Friday, December 31, 2010

A Successful life a New Focus

As I look ahead to the New Year I can’t help but setting new goals for myself. Can I see these through to the end or will I simply make a few resolutions and quickly forget? Will they lose their importance? Will I have the self discipline needed to stay focused?


This year I am going to take French lessons. I’ve always wanted to learn to speak French. We’re going to France in late May of 2011 and I would like to be able to practice a newly learned art of communication.

Now it’s been something I’ve been thinking about doing for a few years and never got around to it. Then about two days ago I saw an ad in the paper for French lessons. Two nights later I found the flyer for the language school in a local restaurant. The price is right, the time is right so I think I’m going to do it.

I’ve always wanted to live in France for a short while as I would love to absorb the culture in a way that can only be done by living in a place. I did that here in Los Angeles when I moved from Maine to LA!

Yesterday as I was driving down Wilshire Blvd and then onto the freeway, I realized how easily I moved about the city. I have become absorbed into the Southern California culture. When I first moved here it was all so over whelming. I would get exhausted and over stressed from the noise, activity and traffic. Now all those things are simply annoyances that most days I simply accept as part of my life.

8 weeks for 80 minutes a week at $225.00 to learn to speak beginning French. It’s a commitment that sounds like fun. It’s something I’ve thought about doing for years. Perhaps it’s time to stop thinking about it and just do it. That’s how goals get met and success is found.

Looking back over the year – I spent quality time with my family, no one was sick or injured, I went on Safari in Africa, my marriage got stronger, I finished and published my book, I got a new porche, my friendships endured, I saved a little money, I passed the two year remission mark for cancer, and I really appreciated every day - for if you have your health – you have it all. Not a bad year!

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com/

Thursday, December 30, 2010

A Successful Life Things Don’t Add Up

The party was a bore. It was very small and mostly comprised of the new girlfriend’s friends. No ex’s and very controlled. She seemed to be in charge which seemed strange but at least there wasn’t a parade of people all connected through romance gone stale.


My intuition and observation told me that things did not add up. The connection was not clear. The host was from another time and place while the girlfriend and her friends were from a much younger era and clearly not in the same league as the host. Things just didn’t add up. Rock and roll early fifty meets artsy seventy-five? But that was just my observation. I’ll reserve judgment and watch quietly as the story unfolds.

Today it is raining and I don’t even want to go out. I would love to stay home all day nestles in my warm cozy robe and do nothing but read and sleep. But that would be lazy of me. Things don’t add up. It’s not like me to be lazy. Usually I’m up and moving even when I’m not feeling good. But then I realize I’m not feeling good and that’s exactly why my energy is low – so things do add up.

Some times in life things don’t add up. 2 + 3 don’t equal 4! And 2+2 cannot be found. Have you ever been in a situation where things didn’t make sense? Or was it your own perception that clouded the view? Most times if you examine the situation things become perfectly clear. But when you get that odd feeling that things aren’t as they are made out to be – it’s a good idea to listen with your eyes, your ears and your perception.

Your intuition is a good guide if you don’t let judgment and critical thinking get in the way. Last night I observed quietly the nuances of the situation. I left with a haunting perspective that only time will tell if my intuition is right. Either way – the party was a bore and adding things up is not something I think I will focus on today. Today I’ll focus on feeling better. May-be I’ll just stay inside on a rainy day and be grateful that I don’t need to venture out into the world today. I’ll just get up- get dressed and make the most of the day. That way things will add up just like 2+2 = 4!

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com/

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

A Successful Life Dreading a Party

Tonight we are going to a party. I am dreading it because the last time I went to a party at this person’s house the scene was uncomfortable. It was birthday/house warming party. He was also introducing us to the new girl he was dating. When we arrived not only did we meet the new girlfriend but we also met about 6 of his past girlfriends and his ex-wife. The party was more about his conquest than about his birthday or may-be that was the point – he was getting older and wanted to reassure himself he was a virile man.


The woman he was dating seemed very perplexed. The ex-wife got drunk. The other women paraded around with new boyfriends. It all seemed quite bizarre. I’m not looking forward to a reenactment. The woman he was dating has long since disappeared. There have been several others since her but none have lasted.

So why am I dreading this party? It’s an opportunity to watch people on parade. I think it is because he likes to brag about his conquest. I find it distasteful to hear about women referred to as anatomy and notches on his belt. But that is my problem. I am being judgmental where observation would be a better approach.

To observe without judgment is a very difficult task. We all like to add our own point of view. In yoga we use the witnessing consciousness to step back from a situation and learn to observe without judgment. The need to judge is removed for often times our judgments are wrong. Everything we ob serve is simply an opportunity to learn. There is no wrong or right but simply a choice to make.

It is best if I reserve my judgment and approach this whole event as simply an opportunity to observe. It is not up to me to past judgment. Life becomes what life does and the actions one takes creates the direction of one’s life. What is right for one person is not necessarily right for another person. It is up to each of us through careful observation to decide what is right for us and not to judge others for the directions they have taken.

I am still dreading the party. I don’t enjoy parties where women are pitted against each other like objects or trophies that have been won. But that is my issue. These women either knowingly or unknowingly participated or perhaps they were manipulated into believing that they were being invited to be someone special again. Whatever the cause I’ll try to observe and rise above the need to judge.

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com/

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

A Successful Life – Bad Habits

Just what is a bad habit? Isn’t a bad habit a subjective thing? May-be we could define it as something that does more harm than good to your life. There are lots of psychological explanations for why we develop bad habits. Basically psychology tells us we are trying to fill a void. Something is missing so we fill it with destructive habits. Yoga defines this as greed.


Psychology would have us look at the habit and how it affects our life. Then we would look at how eliminating this habit from our life would make our life better. We should work to replace one bad habit with a good habit. Of course a good psychologist would work to have us get at the base of our unhappiness and why we feel compelled to act out in a way that is destructive. Yoga would approach this task a bit differently. It would ask us to take a vow between you and you. Only you can decide that a habit must be changed. The idea is to achieve a state of happiness and peace of mind. This can only be done by inner refection or gathering the life force. The life force is an undisturbed mind.

To practice a vow from a state of an undisturbed mind is to achieve peace of mind. Peace of mind can only be found when we move beyond the conscious thought and into the realm of the unconscious. It works like this – if you take a vow to not eat candy anymore and then you spend the rest of the time craving and thinking about the candy the mind is disturbed. It is far better to “moderate.” Allow yourself to eat one piece of candy and not the whole bag. Unscatter the mind by approaching all things with moderation and when you cannot fully keep your vow do not get disturbed. Work to reach the subconscious mind. This is the place of pace and serenity. Seek out wise ways to quiet the mind so that the subconscious mind – the mind beyond thought is at peace. Peaceful souls naturally act in peaceful ways because from the subconscious mind all energy negative and positive springs forth.

The practice of yoga is far more than the poses and postures. It is about taking the conscious mind into the subconscious realm and reorganizing it to produce genuine happiness and gentleness. A habit cannot be changed on any level until we recognize that it is peace of mind that insures balance and it is balance that makes all things joyful.

Psychology teaches us to choose between the action that makes us feel good about ourselves and the one that makes us feel bad. Yoga teaches us to simply be at peace with ourselves. Being a t peace erases the need to choose between good and bad because ultimately there is no good or bad – it’s subjective. A quiet mind and a steady being at the heart of the soul brings a life of peace and a life of peace lives freely without the constraints of the so called bad habits.

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com/

Monday, December 27, 2010

A Successful Life Surviving Family Drama

There is always some kind of family drama in every family. It’s the stuff that bonds us and tears us apart. Sometimes we console and reconnect in a warm and intimate way through problems. It gives us the connection.


Every holiday brings some kind of drama to everyone’s life. What was yours? Mine was a situation I have been sworn to secrecy not to tell but gave me an opportunity to be a friend and a confidant as well as a mother to my son and my daughter. This is something we haven’t done in years. I have full confidence that only the best will come from all of this drama…that now exist in my world.

Why do we have such a love /hate relationship with emotions and drama? Without a little we do get bored. Nothing we love anymore than a little family gossip to keep things interesting. Family gatherings give us a chance to share memories and to gather new material and information. We reconnect through blood ties with people we hardly ever see but still somehow have such meaning in our lives.

Of course the best kind of drama is when we can step back with a smile and take it all in stride. Who cares if the dinner was a little over done, someone is always late for the party and plans need to be adjusted or changed. It’s our ability to be flexible and roll with the “snowballs” that make the difference between a family gathering that is enjoyed for all its idiosyncrasies and an event that is full of rigid frustration.

Soon the festivities are over for another year. The drama loses its grip and we all move on. It’s a time of patience and a time to remember that the true meaning of family gatherings is the bond and the love we share and not the drama of the moment.

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com/

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

A Successful Life Merry Christmas with a Birthday Twist

It’s that time of year for celebration, family, friends and good cheer. Another year has passed us by. It is a time to reflect and a time to set new goals. For me it’s another year older as I approach my birthday which happens to be December 23rd.


Now I know for most people the older you get the harder the birthdays come…but to have your birthday in the middle of the Holiday season adds a twist to all the nostalgia. Anyone who shares this birthday time with me knows what I mean.

There is so much hustle and bustle about that your birthday can slip through the cracks unnoticed due to all the holiday parties that somehow take presentence over your birthday. There are presents to buy and holiday treats to bake. Who wants to stop and by a birthday card, a present and bake a birthday cake in the middle of all the celebrating?

When you were young you got the same toys for your birthday that you got for Christmas. Other children who had birthdays in the spring or the summer got new bikes. You got skates and a sled…just like all the other children got at Christmas time.

As we get older some birthdays hit us harder than others. Thirty hit me hard and I must say the transition to forty-five was a bit of a wakeup call. Forty-five just seemed like an adult. But up until now I’ve just rolled with the years. I won’t share with you how old I’m about to be…that would be ungracious of me but let’s just say it’s giving me time to pause. The years roll by so very fast. I realize that now is the time to do the things that I want to do and now is the time to enjoy my present state of being because I will never be any younger than I am now. Now is the time to enjoy a fading decade.

This year on my birthday I orchestrated a birthday party for me in Maine. My immediate close family will be there to celebrate. It will be a festive and joyous time for our family. A quiet dinner with my parents, two children, daughter in law, two grandsons, my brother and my husband – my family.

I haven’t been home to Maine or had my whole family together to celebrate my birthday and Christmas in twenty years. Next year when I reflect back I’ll be very glad I was born two days before Christmas so I could orchestrate a family party just before Christmas when the chaos of gifts opening, last minute parties and holiday feasting sometimes overshadow a special family gathering that is all about sharing a birthday cake with the one’s you love.

Another year and another reminder to live and enjoy NOW! Happy holidays.

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com/

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

A Successful life Cheesecake Indulgence

Last night I shared a piece of rich and creamy New York Cheesecake with my husband. It was real New York Cheesecake; the kind I remember from living on the East Coast. It was delicious. It was a self indulgence of calories that once eaten made me realize that although it was delicious if I continued to eat more cheesecake it would leave an indelible mark. Self indulgence in small quantities can be fun and feel so good at the time but it is the end result that matters. For every action there is a reaction. Every cause has an effect.


Now you may be thinking – a little cheesecake indulgence is not all that bad. That’s right - it’s when the one piece turns into three that a little self indulgence becomes out of control. After I ate the cheesecake; I thought about the cheesecake. I reflected upon its ability to please my palette but only for a few short moments and then it was gone.

I’ve self indulged in things before. But always with a sense of control. I never wanted to step over the line of destruction. Actually I’m quite self disciplined. I wonder if this is an in bred gene or as the result of needing to maintain control because I never felt there was anybody there to take care of me.

As I ate the cheesecake last night I thought to myself – it’s a good thing I’m teaching two classes tomorrow. I need to balance out this little self indulgence with a little self discipline. That’s balance and balance is I believe the key to living a life that has joy, fun and play while at the same time keeping your feet on the ground and your center intact.

Doctor Lynn

http:www.doctorlynn.com

Monday, December 20, 2010

A Successful Life Star Spotting and oh that laugh

Last night I was in a restaurant in Brentwood California when I spotted another star or who I thought was a star. Hollywood and the vicinity are full of look a likes so one is never sure if it is really a celebrity or not. It’s also a bit of a surprise to see a star in real life. They are out of context and often times don’t resemble the image you see on TV or in the movies.


My husband looked around the room and then asked me if it was her. I wasn’t sure but it sure looked a lot like her. She looked good for a woman her age. She must be in her eighties. So I watched her carefully without letting on that I was in a sense stalking her.

I’m sure most stars are used to being starred at in public places. Sometimes people stare at me in public places. I’m never sure why. Do I have something on my face? Is my hair a mess or do I have one of those faces that people like to stare at. We are all voyeurs of sorts and when we have someone really interesting like a star to watch in real life and in real time it makes it even more interesting.

There is an art to watching stars in a public place. Never get caught starring and if you do subtly look about the room as if you hadn’t even noticed they were sitting in the same restaurant. Nonchalantly you appear to glance but really you are taking in every detail while craftily not getting caught.

Suddenly her mouth opened and she let out a laugh that could only come from the real deal. No one could mistake that laughter for a anyone else than Phyllis Diller. I nodded to my husband – she’s real that’s her alright!

Our food was served. My stalking ended. The next time I looked up she was gone.

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com/

Friday, December 17, 2010

A Successful Life a lunch date with the girls

Girl friends and girl talk is very important to most women. Perhaps it takes us back to the days when we were nestled together in a village totally reliant upon each other for emotional and survival support. Sometimes the little chats I have with my girlfriends after exercise classes are so enriching.


When a new student comes to my class and especially if they are new to the area they often seek me out at the end of the class. They want to chat. They seem to need the soothing and reassuring voice of a woman friend.

I remember all too clearly moving to Los Angles without any family or friends. I can still feel the loneliness that comes from being in a new place without a network of support. That is why I make it a point to welcome new people to my class and to reach out and give them a little support.

Recently I have met two women who are here from foreign countries. Their husband and fiancé brought them here because of their work. These women were very lonely and a bit lost. They found their way to my classes. Some days it was their only connection with the outside world. To see them smile when I said good morning and extended myself to them left me with a good feeling. I remember all too clearly the few people who reached out and befriended me when I was alone in a city that sometimes can be so cold.

Today I’m having lunch with two women who have become friends. Not especially close friends but good friends. I now reach out and work hard to maintain my friendships even though we all get busy. It takes work to make and maintain friendships but it is worth the effort.

Chatting up and laughing is what we all do best. Sometime we shed a few tears, but that is ok because it is all kept sacred between girl friends.

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com/

Thursday, December 16, 2010

A Successful Life… and the fog rolls

Its early morning in Southern California and the fog has rolled in around my condo. We just had two days of sunny and 80 degrees weather in mid December. It was a nice break but the fog and the cold of winter has now returned.


Mother Nature in her all powerful way from time to time and from place to place breaks the patterns of seasons with changes that bring relief and sometimes bring us such destruction. Today is simply a return to the normal winter weather of Southern California.

Most of the time here in sunny California whether it be summer or winter the fog is present in the mornings. There are days when I can’t even see the street below because the fog is so thick. It’s just another day and life moves on.

What does a foggy morning have to do with living a successful life? Taking the time to notice the intricacies of life. Taking time to notice the every day events and when something out of the ordinary happens – like a warm sunny day breaks through the fog of winter- taking a moment to appreciate and marvel at the wonders of Mother Nature – that’s living a successful life.

We’re several hours into the morning now and the fog is still with us. It is beginning to feel like rain is in the air. Moods change and behaviors change according to the dictates of nature. The ability to flow with life whether the day be sunny and bright or dark and gloomy is a maker of living a successful life.

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com/

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

A Successful Life A Community Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Only in Malibu California can you sit at a local bar and share a grilled cheeses sandwich with four strangers. Travel forty minutes outside of Westwood/Beverly Hills area and you enter a very different world – Malibu California. It’s not all surf, bikinis and beautiful people. It’s so much more.


Last Sunday we went to Malibu for brunch at a funky place called the Old Place. It’s a bit of a hole in the wall but with a lot of character and charm. It’s located off the beaten path in a rural area. It’s a local hangout with a reputation. We read about it in the Los Angeles Magazine so thought we would give it a try since the food sounded good and the ambience sounded like fun.

We pulled into the driveway and entered the tavern through an open door that stepped right into what looked like an old time saloon. There were only four tables – all occupied and a long community bar. We took two seats near the end of the bar. Soon another couple sat next to us and then another couple next to them. Everyone was friendly, smiling, chatting and having fun.

We ordered the special cinnamon rolls which are absolutely wonderful! Then we followed it with a frittata that was enormous and equally as good. Everyone was drinking mimosas which consisted of a 16ounce glass filled ¾ with Champaign and ¼ orange juice. Let’s just say that at noon on a Sunday everyone was in good spirits!

The couple next to us ordered the French toast and a grilled cheese sandwich on sourdough bread that looked delicious. It was lightly grilled in truffle oil with three kinds of cheese melted and gooey inside. The woman next to the couple asked if the sandwich was good. The woman told her it was to die for and offered her a bite since it was far more than she could eat. So the woman next to her took a couple of bites and moaned with delight. Her boyfriend then took a bite and shook his head and licked his lips. They then passed the half eated sandwich to us and we each took a bite and then returned it to its rightful owner. Three couples all strangers sharing a grilled cheese sandwich while drinking mimosas at a bar on a Sunday afternoon. Only in Malibu!

If you live near Malibu try the Old Place. The food is great and it’s a fun place to meet people and if you’re lucky share a grilled cheese sandwich with perfect strangers. Look up Old Place Malibu on the internet for directions, times and menu.

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com/

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

A Successful Life – Time to myself

I’m a busy person. Seems these days we’re all very busy doing a lot of “stuff”. Taking time for you to do nothing is a luxury for me. With a busy schedule, children and a husband I often get lost in the fray. That’s when I know it is time to do nothing but reconnect with myself.


Some people are afraid to be alone with themselves. They feel lost and disconnected. For me time alone is a pleasure especially when I can do as I please which often times would be quite boring to another person. Ever wonder what people like to do when they’re alone?

I like to listen to music and dance around the house or clean my closet, organize my clothes or take a long hot bath. Shopping on line is fun but it can get you into trouble!

I’ve always liked my space; meaning I have never minded being alone. I am one of two children. My sibling is a brother so I always had my own room and my own space as a child. I grew up in a very rural area so I had plenty of time to wonder along the seashore or through the woods by myself. I have always appreciated the sounds of nature and the solitude of being one with the world.

But at the same time I love to talk with friends and socialize. Given the choice I would become a recluse. Why? Because sometimes it’s nice to not have to talk or entertain anyone. Sometimes it’s nice to just be alone with your thoughts.

Yoga has taught me many things over the many years I have taught. One of the things it has taught me is that time to yourself, to get in touch with myself is good for the body, the mind and the soul. It’s hard to hear the voice within when we are constantly being bombarded with noise.

I always start my yoga classes with a few moments to get quiet and reconnect with the inner self. And I likewise I end the class with a few moments of reconnection. Hopefully the moments of quietude resonate within and remind others that a few moments given to you is sometimes all it takes to gather the energy to give more to others.

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com/

Monday, December 13, 2010

A Successful Life A Spa Treatment

What a luxury to treat yourself to a spa treatment. Mine was a facial and a body scrub. I feel very clean and soft! It was nice. I’ve had better. I went because I got coupon for half off and could not pass up a 50% off deal. Would I go back? May-be for 50% but not for full price. Why? The spa lacked the luxury of a spa that charges the rate.


When I traveled around the country and lectured on aromatherapy I visit many different spas and retreats. I was often times compt a treatment. I’ve been in some very nice spas with excellent treatments. So I am a bit bias.

The Egyptians are considered the inventors of western cosmetology or beauty treatments. They created beauty treatments such as scrubs and massages that have endured to the present day. The Greeks considered spas to be very therapeutic and healing. Many ancient cultures have accounts of using spa type treatments as healing aides. So although we often think of spa treatments as a luxury they can in fact help to relieve stress, stimulate circulation and release toxins which all good for the body, the mind and the soul.

May-be sometimes we get health and luxury mixed up. Especially in the United States. May-be it is not a luxury to take care of yourself, to relax, to play and to take time off. May-be a trip to the spa every once in a while will calm frazzled nerves. May-be it will change my state of being?

I had a sugar scrub. I wonder if it has made me sweeter.

Doctor Lynn

http:/www.doctorlynn.com

Friday, December 10, 2010

A Successful Life – Doing what matters to you

Ever done something simple like clean your closet and feel really good at the end of the process? It’s a feeling of accomplishment and that is a feeling of success. When you get to do something that matters (to you) life takes on a happy glow. We all like to have time to do the things that matter to us even if they are simple things that in the big scheme of things mean nothing at all.


Yesterday I wanted to get my Skype up and running. I’ve had it connected for over a year and never used it. I decide it was time for me to make it work. It mattered to me that I accomplish this goal. So I took the time and set it up. I feel successful even though this is such a minor feat. The reason I feel successful is that I wanted to do it and I did it. I was proud of myself especially given the fact that most of my life I have been a “technofobe.” Suddenly I willing to test the boundaries and grow beyond my comfort zone.

Getting stuck and losing sight tend to make most people feel sad and unproductive. That is why learning something new gives us a sudden burst of energy. We are challenged and the challenge stirs emotion and the emotion stirs hormones and peptides and suddenly the body-mind is firing away with energy and enthusiasm.

If you want to lift yourself up – do something that matters to you, as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone and don’t worry about what anyone else thinks, says or does.

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com/

Thursday, December 09, 2010

A Successful Life Staying Balanced

Last night I did not sleep well. Perhaps you’ve had nights where the nature of your work or the problems in your family keeps you tossing and turning. You think of things you need to do, things you should have done and mistakes you have made. It’s hard to let go of problems especially when the night is quiet and you are trying to sleep.


I usually sleep very well. I love to sleep;the more the better. It’s not that I didn’t sleep. It’s that my sleep was light and a bit fitful so I woke up feeling tired. I’m teaching yoga this morning. That will bring me back into balance.

Balance is found in quietude. It takes simultaneously stillness and focus to reach a state of balance. When moving into a balancing pose one must be still but also focus the body and the mind on one spot, one position and one breath, to find both physical and mental balance. It only happens for a moment and then suddenly we change poses and the process begins again. And isn’t that life?

As soon as we find a state of inner balance life challenges us with change. Change is a constant and something we must continually confront in an attempt to maintain balance and stability in our lives. That is why it is best to seek balance in all things and in all things find balance.

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com/

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

A Successful Life Music for Stress

Are you spending big bucks to chill out at a spa? A study reported in Depression and Anxiety found that patients who spent time relaxing using deep breathing and listening to soothing music reduced stress and anxiety by 50 percent.


Relaxation and meditation have long been used as simple and effective tools for reaching altered states of being. Simply relaxing for fifteen minutes a day every day can reduce stress, anxiety and produce long lasting changes in your levels of pleasure producing neurochemicals. If you have a daily session for two weeks, you may undergo a “threshold effect” in which you go through dramatic and long lasting personality changes.

Don’t have fifteen minutes to spare? I bet you can find five minutes a day to relax. Download my relaxation meditation video complete with five minutes of soothing music. Just five minutes a day through a guided meditation will give you long lasting and significant changes in the energy of your body and your mind.

Go to my website where you can download the guided meditation video or download the fifteen minutes of soothing guitar music; listen, relax and focus on releasing your stress and anxiety.

There are many things we can do to relieve stress and anxiety. Taking a long walk, laughing with friends, doing yoga and simply sitting quietly breathing deep and listening to soft and soothing music are natural and healthy things that have been proven to reduce stress and anxiety.

Music or sound vibrations are great natural health tools that resonate with the body-mind bringing balance, peace and serenity. Just give it a try and observe what happens to your body and your mind.

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com/

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

A Successful Life A Monday Morning Workout

Every Monday morning at 6 AM the alarm sounds. It’s time to get up and go teach my 7AM cycle class. It’s cold, dark and I am not awake. Every Monday morning, I think to myself; why am I doing this? But nevertheless I get dressed and head for the gym.


It’s a small class but a dedicated class. About an average of ten people all trying to get their workout in before they start their day and their week. Everyone is quiet. It takes me about fifteen minutes to wake them up and get them going.

At the end of the class everyone waves good-bye and nods and thank you to me. We all feel good. We all feel strong and ready to begin another week of work, play and life. It is the moment at the end of the class when everyone is smiling, awake and feeling good that I realize the reason I get up and teach this class is because feeling good with a smile on your face is the best way to start the week. It takes discipline to get up early and go to an exercise class. I’ve always noticed that those who implement a little self discipline into their lives seem to be happier people. Happier people create a successful life. That’s why I do it!

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com/

Monday, December 06, 2010

A Successful Life – to discover your passion

What is passion? It means to have a very strong feeling or emotion about a person or a thing. It is the one thing all of us desire to experience. Everyone wants to find their passion and express it in a meaningful way.


I found my passion quite early on in my life but could not find the means of expression that would bring about monetary gains. Like many people I equated success with the accumulation of money while doing something you truly loved. I have since discovered that love or passion and money don’t always go hand in hand. In fact sometimes it is the drive for money that kills the passion of the soul.

If a person should make money while doing the things that passionately fulfills them they will seldom say they did it for the money. It is done for the love of doing and the rest follows.

Sometimes we fear passion because it does not conform to the standards of society. It puts us outside the misconstrued constructs of what society deems “normal”. I believe this is at the basis of all mental and physical maladies.

How do you know you have found your passion? It’s the expression of something that transcends all time and space. When you are expressing it or feeling it time and space disappear and you slip into that place known as the zone or as the Zen master’s put it – the moment.

Science has studied this state of being and has found that the chemistry of the body and more specifically the brain changes when in a total state of passionate expression. It is a high that most people would return to over and over again. But you cannot get there without a little effort. It takes awareness and focus to bring about starts of creativity and passion.

Just as the physical fitness revolution of the last several decades has proven that the human body needs stimulation, challenge and exercise to stay healthy, there is now a wealth of brain research proving that the brain like the body also needs stimulation and challenge to work optimally. By exercising the brain we can actually strengthen it.

One of the ways to exercise the brain is through meditation. To reach a state of meditation one must reach a brain wave state that allows for a deep relaxation without sleeping. The brain works on four brain waves; beta with alertness, arousal and concentration; alpha with relaxation; theta with creativity, memory, integrative experiences and healing; and delta with sleeping, profound rest and releasing growth hormone. Meditation takes us to the theta state.

A series of studies involving skill Zen monks found that when they went into deep meditative states they did go into an alpha state but the most skilled meditators went into a theta state. Studies conducted on other individuals showed that when subjects were taught to reach a theta state they had life altering experiences. They fell in love, discovered new talents, decide to change jobs and to strikeout in new and more interesting directions. The test showed that these individuals became more psychologically and physically healthier. Could it be that theta is the gateway to discovering passion and discovering your passion makes for a healthier and happier person?

Studies also showed that lovers who could reach the same relaxed brainwave state of mind were more likely to experience a deeper and more fulfilling sexual experience. Sex books are constantly telling us to pay attention to our partner. Perhaps by sharing brain wave states we can really get in touch.

Followers of tantric yoga believe that the universe was creates when the Hindu gods, Shiva and Shakti united sexually and spiritually. In a tantric text Shiva says to Shakti;

You, O Shakti, you are my true self; There is no difference between you and me.

Relaxation and meditation have long been used as simple and effective tools for reaching altered states of being. Simply relaxing for fifteen minutes a day every day can reduce stress, anxiety and produce long lasting changes in your levels of pleasure producing neurochemicals. If you have a daily session for two weeks, you may undergo a “threshold effect” in which you go through dramatic and long lasting personality changes.

Music and color/light therapy have been used as tools to help us reach a state of relaxation. The mind needs something to focus on and when we give it soft sounds and mesmerizing colors and designs it releases itself from it’s every day grip and slips into a deep and relaxing state.

I created my meditation DVD, which combines 15 minutes of soothing music. It takes fifteen minutes daily to create the effect. Sit quietly listen and observe. Go to my website where you can download Meditation for the Body, Mind and Soul, http://www.doctorlynn.com use it as a nice backdrop of music for holiday gatherings.



Doctor Lynn
http://www.doctorlynn.com/

Friday, December 03, 2010

A Successful Life A Problem turns into a Gift

Several weeks ago I ordered a product from a company and elected to have it home delivered through a service that promoted itself as being associated with the company. The product never arrived. When I tried to get a response the delivery company ignored me. So I emailed the manufacturer direct and told them the problem. Seems they did not know that the delivery company was offering to deliver the product and in fact had not given them permission to promote it as such. I had uncovered a glitch on their website.


I love their product and it is hard to find in the stores because they are a new company. So I asked if I could now order some product. They offered to send me some for free as a thank you for helping them. I had originally ordered about 6 bottles. They delivered me four cases of different flavors for me to try. They want me to be an ambassador for the product. That’s easy because I really like it and it’s a good product.

So we are going to meet next week. The problem turned into a gift for me and a voice for them. The local delivery company did not even have the common courtesy to return my email and try to fix the problem. I don’t want to bash them but if you ever see Dr Soda…don’t opt for delivery!

Now the product I will disclose in my newsletter next month. It’s free and only comes once a month through your email. I promote from time to time great health and fitness products as well as health tips and yoga moments (taking a few moments to reflect on life). Just go to http://www.doctorlynn.com and sign up for the newsletter. Don’t worry your email is safe. I respect your privacy ad safety.

If you have anything you’d like to send me info@doctorlynn.com ( if I like the product I’ll promote it)

So you see a problem sometimes can find a solution that comes in the form of a gift. And if you are lucky it benefits not only you but helps a fledgling as well. That is success; getting a gift while helping another succeed!

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com/

Thursday, December 02, 2010

A Successful Life – a good friend who appreciates your efforts

Having a friend who takes the time to give you constructive feedback and support you through all of your efforts is living a successful life. It has been said if you can count the number of good friends on one hand you are a lucky person. People come and go in our lives but some remain friends forever.


Working hard and having others appreciate your efforts makes the difference between success and failure. When you work hard because you truly love what you are doing and then it is reflected back with appreciation is one of the highlights of life. Every one likes to be appreciated.

One of the fundamental aspects of a healthy and good relationship is to appreciate each other. It takes work to show appreciation. Often times, especially in close relationships we only see the negative. It’s easy to find fault and express criticism. Appreciation takes thought and thoughts become the manifestation of our reality. When we see others, and the world for that matter, through the eyes of appreciation our reality softens. The world looks a little brighter and life takes on a tinge of joy.

Sadly sometimes it takes a major issue in life to make us stop and appreciate the good things. Everyone has something to appreciate. Perhaps if we would take the time to stop and reflect upon our lives we would see the beauty, the gifts and the pleasures that are bestowed upon us. Most of those come through our relationships. Friends and family are the support and foundation of a successful life.

Take a moment today and appreciate someone and something that makes your life a pleasure. Focus on it and watch what happens to your body and your mind. I bet you’ll smile and feel a sense of happiness and joy and isn’t that what it’s like to live a successful life?

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com/

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

A Successful Life – an interview

Today I was interviewed on talk radio. Haven’t done talk radio in a long time. Many years ago I had my own show about health and fitness. I loved the medium and the exchange. Today’s show was such fun and the host Tracy Mallett and Beth Aldrich were so professional. They have hit the stride of living a successful life.


To work hard and get some recognition for your hard work is truly a feeling of success. To laugh and enjoy the fruits of your labor makes all the work worthwhile. And to equally appreciate the hard work of others is a model of success. When you can appreciate the effort of another person; you appreciate your own level of success.

Tracy and Beth, I believe are in their late 30’s or early 40’s. Both are bright dynamic and full of great energy. I can easily flash back to that age and remember the determination and focus. I admire them for their hard work and proudly now can watch their accomplishments as young women forging forward in the world and making each of us proud of the energy they propel into our lives.

I love women in their late 30’s and early 40’s. They have a mature sense of themselves and a good perspective on life and at the same time look great and are so full of energy. The forties are the best time of your life. You’ve matured, financially you are a little more secure and you still look and feel young. This is when I think women are the most beautiful. The beauty then folds into elegance and sophistication as we mature through the following decades.

I enjoyed my interview with these two women so much and thank them both for making my day a success!

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com/