience long-lasting relief! You can also learn the tools that will empower you to get past flare-ups and feel better, quickly.

Julia is graduating!

2010-05-13T19:16:00.000-07:00

My younger daughter, Julia, is graduating from college this weekend. She is receiving her BA in English, just like her mom. However, unlike her mother, she got a 3.5 in her final semester. I barely made it, though, for the record, I did graduate. Julia is continuing her education in social work in the Fall. I couldn't be more happy for her, or us.

Julia's sister, Jess, graduated from college two years ago, and is continuing her education in nutrition. She is a brilliant young lady who also works hard and is planning the future she wants.

They are both exactly where they need to be in their lives right now. I wish the same for each of us. Mazel Tov to my girls and blessings to us all!

Your Personal Power - Crosspost from Abraham Hicks

2010-05-11T03:15:00.000-07:00

Click here to read about your personal power!

Busy Healing the Universe

2010-05-06T12:55:00.000-07:00

I heard this phrase once - used to ask for special favors for a fellow healer who "had been busy healing the universe". Aren't we all? I wish you special favors today!!

Flying the Blue Skies - New Fees in Air Travel from Continental Airlines

2010-04-24T12:13:00.001-07:00

I flew back and forth from Newark to Orlando this week for a conference. It was an informational get together with a company called Campus Management, aimed primarily at higher ed. We also made side trips to sister colleges in the area, meeting with colleagues and gathering good information.

That being said, air travel is the easiest way to efficiently travel between NJ and FL, unless you are at liberty to take the time to drive, which I am not at this point.

On the way to Orlando, we were offered free Direct TV but we had to buy the headphones for $3 - and we could keep them any use them on subsequent flights - wow! On the way home from Orlando, we were offered free headphones but the Direct TV cost $6.

Aren't the execs at Continental Airlines clever?

I was traveling solo, but a ton of people were with their children, most of whom immediately felt like they needed to watch TV, bringing a general cry of anguish from all children who were denied the opportunity. Meanwhile, said small television screen was staring each of us in the face, playing the entire trip with enticing clips that foreshadowed what could be had by just swiping a credit card.
Lastly, cash is no longer a form of currency on Continental Airlines, only credit or debit cards.

Further, I was given the opportunity to save $2 by paying for my checked bag ahead of time - $23 instead of $25. Show me the money. The way I look at it, I'm still out $23.

Brave new world!

please stop smoking

2010-04-17T03:44:00.000-07:00

So very many people contact me regarding hypnosis for smoking cessation. I often broad-brushstroke smoking cessation, calling it one of the garden variety hypnosis techniques, along with weight loss, though it is sometimes the most critical key for health and wellbeing. Stop smoking and many other benefits fall into place; improved health, social interaction, confidence, peace and a little more money in the pocket too!

Most people I work with have been smoking at last 15 years, but usually at least 20, 30 or 4o years. Even though so many have good intentions to quit, the thing that is the biggest motivator is illness or restriction of normal life. Either they can't breathe, can't move, or don't feel well. Each client I work with is a unique individual who identifies with smoking in their own way.

Conversely, while we all experience the act of smoking and the habit uniquely, there are similar pieces to the experiences which are common to many of us. I say this as I am an ex-smoker.

Most of us have taken many years to become a smoker, and have hung onto the habit or addiction for dear life! Concurrently, most people want to know if they can quit in one session. Some can, but others need to learn to be gentle with themselves and participate in their wellness by giving themselves a chance to quit, an opportunity to be healthy and move on from a long-time habit. Many call it their old friend! There is sometimes an adjustment period.

I encourage my clients to give themselves a break and acknowledge that it may take a bit more time than just one session to quit. For details about how hypnosis works, I refer you to an earlier blog – 10 Misconceptions About Hypnosis.

Ask yourself these two questions:

On a scale of one to ten, ten being the greatest, how great is your urge to quit smoking?

Have you already cut back in anticipation of quitting?

If on a scale of one to ten your urge to quit is at least an 8, you are ready. If you had already cut back, even better!

How about these questions:

Are you afraid you will gain weight if you quit?

Do you feel that deserve to be healthy and can take a little time to restore full health?

Do you acknowledge that smoking is bad for you?

Some of these questions will reveal deterrents to quitting, along with many other possible roadblocks to success. These can be overcome when we uncover them.

For those of you who want to know how hypnosis helps as an aid to smoking cessation, I offer the following structure:

What to expect in a smoking cessation program:

Motivation and Confidence
Learn how to build a strong desire to stop smoking. Reasons to quit and benefits of quitting are covered. You will easily learn tools for permanent release from smoking habit.

Overcoming Past Connections
In order to quit successfully, we must change what cigarettes mean to us and the connections they have in our lives. Patterns that aid in our smoking habit are also re-routed, as are fears about what would happen if we quit, like gaining weight, or losing break time.
Creating New, Healthier Connections
Time to reprogram our minds with healthier choices. Great guided visualization of cleansing our bodies of the toxins smoking leaves behind.
Preventing Relapse
This session cements the value of quitting and provides help with avoiding a smoking relapse. Each hypnosis session is 45-60 minutes in length. Clients reported that not only was quitting easy, but that the sessions were relaxing and helped them with every day stress.
Tune-ups post quit date - Into each life some rain can fall. We react to the stress around us, and sometimes fall back on our old coping habits while dealing with stressful life issues. Smoking can be one of those old habits. With daily simple, relaxing practice and acknowledgement of this stress, we can quit permanently. 30 minute tune-up sessions are available to reinforce as needed.

Supplementary Hypnosis Sessions

Along with the basic 4-session set described above, additional 20 to 30 minute hypnosis sessions targeted at these specific issues:

Handling feelings without cigarettes
Weight management
Assertiveness / people skills
Energy and concentration
Pairing smoking with unpleasant experiences – also known as aversion therapy

I hope this clears up some questions about hypnosis. Make your decision to quit today!

Virtual Games And Real Money

2010-04-10T04:08:00.000-07:00

In my last post I discussed Fish World and the impact of social games on people, from the youngest to the oldest of us. I was amazed by how quickly I was sucked into the rhythm of playing a facebook based game and all of the housekeeping, decorating, maintaining and growing that world requires.

While I played Fish World, I was encouraged to "get" more fishbucks by clicking through to that page. When I got there, Offerpal suggested I purchase bucks with my credit card or through PayPal. You can certainly earn fishbucks through play, but you can also buy them with real money.

I have struck a nerve on a number of occasions already with friends and family, most of whom feel that they have witnessed love ones retreat from the real into the virtual world, which concerned loved ones have found alarming.

Here is another facet of social gaming - monetizing for game creators. I was not aware of the statistic, but my husband shared that real purchase of virtual gifts and gear is a multi-billion dollar business.

What exactly does this mean? One example - in facebook, members are prompted to remember their friends' birthdays with a link to their friend's home page. When clicking on the link, the member is encouraged not only to leave their best wishes, but to purchase a virtual gift which they can purchase with their credit card or through pay pal with real money.

Another example - in social gaming, many items are available through soliciting other members, but are also available for the "bucks" that the player can purchase - you guessed it - by depositing those bucks in their account through purchase with a credit card or other real payment source.

Just as the online gambling phenonenon has made real life difficult by draining players' bank accounts, so too can participation in virtual worlds affect an individual's real life bottom line.

Let the player beware, and as my daughter Julia and our friend Melina say, make good choices!

Games and real life

2010-04-09T04:24:00.000-07:00

I recently had a young client tell me about her gaming fun in a game, played on the internet with others. She is very attached to this game and meets friends there. They have avatars and it is very interactive and action packed. She spends as much time as she can there and misses it when she is not there. I wanted to understand more about virtual reality and playing these interactive games.

Coincidentally, one of my Facebook friends invited me to a facebook based game called Fish World. About a week ago I decided to play Fish World, which, while it is very simple, it is fun. I am actually surprised at just how much time I wanted to spend playing with my fish, acquiring new fish, training new fish, sending gifts to my Fish World friends. In fact, right now, while blogging to you, I am thinking about going back to feed my fish.

Playing this game has given me some perspective on how internet based games can fill a void, or provide real social interaction in a virtual world. My fish world friends and I send each other gifts and clean tanks and feed each other's fish a treat. I tell my fish world friends how nice their tanks look.

While this interaction cannot replace real life relationships and fresh air, it does provide us an opportunity to interact with others, be kind and thoughtful, and learn strategies for success and problem-solving.

Interesting, but I'm still spending too much time on the fish! Here is a link to another blog that discusses Fish World.

My Hundredth Post - Pink Floyd - First in Space

2010-03-25T04:46:00.000-07:00

back in the day - after Syd
more recently

My friend Laura Nuescheler posted this video of Roger Waters of Pink Floyd performing The Wall after the Berlin Wall came down in 1990. I wouldn't feel right if i didn't post Pink Floyd performing it also - pick your favorite - Pink Floyd's version at Live 8 in London, summer 2005, is below Roger's. Watch them and break through!

Guided Regression and Radio Program

2010-03-21T08:08:00.000-07:00

More past life regression information, if you feel so inclined. Rockland World Radio hosts a program featuring my colleagues and friends Anton Bluman, Rory Pinto and Paul Lamb, New Perspectives, every Thursday evening at 6pm. I was their guest a couple of weeks ago. The program focused on past life regression. We discussed what someone might experience, as well as background on what we sometimes discover and why people participate in a regression. In other words, okay, what's in it for me?

We might regress in order to learn more about ourselves, our health, our emotions, our psychological patterns, pain in our body we can't explain or heal, reconnect with talents and abilities, to understand or release ourselves from promises or pacts that no longer serve us, and relationship issues. Though the experience itself may be either vivid or mundane, it is the result that is important. We may gain understanding or relief; physical, emotional, intellectual or spiritual; healing, and so on. Please give a listen if you have an extra hour or so. The regression is about 20 minutes into the show (and the first two minutes are chanting, if you can wait it out!). Hope you enjoy. Would love to hear your experience! Click here for the regression. Choose the March 4 program link. The link may not work in Mozilla Firefox and may need to be opened in Microsoft Internet Explorer or another browser.

2010-03-13T10:29:00.000-08:00

Just had a chance to see Michael Jackson This Is It last night. It was a very powerful statement to the fact that he still had so much creativity within him. I had never been a tremendous fan, even though I love his music. Watching his creative process was incredible, a real gift that gave me insight that led me to believe that he was taken too early. I thought about one of my favorite movies, or actually a movie that has been made three times; "Here Comes Mr. Jordan", then remade as "Heaven Can Wait" two times. In the recent theme of my blogs, past lives, regressions, progressions, why we come into the lives we are in, I do believe that people have unfinished business, that they are sometimes taken too soon, and that they come back. I do not believe we have heard the last of Michael Jackson and his amazing talent. It will stretch throughout his lifetimes, maybe again sooner than we might think. Here is one of his most recent songs, "Earth Song".

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Listen to www.RocklandWorldRadio.com Thursday March 4, 6-7 pm

2010-03-03T19:35:00.000-08:00

NEW PERSPECTIVES
A Lively discussion of everyday topics from a spiritual and metaphysical viewpoint

Join us Thursday Evening March 4th from 6-7 PM EST

with Paul Lamb,Anton Bluman, Rory Pinto
and Special Guest Mary Beth Del Balzo

visit Mary Beth at http://marybethdelbalzo.com or http://marybethdelbalzo.blogspot.com ;

Past Life Regression

A Key To Understanding The Present,
And Releasing The Limitations Of The Past

TO LISTEN...CLICK ON http://WWW.ROCKLANDWORLDRADIO.COM/

AND CLICK ON THE "LISTEN LIVE" BUTTON (upper left of screen)

Call us....what's your PERSPECTIVE?
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Rockland World Radio Live Call-in Number
845-290-9493

Please forward to anyone you think would be interested
in listening. Thanks!

Affiliated with Blue Horizons Holistic Network

Brownie Blog X2

2010-03-01T05:06:00.000-08:00

I was fortunate enough to receive a recipe from my sister Karen Smith for great brownies! Karen passed along this recipe created by her friend Karen Zeller. I am including the original recipe, to die for, and a healthier alternative, high fiber, low fat, that you don't have to die for. Both versions are fudgy and rise just enough to set slightly. I am hoping to find a way to also lower the glycemic index with a lower sugar content.

Karen Zeller's Brownies - Original recipe
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cups flour
2 squares semi sweet chocolate, melted and cooled slightly
3/4 cup nuts chopped (optional)

preheat oven to 350o
grease 8"x8" glass baking dish
Cream butter and sugar. Mix but don't beat salt, baking powder, vanilla, chocolate and stir. Add beaten eggs. Add flour and turn in nuts (optional).
Bake for 20 minutes
Substitutions for low fat, high fiber, higher Omega 3
substitute 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce for 1/2 cup butter
substitute 1/2 cup whole wheat flour and 1/4 cup ground flax for 3/4 cup white flour
recommend chopped walnuts for additional omega 3s.

Batter of substitute version is a little thinner but sets up just as nicely in 20 minutes in the oven.

More Past Life Info

2010-02-26T07:01:00.001-08:00

So, I participated in a past life regression session that the esteemed and super sweet Dr. Brian Weiss presented last night, through Hay House Radio. I highly recommend that you seek him out should you be curious or in need of assistance.

He said a lot of important things, such as, this work is a practice, the more you do, the more seeking, the more finding. I truly believe this. He and I both say the same thing - you go where you need to for healing to take place.

Just a bit of background regarding my experience. I am a skilled hypnotherapist and past life regression practitioner. I was taught in the way of Dr. Weiss, and my techniques mirror his. I have also had many past life experiences, led by skilled practitioners, with many wonderful and varied experiences that have shed light on my life and have given me substantial insights to help me in my health, joy and wellbeing.

My experience last night was interesting. Since it was a large radio group, not an in-person group, he led us all without following any particular person's thread. This makes it more fun for me, as I just went where I needed to and got a very deep experience.

He lead us first into a gentle place in childhood. I ended up in my Nanny's kitchen at her butcher's block center island. The meat grinder was set up and her brother, Uncle Eddie, a butcher, walked in with some meat for her. She began grinding the meat and I held the bowl to catch the ground meat. Believe me, this is a comforting place for me that I have gone back to before.

He then led us to the experience of our birth. I had a previous rebirthing experience with one of my teachers, Dr. Rafael Lugay, about 15 years ago, and this experience last night reconfirmed some of the details that I had experienced from a different perspective, as the two modalities are so very different.

I was born in 1959 to a very young mom. I am the oldest of 5 children, and my mom was 20 when I was born. My mom and dad were married when my mom was barely 19. With both of my therapeutic birthing experiences, I experienced an ambivalence and detachment that must be the surreal experience of many new first time mothers, especially in the twilight sleep of the 1950's. As typical for most men in this time period, my dad was not nearby.

In my particular experience, the team whisked me away to the metal table, as I was gasping my first few breaths of air, and cleaned me up. I got the distinct physical sensation of nausea, feeling uncomfortable and jostled, and the nurses' emotional need to make me presentable, and that they were rushing. I was put in warm things and rolled off immediately. My mom did not hold me until hours later. It ended there, but when Dr. Weiss' voice broke through with "feel the love" I just didn't feel it. My mom was knocked out somewhere else and the nurses were just doing their job, part-way into their shift for the day. I was just a job to be done.

I don't feel that this is a negative reflection on my parents, just a statement of a typical birthing experience of the 1950's.

I told my daughter, Jess that this was very typical of a past life regression. I didn't meet Quan Yin or Jesus, but I got what I needed.

Many of the group members were probably led to past life experiences, which I have also experienced in the past. Near the end of the regression, Dr. Weiss suggested that we are given a strand of pearls by one of our soul family, or a guide or teacher, and my strand was very long. He then said that each of the luminous pearls was a past life that can be considered, examined and enjoyed.

I highly recommend the experience. Lastly, I will caution, even as you may be puzzling about how that birthing experience could be beneficial to me, that there is something within that experience that is important to me personally. I can now take some time to consider what it means to me, and how it fits into the experience of my life.

Okay - Enough Snow - Thank You

2010-02-26T06:26:00.000-08:00

Okay - I think we have enough snow now. It really is beautiful but I am ready for a little autonomy. I am trying to look at it from the perspective of our reservoirs - that we definitely need water every spring, summer and fall, so this is a good thing...and it is!

What are Children’s Past Lives?

2010-02-25T07:19:00.000-08:00

What are Children’s Past Lives? Typically, between the ages of 2-7, children may spontaneously regress, often during times of natural trance, such as right before sleep or in the car during a ride. They may also dream and report the dreams to you. See my previous post for information on past life regression.

How can you tell the difference between a child’s past life memory and storytelling? (or our own, for that matter). According to Carol Bowman, author of Children’s Past Lives, the four signs of children’s past life memory are:
1. matter-of-fact tone
2. consistency over time
3. knowledge beyond experience
4. corresponding behavior and traits

What should you do when this happens?
1. stay calm
2. acknowledge
3. discern
4. allow emotions
5. clarify past and present

For more information, contact Carol Bowman at her website.

Past Lives - What?

2010-02-24T03:16:00.000-08:00

No matter whether you believe that you have a past life, sometimes dreams or memories that don't make sense pop into our minds anyway, or we have pain we just don’t understand. That feeling nags at us because while it may have no place in our life, it still rings true. These bits of information are our subconscious’ way of clearing away things we no longer need by letting us become aware of them, either in a real or metaphorical way. Maybe we meet someone for the first time who we feel like we have met before, or maybe we feel beholden to someone and we just don't know why.

I have worked with hundreds of people over the many years that I have been a hypnotherapist, helping them become aware or bring more light around these thoughts or impressions as they make themselves known. Regression sessions can bring a sense of peace and understanding. Sometimes we get stuck. Regression helps us resolve the past and move forward.

There is a new program on one of the networks called Past Life. While some of the information is authentic in the way past life information intersects with our lives, some is also sensationalized for the benefit of entertainment. For example:

· People do not always come right back after they die

· We do not always experience the past life immediately preceding the life we are experiencing now

· Individuals are usually not disturbed by past life information. In fact, it can be comforting and beneficial

· We do not always feel physical manifestations from that past time, though we can.

· We may or may not remember faces

· Memories are rarely violent or fear provoking. Some are joyful and fulfilling

Here is a little bit about what past life regression is, and how it can help:

Past Life Regression is a powerful tool for recognizing your destiny and fulfilling your deepest desires and needs. It is not necessary to believe in past life regression for it to work for you. Some people understand past lives as a metaphor for past experiences which hold them back from living the fullest life possible now. Shining light on those experiences brings the awareness and understanding, that aha moment, that illuminates the here and now, for joy and fulfillment today. It can also help remove physical maladies that have no basis in this life.

What Is Past Life Regression? Past life regression is an in depth exploration of past lives in which you will experience a journey back to a previous lifetime. It is not based on belief of reincarnation, but more the images, feelings and experiences the come to the surface during a trance state.

Why do we utilize Past Life Regression? We utilize past life regression in order to understand, recognize behaviors and old karmic patterns in order to release ourselves from unhealthy choices, recall many of the gifts and lessons from past lives, and heal through recognition and understanding. Fears, phobias and pain can be understood and released.

What about accessing the time between lives and how does it relate to Past Life Regression? We can access the time between our lives to become aware of our reason for being here on the earth, our soul’s purpose in this lifetime, our life’s work. Release blocks, understand karma, discover what is holding you back and learn conscious exercises to charge the energy centers to accomplish this most fundamental need. Connect with the people who are your supporters in this life and in between lives by becoming aware of who they are. We may have agreed to come into this life together. It is a joyous realization to become aware of these people who are our loved ones, teachers and family.

How many past lives do we have? We are not sure how many lives an individual may have had. Some people don’t believe that we have more than one life. That is okay. The subconscious mind shows us what we need to know, what we will benefit from at any given time, so more may be revealed over time.

Are there people without past lives? We do believe that some people are new souls, making their first journey on the planet.

The books of Dr. Brian Weiss are the seminal studies on past life regression, and highly respected. If you have interest in this topic, start there. His first book, Many Lives, Many Masters is a good book to start with. Or read more at my website.

Be ready for great things!

2010-02-19T09:46:00.000-08:00

What do we do about people who don't vibrate at the same place as we do? I'll say the same thing I usually do, which, by the way, I did not create or write, "act as if". Act as if the person is no longer an obstacle, and the obstacle will no longer exist. Most obstacles exist in our mind, or our heart. Once in a while, an obstacle really is a giant rock in the middle of the road. In that case, you really should drive around it and not keep running into it to try to get it to move. Sometimes it is a big pile of something soft and easy to get through, like feathers or leaves, in which case you can plow through it. You can decide. Trust yourself to know the best way through the situation. You can ask for help, too!

To me, the other important part of this discussion is self. How are you? Are you vibrating at the level you want to be for yourself? To be ready to receive what you are asking for, be ready for it! Listen to this sweet quote from Abraham:

"...—and anything you ask for is given. If there is any price to pay, or if there is any giving back something, it must be in this category of finally bringing yourself into vibrational alignment with what you're asking for. You've got to be a vibrational match to what you're asking for."

Be ready for great things!!

Julia has a hankering for kale!

2010-02-10T11:59:00.001-08:00

Crunchy Kale

A recipe from George Villafuerte, massage therapist par excellence!

· 1 bunch kale, washed, deveined and chopped into bite sized pieces

· Olive oil

· Salt and pepper to taste

Cookie sheet

Preheat oven to 350o

Dry kale. Toss in olive oil and salt and pepper. Julia says it takes about 10 minutes in oven until crispy. Eat and enjoy!

Animals in the wild!

2010-02-10T11:42:00.000-08:00

Some great photos near our home, including Jim and the doggies, Janey and Mickey as we were out for a walk just a short while ago.

Jess suggests easy fritatta

2010-02-10T06:29:00.001-08:00

Hi All,
I'm at it again with the cooking! My daughter, Jess suggested an easy grab and go breakfast that can be made ahead, frozen and nuked. Here it is:

Jess' Individual Vegetable Fritatta
preheat oven to 350o

Ingredients
1 cup egg whites (carton egg whites are fine)
1 whole egg (for color)
1/3 cup Ricotta cheese
1/2 cup freshly finely grated parmesan or romano cheese, divided
1 tablespoon whole wheat flour (for a bit of body) or 1 tablespoon ground flax
salt and pepper to taste
about 1 1/2 - 2 cups of your favorite vegetables
(they can be left over or fresh)

I used 4 stewed tomatoes, chopped, 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion, 4 stalks asparagus diced, fresh, and 2 large flowers chopped broccoli left over from last night's dinner
Spray a non-stick pan with cooking spray (like Pam)and heat pan.
add raw veggies. In my case, I cooked onions on medium til translucent and added asparagus and continued to cook until asparagus was tender. Added diced stewed tomatoes and broccoli and cooked until no liquid (from tomatoes) remained. Remove from heat.

Pull out a 6 or 12 cup cupcake tin. Spray 6 cups with cooking spray (or use paper cupcake liners, if you prefer)

Fill the 6 cups 1/3 loosely with veggies. Let mixture continue to cool.
In medium mixing bowl mix egg white, egg, ricotta, 1/4 cup of parmesan, flour, salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and add to each filled tin until almost full.

Place in 350o oven for about 20-22 minutes or until cooked through.
Eat and enjoy. :)

Yummy Mole' from Sunny Anderson

2010-02-09T03:52:00.000-08:00

chicken courtesy of Disney

I usually post my own recipes, but this one looked so good and so easy that I thought I would share. It is from Sunny Anderson's Cooking For Real program on Food Network. If you are in a rush, skip the brining of the chicken - just wash it well. If you are a veggie, substitute your favorite fake meat :) Even thought it calls for cooking it in the oven in a dutch oven or heavy pot, I'll bet you could also do a crock pot variety. The molten chocolate cake from the same episode looked awesome also, but I haven't tried making it yet. Will keep you posted.

Chicken in Pumpkin-Ancho Mole Sauce

How to recognize something important - a quote from Abraham

2010-02-09T03:49:00.000-08:00

Anytime you feel negative emotion, stop and say: Something is important here; otherwise, I would not be feeling this negative emotion. What is it that I want? And then simply turn your attention to what you do want. . . . In the moment you turn your attention to what you want, the negative attraction will stop; and in the moment the negative attraction stops, the positive attraction will begin. And—in that moment—your feeling will change from not feeling good to feeling good. That is the Process of Pivoting.

--- Abraham

Snow and Soup

2010-01-28T06:54:00.001-08:00

Green Veggie Soup by my window

I have the opportunity to work from home today, and enjoying looking out the window at the beautiful snow instead of at a bookcase today. Also, looking forward to making some yummy soup that feeds the body and soul. I decided on two different soups - one is split pea and the other is green veggie, both vegetarian. They should be ready by lunchtime. As Ina Garten would say - how good is that?

MB's Green Veggie Soup

1 yellow onion, chopped (about 2 cups)

4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut in ½ inch ½ rounds

1 cup mushrooms sliced

¼ cup dried porcini mushrooms (if you want)

2 cups baby spinach

2 cups shredded cabbage

¼ cup finely chopped parsley or cilantro, if you want

1 15 oz can cannellini beans

1 cup Morningstar farm crumblers (if you want)

8 cups water

Salt, pepper to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

Saute onion and zucchini in olive oil, add and wilt cabbage (about 10 minutes), then add spinach, parsley or cilantro and mushrooms. Stir and add water, beans and crumblers. Bring to a boil. Turn down heat to a simmer (probably low) Add porcini mushrooms, salt and pepper. Simmer on low with top on for about 1 hour or so, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasonings. Serve with crusty bread or add a couple of cut up cooked shrimp to your soup bowl before adding soup, if you want more protein.

Newport Folk Festival 2010

2010-01-21T09:47:00.001-08:00

It's coming! Strap in.....

Flow! from Abraham

2010-01-21T08:01:00.000-08:00

"When you are really in the flow with your Inner Being, ideas come easily—they are implemented easily. It's fun while you are in the process of them, and it doesn't matter how they unfold; and nothing can go wrong, and it doesn't matter if you don't get it done, it's just fun to do it. Your Inner Being feels no limit. So, anything that feels like limits is something that you have self-imposed.

--- Abraham

Excerpted from the workshop in Sacramento, CA on Saturday, March 15th, 2003 #326

Our Love,
Jerry and Esther"

Oprah again?

2010-01-18T08:27:00.000-08:00

Whether you love her or have had enough of her, this particular campaign is something I can believe in.

In a recent web piece ( January 18 http://www.oprah.com/questionaire/ipledge.html?id=4 ) Oprah is asking us not to use the phone or text while driving. It is so tempting to multitask, but the statistics on phone related auto accidents are too much to ignore. I am actually going to make that pledge today.

I’m not the type to advocate for legislation to get us to do or not do much of anything, but if we all just stop, there won’t be a need for legislation, right?

MADD’s website was quoted “Twenty-eight percent of traffic accidents occur when people talk on cellphones or send text messages while driving, according to a study released Tuesday by the National Safety Council. The vast majority of those crashes, 1.4 million annually, are caused by cellphone conversations, and 200,000 are blamed on text messaging, according to the report from the council, a nonprofit group recognized by congressional charter as a leader on safety.” http://blogs.ajc.com/cynthia-tucker/2010/01/13/madd-about-texting-while-driving/?cxntfid=blogs_cynthia_tucker

During the Valentine’s season, arrive alive. We love you!

Laptop is up and running!

2010-01-14T06:45:00.000-08:00

Just a brief update. Due to the good folks in IT at CW, my laptop is now up and running again. There are a number of things i need to do in order to insure its future health, but, for now, my buddy the Dell Latitude is still alive. Thanks, guys!

My laptop crashed today

2010-01-13T11:45:00.001-08:00

Giant sob! My laptop crashed this afternoon. I am borrowing a computer from our IT group, but am in shock. I am one of those people who should have backed up their info but has not. Send a little good thought toward me and my computer, and all of my materials.

Meantime, to lift my spirits, I'm embedding my favorite YouTube, The Tree. I'm going back to the holidays when my computer was fine, and wishing it back to full and complete health!

All the little stuff

2010-01-10T12:22:00.000-08:00

My desk piles up with, well, stuff. All the stuff that needs to be done for my daughters, my work, our home, myself, the dogs, everything, just ends up on my desk. The birthday chocolates from Valerie sit there, for my constant consideration. The photos of my children, my nieces and nephews, surround me. The rebate forms that need to be sent, the paperwork my lawyer advised has to get done, the undone bill, the uncredited payment verification, the plans for this summer, all of this sits on my desk. Photos, Purel, a Christmas gift to use, a favorite phrase from a dear client, "forgiveness is letting go of the hope of a better past" hangs from my lamp for me to absorb every day. The Christmas cards that arrived too late for me to respond, and the Bing Crosby cds from my father, right here, next to a speech from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and prayer cards of the Blessed Mother, Saint Francis and Jesus, in infant of Prague form. A gift certificate to a favorite spa sits unused, so far! That's the top layer.

Wish me luck getting through it all.

Happy New Year - Yo - Hold on!

2010-01-01T08:45:00.000-08:00

Life is careening, but it doesn't feel out of control. It reminds my of one of my favorite songs, Chestnut Mare by Roger McGuinn and Jacques Levy; "she jumps off the edge, me holding on". Hope this year you can hold on and enjoy the ride! Blessings and love in 2010!

taking an online class

2009-12-29T20:50:00.000-08:00

I decided to take an online class and figured why not University of Phoenix? They had 400,000 students last year, so they must be doing something right.

When I studied at Fairfield U 500 years ago, I only took two business courses, so I guess it was time for another. It will be interesting to see how I handle studying and interacting online instead of in a classroom. The course itself, Business Law, should be interesting.

I am nervous. I had difficulty even just learning how to post a message. Wish me luck.

The moment I take a breath

2009-12-16T19:17:00.000-08:00

Today was a charmed day. No, really. I worked from home today, which means that I work, but I also run the errands I never get to run when I am not in my own neighborhood. I live in NJ. I work in White Plains, except for my practice in NJ and NYC, which is specifically according to appointment only. What this short diatribe really means is that I am almost never at liberty to roam about my hometown.

That changed today, and I ran into two friends, completely randomly, and decided to stop in on two others. How lucky am I? Very. How long has it been since I have seen any of them? Way too long.

Christmastime really is magical. What better gift could there be than running into one of my best friends on the planet and picking up as if we just saw each other yesterday. Startling my other friend on the bank line out of the blue. Priceless.

Stopping by on two other friends, because I miss them all so much.

Call or visit a friend today. What a gift we are to each other. Thank you!

Time to Make the Cookies - What's the secret ingredient for success - Just do it.

2009-12-16T12:18:00.001-08:00

I must say this every Christmastime - "I feel rushed; it's all happening so fast; I'll never get the cards done"....ad nauseum. My apologies in advance.

One thing I always manage to get done is cookies. Over the years we have managed to squeak out 5-10 varieties of lovely Christmas cookies, no matter what. I really don't know how.

Well, yes, I guess I do. Just do it. Hello, Nike? I hear you need a new spokesperson.

I consult my daughters and ask them what kinds of cookies they want, ask them if they want to participate. I purchase all of the ingredients so they are in the house. I don't wait until a special time to make the cookies. If I know I have 2 hours in a row to complete a couple of batches, I do it. I prep and save ingredients so I can just throw everything together at the last minute. I know it is nauseating how organized I am. However, it is truly for a good cause - my stomach. I also think of others - that's true. Christmas would not be Christmas without cookies.

Ask me when I got my holiday cards out last year (Dec 28), the year before that (Dec 31), year before that - not - etc, etc. What is that giant pile of paperwork on my desk? Who haven't I called back? Sorry, I was creaming ingredients. Tis the season. What would Ina Garten do?

That Christmas Feeling

2009-12-11T02:46:00.000-08:00

We've begun decorating the house for Christmas. When the children were still at home, we would whirl from holiday to holiday, and our home would always be decorated to celebrate some special occasion. Not so anymore. However, Christmas is still very special, a magical time of year.

In this bare bones economy, it is even more important to me to keep true to those times of joy with family and friends. The real gift is the gift of each other. We decided to light up the house a bit outside this year, with some extra lights here and there. It has been fun watching them glow at night!

The truth is, after all of the above platitudes (which are my truth), my other favorite way to enjoy Christmas is through fun songs, movies, videos. The South Park Christmastime in Hell is one of my favorites (sorry - just can't help myself).

My favorite video so far this year is one that our dear friend Melina (she just turned 21, shout out!) forwarded through Facebook. I love it and am sharing it here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTs5eKZ0i1E

(It is written and directed by John Roberts, directed by Clay Weiner, edited by Jesse Reisner, DP Drew Denicola. A mom and her christmas tree.) It has been making me smile every day since Melina sent it. Awesome and hilarious. Merry, merry............

I need a turkey...

2009-11-27T14:20:00.001-08:00

Just spent a great Thanksgiving holiday in Boston with friends. Usually I cook. I just could not quite pull myself away from the concept of having a bird, cooked at home. Dudley Moore (God rest his hilarious soul) said, in Arthur, "I love a chicken cooked at home". I love a turkey cooked at home, so, I will rinse and stuff the now brining bird with some aromatics, create a bunch of side dishes and serve it to my husband, daughter Julia and however many of her friends decide they want to eat. If you are reading this, you are invited. Saturday, 5pm. Yum.

A Different Turkey Day

2009-11-27T03:40:00.000-08:00

We had the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving at one of our daughter's boyfriend's parent's homes (how's that for possessive). It was a wonderful mix of friends, family and great food. It was very nice to be included, and a day for everyone to enjoy each other and ooohhh and ahhhh over the many wonderful dishes created by our hosts and each other. What fun! I know it must have been work for Chris' dad and stepmom, but they were mellow and smiling throughout. Apparently they have been doing this for almost 40 years, in varying configurations. What a fun crew. Our daughters Jess and Julia were with us, and Jim and I.
It was also interesting to be a guest instead of host. It was alien for me to stay out of the kitchen for most of the day (though I just had to help clean up a bit). I made spinach pie and pumpkin/banana pie which people raved about. This was a nice revelation too, as I guess we begin to take each other for granted year after year of pouring over a hot stove without much recognition. Not that I was looking for attention or plaudits - just nice that people notice when you put love into your food. There was a lot of love in a lot of this Thanksgiving's food.
I also enjoyed meeting so many new people. After so many years of spending time just with our extended families, this was an interesting change. I don't want to exchange experiences, but this Thanksgiving brought a fresh perspective on how we need to acknowledge and appreciate one another.
As I said in an earlier post, quoting Abraham, act as if... Act as if this is how you are already being treated. For me, that means to model behavior I most value, by truly appreciating the people who are in my life. I would like to make a list, but at the risk of outing all of my loved ones who may not want to be listed, you all know who you are! Husband, daughters, father, sisters and brother all, friends and coworkers.

Give Thanks for Adam Sandler Singing his Thanksgiving Song

2009-11-24T04:16:00.000-08:00

When we think of all the things we are thankful for - I always add Adam Sandler to the list...enjoy (sorry for the Tide ad in the front - where is fast forward when we need it?)! And while we are at it - thanks for Charlie Brown and Snoopy too and for TIVO!
http://www.spike.com/video/adam-sandler/2788992

10 Years Since Jeanne

2009-11-23T05:11:00.000-08:00

My mom passed away 10 years ago today. As I've talked about in earlier posts, she had breast cancer first, then ovarian cancer. She was only 61. She was first diagnosed at 53. She was a young woman, too young to go. I miss her every day.
Jeanne was one of a kind. If you were talking with her, she would draw you out and talk about everything that was on your mind. You would feel as if someone had finally heard you. I would see this in social situations over and over again. People loved her. This may sound a bit morose, but so many people filled the church at the funeral Mass that we barely fit, and the cars from the church to the cemetery stretched out 1/2 a mile, from hill to hill on Route 17 from Upper Saddle River to Ramsey. It was quite a sight.
Even as she was struggling that last day, she had a definite opinion and sense of dignity that she insisted be respected. She died on hers and my Dad's 42nd wedding anniversary. That morning she said to me, "has your father ordered flowers for our anniversary?...cancel them." Though it was so saddening, that was my mom. She knew she wouldn't be needing them. We even had a little smile about her deliberate decision to cancel, even while we knew why.
The day before she died, she was up in a chair, holding court with me and my siblings at the hospital. I always wanted to bring her food that she liked, but that day she just wanted to laugh and talk. We had a really good visit. Then, I guess, she was done. By the same time the next day, she had left.
My dad, siblings and I are really lucky. She worked hard to make the holidays and our birthdays special. She taught us well how to continue to do this for each other. Spirituality was very important to her, and while we all embrace the spirit in our own way, we all feel comfort in never being alone. In that way, Jeanne will always be with us.

Act As If

2009-11-22T04:53:00.000-08:00

I don't usually post other posts in their entirety, but this one seemed especially, well, special. We are all about human connection, but so often we are disappointed because the connection is not quite the way we would hope it to be. Remember that we are all imperfect in our humanity, so we just don't always get it right. However, if you just let go of trying to control the relationship and just work on your part, that is enough. The positive feelings, vibrations, actions dominate and override the negative. Stop reacting and be proactive. Act as if....just give it a try and have patience with yourself.

Daily Law of Attraction Quotation

You don't have to worry about what their vibration is if your vibration is one of connection. Because if your vibration is one of connection -- you're going to dominate the vibration. This is the way you learn your relationships. The thing that most people do not understand, is that you get to control the way you feel, because you get to choose the thoughts you think. Most people think that they only have the option of responding to the circumstances that surround them. And that's what makes them attempt the impossible, which is to control the circumstances around them, which only feeds their feeling of frustration and vulnerability, because it doesn't take very much life experience to discover you can't control all of those circumstances. But you can control your vibration. And when you control your vibration, you've controlled everything that has anything to do with you.
--- Abraham

Excerpted from the workshop in El Paso, TX on Thursday, March 28th, 2002

If you are so inclined, check out the daily blog of Abraham, maintained by Esther and Jerry Hicks at

http://www.abraham-hicks.com/lawofattractionsource/index.php

After Miss Julie - After HIV

2009-11-17T04:44:00.000-08:00

I unexpectedly found myself with a full day on Saturday. First some wonderful clients in NJ, then visiting with a friend in Peekskill, then visiting my daughter Jess in NYC. It was a bit of a gloomy day, and as I wound my way up to Peekskill via Rt 9A/9/9A (?), I found myself searching the dial for appropriate music. I settled on Jonathan Schwartz on WNYC 93.9, with Saturdays With Sinatra program, which fit the bill perfectly. The Sinatra performance that struck me most during the drive was "The House I Live In", about being an American, and how we help each other, the strength we have as a people, recorded at MSG in 1974. During one of the commercial breaks, a play called After Miss Julie was advertised.

After Peekskill, I skipped down the Saw Mill to Manhattan to visit Jess. We we wandered around midtown, 42nd Street, through the throngs, and found ourselves in front of one of the Broadway theaters just before dinnertime, and were able to buy rush (inexpensive, last minute) tickets for $21.50 each, have time for a bit of dinner and back in plenty of time for After Miss Julie. What a nice coincidence. The American Airlines Theater hosts the Roundabout Theater Company. http://www.roundabouttheatre.org
/aat/index.htm?gclid=CKbH2b6Ikp4CFUlo5QodhlYsoA After Miss Julie, based on Strindberg's Miss Julie, and written by Patrick Marber, is set in 1945 England, complete with class stratification and period music. Down and dirty little story about how class affects life, and worth checking out.

It is also one of the two periods of the year that Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids solicits donations for HIV/AIDs research. Give it up - we are making progress but have quite a way to go. Consider making a donation or shopping their online auction. It was interesting to me the parallel between class stratification then and now, weaving in the Sinatra songs, and the access that class gives to medications for HIV treatment, as well as the people who are the fastest growing population to contract HIV, improverished women of color. http://www.broadwaycares.org/Page.aspx?pid=195 Help stamp out AIDS.

On the Bus - Or - Be Careful of the Bus You Board

2009-11-06T04:36:00.000-08:00

I went to Disneyworld last week. Correction - I was in Disneyworld for a corporate retreat. The weather was nice. No complaints. I had a lovely room, great weather. But lets backtrack for a moment. Our organization had made special arrangements for Disney's Magical Express, a bus service that picks up your bags from baggage claim and takes you to the front door of the resort you will make home for the next few days. Sounds great, yes? And mostly, it is. It is extremely well organized. Everyone is very pleasant and Disney understands crowd control. Did I say crowd?

While still at the airport terminal, I was told to go to a special part of the terminal to board the bus. There were hundreds of people on line before me, however, in the usual Disney fashion, the crowd control was exceptional and they were able to put us all on lines for buses going to the individual resorts as fast as you could say Jiminy Cricket.

I found myself getting into that waiting on line mindset that happens when you really don't have much choice, unless you want to grab a cab and pay the $60 or so. I could have done that, but I had already resigned myself to the line. First clue to giving it up to a greater power - in this case, Disney.

On the bus itself, a version of Radio Disney plays. First Shania Twain, then The Police, then Brickhouse, of all things, then Michael Jackson. I was a bit confused by the musical selections, but figured it was the something for everyone version of music programming. I think that the confusion was a form of relaxing the mind to get it ready for the total Disney immersion. As an hypnotherapist, I know that when we occupy the conscious mind, the subconscious opens up and becomes more receptive. I could name a thousand things at Disney that could put you in that receptive mind-frame. Be careful of the bus you board, and what you become receptive to.

Weight Loss and Social X-Rays

2009-10-22T05:58:00.000-07:00

Everyone wants to know how to lose weight. Well, that's what they say. First question - do you really need to lose weight or are you unhappy with your internal image of your body? If you really need to lose weight, let's talk about it. If you are fitting in your clothes nicely, they are a reasonable size and you still just don't like the way you look in the mirror, chances are it is a body image situation. I recently attended a 50th birthday party for a friend. My friend is a normal sized woman. She exercises, takes care of herself, etc. No problem there. However, a number of her friends are very thin.

When these thin friends realized that I am a hypnotherapist who works with people to lose weight, they became my new best friend. "Please tell me how to lose weight... It is such a struggle for me....Weight has been an issue my entire life, etc."

I empathize. It is clear that this is a priority for the women I was speaking with. They place that issue first and foremost in their minds. It is the beacon that lights their way, and the pain that dogs at their heels. They are all beautiful, but feel like the need help. At first, I felt that they did not need hypnotherapy, psychotherapy or nutritional counseling. After all, they seem to have it under control.

Interestingly, though, when I discussed this with one of my daughters, she had a very insightful perspective. She suggested that maybe they do need some type of counseling. Perhaps their eating could be disordered. Clearly their body image is distorted. Their problem might not be binge eating but it certainly could be a severe lack of self-esteem or obsessive thoughts of some type that drive them toward an impossible or unhealthy perfection.

As we flip through the glossy magazines or watch those very thin social x-rays (Tom Wolfe's term for ultra-thin society women - personified by socialite Nan Kempner, above - they disappear when they turn sideways), let's try to keep in mind that we are beautiful, that beauty is so much more than our flesh. Beauty is in the tone of our voice, the swing of our step, the way we carry ourselves, and, so significantly, in the way we treat others and ourselves.

Be gentle, loving and kind to yourself and to others and you are beautiful.

I Still Love My Ovaries

2009-10-18T04:22:00.000-07:00

Talk about shock value. I visited with my doctor last week, who suggested I might want to cut out my ovaries. "We just go in through your belly button and snip snip!" What? Did I hear you right? It was that abrupt. She seemed so enthusiastic that I wanted to say to her - "hey, why don't we do it together? We could go get waffles at IHop afterward - make a day of it! Fun!"

Honestly, I am not ready for this. I consider myself a young woman. My mom was first diagnosed with breast cancer at 53. I am 50. So this is what I said to the doctor. "Well then, lets do a BRACA blood test." Now this is a little more reasonable. Let's give it a whirl. I stuck out my arm and the nurse took a couple vials of blood to whisk away to Myriad Labs. Just for the record, my mother did not have BRCA 1 or 2, but another fun variant that the genetic counselor says that 10 years after her death still is not a variant that indicates any increased risk for cancer.

I remember telling my mom at the time that we should call it Jeanne's Variant, after her. She did not find it too amusing. We still are not sure why Mom ended up first with breast then with the ovarian cancer that she struggled with and eventually succumbed to at the age of just 61 in 1999.

There is still so much we don't know about ovarian cancer. If cutting out my ovaries is the right thing to do, I'll do it. Jury is still out.

Thank you for smoking

2009-09-19T06:14:00.001-07:00

I loved that movie. Did you see it? I just thought of it again recently as Aaron Eckhart is starring in a new movie with Jennifer Aniston, this time a love story.

I love smoking cigarettes but I know they are bad for me, therefore, I do not smoke. I would like to smoke, and think fondly of Burgess Meredith in Grumpier Old Men, as he complains about smoking for the vast majority of his long life (at about age 95) with no negative ramifications. Lovely fairytale, yes? I wish it were true.

I have been sharing my love of smoking with my clients who want to quit, and they tell me it gives them hope. I tell them that they don't have to quit all at once, that they can take their time, and that gives them hope too.

Eventually, my clients quit smoking. Some quit right away. They all quit eventually. And as Burgess Meredith's character in Grumpier Old Men found out, God did not forget about him. Let's be gentle with ourselves, but let's stick around here for a while.

Fertility and Honoring the Beauty of the Female Body

2009-09-14T14:17:00.000-07:00

I cannot tell you how many times I have heard my sisters, daughters, friends and coworkers disparage their female bodies during their period. The curse, the rag, my time of month, the pain, the agony, the suffering. depression, inconvenience, etc. While I know there are some disorders that are aggravated by these hormonal times, many are gently elusive to explanation.

MD , OB Gyn and author, Christianne Northrup, says that years ago, when it was that time of the month, women took to bed for three days to rest and take care of themselves. What an amazing idea. Can you imagine being able to do this? Maybe this is the reason the body yells so loudly. It may be telling us, I need to rest – pay attention to me, give me a break. Acknowledge my existence. Honor me.

It is no surprise, then, when our bodies tell us, well, if you don’t like this, why should I do the other things I am made to do – conceive, carry a fetus/child/fertilized egg – when you curse my existence?

Years ago, when first joining a women’s meditation circle, I learned of another possibility, another concept – honoring all phases of the body and its functioning. I was already blessed with my two daughters, but suffered from cramps and depression during my period.

I gave it a try. During my next cycle, I welcomed the cramps and pain and thanked my body for working so well. I honored my physical and emotional state, let myself rest, cry, had that bit of chocolate and refrained from getting angry with my body.

The most amazing thing happened…my painful cramps subsided. My body no longer had to get my attention in order for me to notice it. Simple as that.

I had a client who had not had her period for over two years. We worked together using hypnotherapy two times. She told me that she had been to a number of doctors who could find nothing physically wrong with her. Doctors put her on Provera hormone trials to try and kick-start her cycle. Nothing worked. She shared with me that she had promised an (by this point) ex-lover that she would not become pregnant. She wanted the relationship so badly that she stopped ovulating. And it stayed that way for two years until we worked together.

She was, in the present time, in a new relationship and now wanted to conceive a child. She was very frustrated and at the end of her rope. I was her last hope. Hypnosis was her last chance. FYI, she was 32 years old.

After we began to talk to her body, release her promise to her former lover and honor her body, her body began to flow as intended. She considered it a miracle, but to a hypnotherapist, it is just another day in the mind/body/spirit realm.

If I can leave you with anything today, please know that I am not saying what your dad or your honey says “it is all in your head”. However, our minds are very powerful instruments that can help us create a reality that supports the life we want and deserve. That might include a child, an easier menstrual period or gentler life. Honor the beauty that is the female body.

Make Something Tasty Today - I Command It!

2009-09-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

I love to cook and love healthy food. Here's a great recipe I adapted from two of my favorite chefs, Ina Garten (The Barefoot Contessa) and Maria McQuillan, my daughter Julia's best friend, Melina's mom. Maria makes the best beef empanadas, unequivocally, though I have not yet been brave enough to ask for the recipe. I am just grateful when a few find their way to my table!

This recipe for Shrimp Ceviche is yummy as a veggie dish too. Hope you enjoy, with love, on this Labor Day!

Ina’s Ceviche with Maria’s twist

Ina contributed the orange and Maria’s secret ingredient is ketchup.

Grate zest of 2 oranges
Juice oranges and reserve juice in a medium bowl

Put in medium bowl
Orange zest (2-3 tablespoons)
1 lb shrimp, cooked, shelled and cut in small pieces (already cooked or boil until just done) – let cool (can substitute 1 package (8-10 oz) extra firm tofu cubed and browned in skillet, drained and cooled until just warm)
2 Tablespoons capers
½ cup finely chopped celery (3 large stalks)
½ cup finely chopped red onion
¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
(you can also cube an avocado and add it too J )

In smaller juice bowl
Combine orange juice (about ½ cup) with 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar, 2-4 tablespoons Heinz ketchup. Whisk together with about ½ teaspoon ground pepper and 1 teaspoon salt. Slowly add good olive oil (about ½ cup) and whisk until emulsified
Pour dressing over shrimp, etc and toss. Set aside to marinate a bit and chill. Serve over a bed of lettuce in a dessert cup or bowl or plain from the container.

I always love this part - Eat and enjoy. As my sister Jenn would say; "eat and enjoy, I command it". Jenn is not a demanding person. She loves our language and gets a kick out of those directive statements, like "have a nice day (or I"ll make you have one)", "make this day great (or else)", etc.

Store extra covered in the refrigerator - or I'll come over there!

Feng Shui with Sharon Rothman on Saturday, September 26

2009-08-30T06:16:00.000-07:00

Saturday, Sept 26, 2-4pm - Please save the date for a 9-Star Ki Feng Shui group with Sharon Rothman, certified Intuitive Feng Shui consultant and expert 9-Star Ki Astrologer, followed by refreshments, hosted at Mary Beth Del Balzo’s HoHoKus, NJ space. Cost is $35.

RSVP or info please contact Mary Beth at 201-394-2319 or sootie71@aol.com, www.marybethdelbalzo.com.

For more information about Sharon Rothman, visit her site at www.fengshuiwei.com

Selective Hearing....What?

2009-08-24T15:23:00.000-07:00

I had an appointment today with an ENT, an Ear Nose and Throat Physician. Interestingly, in my life, so much is always mind body connected. Dr Katz and I had a chat about the hundreds of rock concerts I have attended, and how my daughter Julia tells me that I cannot hear her as well as I used to.
The doctor popped me right in to meet with Judy, the audiologist, who checked my hearing. No preparing for this test. I hear the faintest of tones first in my right ear, then in my left. I know I missed a few, but turns out, basically, that I can still hear. Cheers to that.
Here is the thing, however. While I have lost some of the most high tones, the kind doctor told me, will make it just a tiny bit tougher to hear small children or women with very high voices, that I am basically ok. He warned me to wear earplugs to the concerts or I might actually lose my hearing.
My daughter, Julia, had been urging me to have my hearing tested. I think this is frustrating for her that there is no simple answer to this one. She says that I pretend I know what she is saying. The truth is, my sweet voiced girl says things and I hear something else, and sometimes respond to the wrong thing I think I hear. She is soft spoken and has a somewhat high voice, though not tinny or squeaky. Why don't I hear her?
What would I ask a hypnotherapy or therapy client? What don't you want to hear? What is your mind shutting out, since the problem is not malfunctioning ears? I'll be asking myself that, and, meanwhile, paying extra special attention to everything that Julia says to me. Yes, she is that special.

Check out this post by Jess Del Balzo on Ways to Boost Body Image

2009-08-22T05:53:00.000-07:00

http://jess-keepingitrealfood.blogspot.com/2009/08/body-image-boosters.html

10 Misconceptions About Hypnosis

2009-08-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

Read This Blog – Human Snapshots in Time

A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer in Cambridge, MA

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Cross-post - Eco-cleaning your yoga mat

Winter Classes Starting Jan 27 with Mary Beth

Smoking Cessation Hypnosis Workshop Series with Mary Beth

Weight Control and Food Issues Hypnosis Workshop Series with Mary Beth

Meditation Practice begins Friday evening, Jan 6 in Bergen County with Mary Beth

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Series with Mary Beth

Making friends with yourself - let go!

Twelve Blessings for a Wonderful Holiday Season

Change Your Life with Meditation and Therapy - How Do You Like That?

Health and Wellness Expo, Oct 29 in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, new space!

Disordered Eating from a Healthy Start

Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization and Honoring your Soul's Intent

Time to Reflect

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Words to live by!

Adorable - Michaela Wallace and her viral video "Justin Bieber's Girlfriend"

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Like, loving this, you know?

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Happy New Year

Hallejulah Chorus at Macys

Happy Felix Unger Day, Everyone!!

One of the Reasons I Love Michael Moore

Droid - Ignorance Is Bliss

Vacation Time

Forensic Hypnosis

Painfully shy otherwise known as Social Anxiety?

Fears and Phobias

Julia is graduating!

Your Personal Power - Crosspost from Abraham Hicks

Busy Healing the Universe

Flying the Blue Skies - New Fees in Air Travel from Continental Airlines

please stop smoking

Virtual Games And Real Money

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My Hundredth Post - Pink Floyd - First in Space

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Brownie Blog X2

More Past Life Info

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Past Lives - What?

Be ready for great things!

Julia has a hankering for kale!

Animals in the wild!

Jess suggests easy fritatta

Yummy Mole' from Sunny Anderson

How to recognize something important - a quote from Abraham

Snow and Soup

Newport Folk Festival 2010

Flow! from Abraham

Oprah again?

Laptop is up and running!

My laptop crashed today

All the little stuff

Happy New Year - Yo - Hold on!

taking an online class

The moment I take a breath

Time to Make the Cookies - What's the secret ingredient for success - Just do it.

That Christmas Feeling

I need a turkey...

A Different Turkey Day

Give Thanks for Adam Sandler Singing his Thanksgiving Song

10 Years Since Jeanne

Act As If

Daily Law of Attraction Quotation

After Miss Julie - After HIV

On the Bus - Or - Be Careful of the Bus You Board

Weight Loss and Social X-Rays

I Still Love My Ovaries

Thank you for smoking

Fertility and Honoring the Beauty of the Female Body

Make Something Tasty Today - I Command It!

Feng Shui with Sharon Rothman on Saturday, September 26

Selective Hearing....What?

Check out this post by Jess Del Balzo on Ways to Boost Body Image

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186 Hampshire Street
Cambridge, MA 02139