"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
– Mahatma Gandhi

"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.
–Jawaharlal Nehru, 1889-1964, Indian Nationalist, Statesman

Quotes on success:
Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.
– Booker T. Washington

Success is getting what you want; happiness is wanting what you get.
–Author Unknown

The man who has done his level best... is a success, even though the world may write him down a failure.
– B.C. Forbes

Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.
– Albert Einstein

Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.
– Winston Churchill

Success: To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

With Christmas and the season of gift-giving upon us, I wanted to recommend a few books and CD's that have impressed and inspired me recently. So, if you need some soothing music to calm your stressed self or a good book to burrow into during the holidays, these just may help.

*1* If you enjoy giving or receiving massages, this CD will help to set the mood. Musical Massage 3 CD Collection: #1 by The Atlantic Arts Ensemble / #2 by David Darling / #3 by Jorge Alfano World Ensemble

*2* It is said that Deva Premal is a channel of ancient wisdom that flows through her voice and being, purifying and renewing "Embrace" CD is a combination of Sanskrit Mantras joining with a a more Western feel

*3* If you desire an angelic serenade that is a blend of classical and Celtic, with pure, enchanting, graceful overtones this is the CD for you. Meav's voice is sublime elegance. "Silver Sea" is Meav's latest.

*4* If you are in need of a great novel to slip away from the hustle-bustle, Sleep Toward Heaven, by Amanda Eyre Ward, is the book for you. It is beautifully written and contains a story of forgiveness, grace and love.

*5* If you would like to give a gift of a Self-Helf book that is practical and entertaining, The Joy Diet, by Dr. Martha Beck is the book for you. Learn 10 behaviors that really do work to enhance your life and open you to more joy, joy, joy.

A Simple, Powerful Relaxation & Stress Reduction Tip

DO regular DEEP BREATHING

Stress, exhaustion and suppressed emotions makes breathing more shallow and restricted, you may even be holding your breath without even realizing it. The end result is that oxygen levels in your body decrease, you have poorer blood circulation, increased muscle tension, and decreased metabolism.

While it’s easy to forget the importance to deep breathing, I’ve found that the more you concentrate on proper breathing, the more focused, relaxed, vibrant, energized, happy and alive you will feel.

You can use breathing to assist in clearing negative feelings and emotions, to feel lighter and clearer. Breathe in and out through your mouth. Close your eyes, relax your jaw and inhale deeply as you breathe in, allowing your muscles in your entire body to relax, so that air flows into your abdomen, stomach, your lungs.

Do not stop or hold your breath. Do not force or control your breath on the exhale. The breath has a healing intelligence all its own and you will be amazed at how good you will feel after only a few minutes of this type of breathing.

Focus on your breathing, if you are having a difficult time quieting your mind. Visualize yourself in a beautiful and quiet place, perhaps by a lake, or in a meadow, by the sea, or in the mountains. Focus on the beauty on calming your thoughts and quieting your mind.

Imagine that the air you breathe is charged with sparkling light.

Exhale deeply, and as you breathe out, relaxing completely, almost like a sigh. Do not control your exhale. Give yourself from 2 to 5 minutes of this deep breathing. Your body and muscles will be relaxed, you will feel refreshed, clearer and much more centered.