Picture of Dr Shoshanna
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Dr. Shoshanna's Newsletter
Touchstones To Love
November, 2005
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Creating Healing and Peace
-- Announcing: The Anger Diet (30 Days to Stress-Free Living) by Dr. Shoshanna
-- Dr. Shoshanna: Talk and Book Signing: From Anger to Peace of Mind - Sunday, November 6th, 2-4 p.m. Sufi Bookstore, Manhattan.
-- How To Keep The Love Alive In Your Relationship
-- How To Develop A Grateful Mind - Exercise of The Month -Preventing Trouble
-- Services Available - And, Something New - Renewing Your Love For One Another
-- Questionnaire: How Zen Are You In Love?

Greetings!

As the days grow shorter and cooler, and the holiday seasons begin to approach, this is a good time to take a deeper look at our relationships with our dear ones and how to make the holiday season most meaningful to us all.

Unfortunately, holidays often bring a great deal of pressure along. Yet, there are many steps we can take to counteract this, and ways in which we can turn the holidays into a time of growth, fulfillment and healing for all.

This newsletter is dedicated to our taking time together to look at our lives, ourselves and our relationships and to finding new ways of being, so that each one of us can live as fully as possible and become all they are meant to be.


Announcing: The Anger Diet (30 Days to Stress-Free Living) by Dr. Shoshanna
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The Anger Diet I am pleased to let you know about my new book just published, The Anger Diet (Thirty Days to Stress- Free Living), Andrews McMeel. Especially at this time of loss,it is so important to know how to handle anger constructively and melt away toxic feelings. There is no end to the available diets and workouts. But the most important diet of all has been overlooked.

This is a diet that releases stress, lets you sleep soundly at night, reduces cravings and upset and makes you feel young again. This diet gets rid of the number one toxin that destroys your well-being - anger.

Each day you will give up a different form of anger and replace it with a life-changing, constructive antidote. You will learn about the 24 forms of anger, where they come from, how they manifest, the lies they tell you and how they take over your life. You will also learn "The Emergency Technique", to use when things heat up.

"Dr. Deepak Chopra once told me that he thought the single most common and direct cause of illness was anger. If this is true, Dr. Shoshanna has got to be one of the world class healers of all time. In her book The Anger Diet not only does she present the most complete and compelling description of the many forms of anger, but she also tells you how to treat each of them. If you suffer from any form of anger, and who among us does not, then you must read The Anger Diet. It's a life changing experience." Dr. R. Winn Henderson, M.D., International Radio Talk Show Host. http://www.theultimtaesecrettohappiness.com

Some Important Topics The Diet Covers

The 24 Forms of Anger

The Addiction to Anger

The Emergency Technique

What To Do When You're The Subject of Anger

The Lies Anger Tells Us

And many more,

Read on...For more information and to get the book go to http://www.theangerdiet.com


Dr. Shoshanna: Talk and Book Signing: From Anger to Peace of Mind - Sunday, November 6th, 2-4 p.m. Sufi Bookstore, Manhattan.
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Dr. Shoshanna will be giving a talk and book signing at The Sufi Bookstore this Sunday afternoon, from 2- 4 in the afternoon. The talk,will be based upon The Anger Diet and will include exercises for the audience and a chance to have your questions answered.

Come learn how to melt away toxic feelings easily.

225 West Broadway, N.Y. (between Franklin % White Street in Tribecca).

Subway: 1 to Franklin St., or A,C,E, to Canal Street. (Near Canal Street).

We look forward to seeing you there.

(Suggested contribution $10).l

Learn more about Dr. Shoshanna


How To Keep The Love Alive In Your Relationship
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Save Your Relationship Some believe that romance should just come naturally, and if it doesn’t, or if the original closeness that existed in a relationship starts to subside, it means that something is wrong. Nothing is further from the truth. Keeping love alive requires time, attention and the willingness to begin fresh again and again, to learn how to constantly reconnect.

Here are some steps that help us reconnect with our partners, and keep the love alive.

Step 1: Give up of dead routines.

After the initial excitement of being together is over, many fall into a routine and begin taking one another for granted. They assume they know what their partner is feeling, that it doesn’t matter if they come late for a date, don’t look as good as they used to, or decide to spend more and more time out with friends.

However, it is crucial to realize that there are many tiny ways in which we sabotage relationships. Unless two people feel cared for and valued by one another, it is easy for the feelings of love to fade away.

Break out of old routines. Snap out of ruts. Take time to plan exciting, romantic, delicious times to spend together. Even if it’s just for a little while. Dedicate time to the relationship that nothing can interrupt. This is a sacred time for the two of you, and during it do what makes both of you feel most valued and fulfilled.

Step 2:

Take Charge of How You Perceive Your Partner Each Day

The good feelings between partners are heightened by the way in which they view one another. Do you view him as a hero? Someone you can look up to and respect? Or are you mostly dwelling upon his faults? After a relationship has gone on for a while it is easy to begin to look at what's missing in your partner, rather than what's there. This is a sure-fire technique for putting out the fire..

Remember, when you first fell in love, you only saw the best about that person and focused on how wonderful they were. If you want to keep the love alive, keep that going consciously.

Here are two exercises to help. Get a personal notebook to record your experiences and feelings in. Read it from time to time. Dedicate a certain time each day to the relationship and what is possible between the two of you..

Exercise A – How You See Your Partner

Take some time and write down a description of how you see your partner. Who is he/she to you now? How do you feel about him? Write this down without censoring your thoughts and feelings.

Then, write down how you saw him when you first met, and how you felt about him then. See how your feelings of closeness are affected by the way you are perceiving the person today. The way in which you perceive your partner is totally within your control. You can have the most beautiful person in front of you, but if you do not see it, it is of no avail.

Consciously view your partner in a way that is similar to the way you did in the beginning. They will feel the effects of this, and begin responding in kind.

Exercise B – Stop Pushing Him/Her Away

There are many, little things we do (consciously and unconsciously) that push our partners away. Many are afraid of intimacy and do a great deal to short circuit it. Take a little while to write down ways in which you push him away. This is not to blame yourself, but to become aware of the times when you are not actually inviting closeness, but putting on the brakes.

Now, decide to change the way you behave. Each day take one item on your list (the way you’ve pushed him away) and do the opposite. For example, rather than criticizing him in public, say nice things about him with friends. A few small actions can have huge effects.

Step 2: Understanding Hidden Expectations

There is nothing that can cause us to disconnect from each other as much as expectations that have been unfulfilled. We all enter relationships with many kinds of expectations,some we are aware of, others not. There is nothing that causes more disappointment than our expectations not being met. Take a moment to become aware of what you are secretly demanding of your partner. Is it possible for him to fulfill these needs? Does he want the same thing from the relationship?

More often than not, it is our unfulfilled expectations, not the other person, which make us upset. In order to feel close and satisfied in a relationship, a crucial step is making sure your expectations can be met. See how your expectations align with the person you’re with. Also take time to see if anyone can fulfill them? Are these expectations realistic or simply childhood dreams you are still carrying with you?

Exercise C –- Letting Him Fulfill Your Dreams

Become aware off which expectations of yours your partner does meet. Now see if you are willing to be satisfied with that. Can you find a way to feel grateful for what you are receiving? Sometimes just deciding that what your partner offers is good enough, can allow the love to re-ignite once again.

Now,, let him know that he’s making you happy. Most people deeply need to know that they are meaningful to you.

Step 3: Collecting Positive Memories

Positive memories are like little treasures that we can collect and draw upon. They remind us of moments of understanding, happiness and love that has been shared. They also point to what is possible in the future. Positive memories build faith, both in ourselves, our partners and in love.

Often as relationships go forward, rather than return to our positive memories, the mind seems to dwell upon what has gone wrong, ways in which we’ve been disappointed, and ways to protect ourselves from hurting again. This unfortunate tendency builds walls and defenses that cause distance between ourselves and our partners and cause love to fade.

Exercise: Collecting Positive Memories

It is a lot of fun to spend time writing down (and remembering) all that was good and fulfilling between you and your partner. It’s useful to actually write this down because it’s very easy for memories to slide away or become distorted. Spend time writing down everything wonderful you shared.

Then, if you care to, you can find an object that represents each wonderful memory, ( a seashell, a pinecone, whatever). Collect these and place them in a place where you can see them easily. They will exude positive energy to you.

Exercise:– Returning To Your Treasure

When you are upset or angry, when you are caught in the grip of a negative memory and seem to be dwelling upon that, simply return to your treasure. Consciously stop the negative memory or feeling and go to one of your beautiful memories. Dwell upon that.

This is a way of taking the steam and power away from negative thoughts. By doing this over an over the positive memories will increase in energy and have more impact over your relationship and your life.

Step 4: Appreciating Your Time Together

Another way to experience happiness is through simple appreciation of your time together. Rather than spend your time together dealing with problems,focus upon each moment and taste it to the fullest. Walking together, holding hands can become a source of delicious joy, when you feel his hand fully and feel the beauty of the walk. Be aware of the many little moments that pass between you, often unclaimed. Notice them, taste them. We often overlook many gifts we are receiving all day long, like the sun on our face, the person besides us. Let your partner know you value your time together, that they make a difference to you. Appreciation and gratitude is the road to the greatest joy.

Step 6: Re-Choose Your Partner

When all these steps are taken, you will not only be reconnected, but you will be with your partner because there is no other place you want to be. The relationship will not be one of convenience, but one of choice. The actual act of re- choosing our partners, of knowing they are the one’s we want to be with, is the culmination of the reconnecting and romance we’ve found.

Sometimes it is very beautiful to make this process conscious. You can write down and express the ways in which you wish to recommit to your partner, you can write down and express the aspects of them that cause you to feel this way. By doing this on an on-going basis, we not only keep the love and relationship fresh, but we keep ourselves aware of why we are with the person, what our part is in the relationship, and the joy and romance that is possible for us to have forever.

Read More About Ways Of Healing Relationships In Save Your Relationship - www.truthaboutlove.com


How To Develop A Grateful Mind - Exercise of The Month -Preventing Trouble
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Hearts Your life will flourish when it is filled with gratitude and giving. As we take time to be aware of and give thanks for the many blessings we receive our days are filled and joyful. Each month we offer another exercise to do, which is a way of giving thanks, and keeping a grateful mind alive.

If you see someone about to get into trouble, make sure you warn him or her about it.

Sometimes we see something coming that can or will cause another harm. This could be a business venture, relationship, or activity that they are about to embark upon.

At times like these, do not remain silent. Even though the person might not like your warning, or even take it, in the long run you will feel better knowing that you did all you could to forestall the problem. And if the other person does listen, how wonderful it will be to know that you were able to help another by caring enough to speak up and extend a warning.

Read more about a life gratitude in Living By Zen (Timeless Truths For Everyday Life)


Services Available - And, Something New - Renewing Your Love For One Another
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Dr. Shoshanna plans to offer a workshop for couples entitled, Renewing Your Love For One Another. During the workshop, there will be an opportunity to heal differences, refresh communication and become re-aligned with mutual dreams. At the end of the workshop, (2 days) there will be a re-dedication ceremony - similar to a renewal of vows. (Couples will create their own renewed vows, goals as a couple and dreams). (Guests will be invited to this ceremony, which will be followed by a celebration).

Please let us know if you are interested in more information about this. Contact us at topspeaker@yahoo.com

More details are on the way.

Dr. Shoshanna, psychologist and relationship expert, is available for counselling and therapy both in person and on the phone. She is also available for talks and workshops based upon her books. For more information contact her at topspeaker@yahoo.com, or http://www.brendashoshanna.com

Learn more about Dr. Shoshanna at her website: http://www.brendashoshanna.com


Questionnaire: How Zen Are You In Love?
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Instead of our usual Q and A this month, we are providing a Questionnaire. How Zen Are You In Love? This will help you take a look at the way you function in relationships. It's a great preparation for the holiday season ahead.

How Zen Are You In Love?

There are different styles people have when they fall in love.. Discover your love quotient, based upon how Zen you are in love. The higher the quotient, the more likely you are to fall in love, enjoy the experience, recover quickly if it ends, and be available for whatever is next. The lower the quotient, the less frequently you fall in love and the more complications may appear.

Once you discover your Zen love quotient, by doing the exercises in Zen And The Art Of Falling In Love, you can easily raise it day by day.

(Score each question from 1-5. 5 is the highest, 1 the lowest. )

l.I usually see that which is wonderful about the person I am with.

2.I am open to and comfortable with many different kinds of people.

3.When I start a relationship, I do not have strong ideas about where it will go.

4.I find it easy to be pleased by the person I’m with.

5.When something starts going wrong in a relationship, I rarely start to blame. 6.When something starts going right in a relationship, I do not run away.

7.I do not escape into fantasy. The more the person seems to be the one of my dreams, the more mindful I become.

8.I require little to make me happy.

9.When a partner starts to leave, I am thankful for the time we’ve shared.

10.When a partner starts to leave, I do not do all I can to hold him there.

11.It is easy for me to give freely, and to receive. 12.I am not always checking on what I’m receiving, especially before I give in return.

13.It is easy for me to believe others. I am willing to give them a chance.

14.It does not take a long time for me to develop trust.

15.If I find my partner has been untruthful, I am not out of the relationship, fast, I am willing and able to stay and explore why.

16.I can allow each person to be who they are, and allow myself as well.

17.I do not believe each relationship must last forever, or else I’ve failed.

18.I know each relationship is a gift that is only given for a certain length time.

19.I do not require constant feedback about how wonderful I am. 20.I know the Source of all love, and that it never ends.

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SCORES

A. 90-100 A Zen woman. Able to love freely and fully.

B. 70-90 Riding on the wave of love. Keep going.

C. 50-70 Moving in the right direction, can use more practice.

D. 30-50 Tend to hide and cling. Make steady use of the exercises.

E. 0-30 Need guidance and direction. Time to discard negative fears.

Find Out more about wonderful relationships in Save Your Relationship (21 Basic Laws of Successful Relationships) by Dr. Shoshanna. www.truthaboutlove.com


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