April is almost upon us, the time for the earth to burst into bloom and shower us with beauty and new life. It has also been said that April is the cruelest month, stirring dreams, hopes, memories and the desire to be re-born as well.

As the earth becomes new, we can as well. In fact, it is essential for us to constantly be re-born and start again. No matter what age, no matter what has happened, this day is always a day in which we can grow, change, open our eyes and see the wonder and endless possibilities all around us.

This newsletter is dedicated to those who wish to learn the simple laws of love, how to practice them in all their relationships. Combining Eastern and Western teachings and practices, it will also offer psychological, spiritual and practical wisdom on handling all kinds of upset constructively so that everyday can be a truly new day for you.

This kind of infantile attitude can be very hard to outgrow. In fact, it can be said that 99% of our precious life energy goes to manipulating the world so that it can fulfill our desires. What we call love in relationships is often no more than having someone who behaves in a way that makes us feel good. And if they don't, or won't, we'll resort to anything to control them and change their ways. However, we don't take the time to examine the enormous stress this causes us.

With this kind of orientation, we are always looking for the next thing to control or change. . In this state of mind, how is it possible to truly love? Many have no idea there is an alternative way of being, not trying to maneuver others, becoming grateful and fulfilled by whatever we have. The road to contentment comes from living this other way.

In order to start living this other way, to give up our frantic need to control, we start with the instruction, "Do Nothing". Let what comes, come. Let what goes go." By doing nothing we are surrendering control over the condition, allowing things to be as they are, to appear, develop, disappear, re-appear in any way they may. We allow the entire world of phenomena to play itself out in front of our eyes. What we are learning to do is to profoundly let go of the need to control.

Do nothing is a profound instruction, both in daily live and in relationships. It implies an immense respect for the intrinsic nature of people and events, for a larger design inherent in the universe which brings our good to us, and removes that which no longer belongs.

How often we try to grasp and hold onto that which is no longer suitable, or to desperately maneuver to obtain that which may be entirely wrong. When we do not move, we are yielding to a higher wisdom, we are allowing life to take its own course.

Let Each Moment Be As It Is

As we stop trying to control everything, we can begin to see each person as they truly are, not as we wish or demand them to be. We may also realize that it is not an act of love, to want to change and control another person for our own ends. How much better it is to allow each person to be exactly as they are. This is the great work of doing nothing. It is non-interference with the primal wisdom of the universe, with divine harmony, which runs through all things and beings, including ourselves. When we step back and allow this divine harmony to take over, our entire lives are healed and made pure. When we honor and uphold life as it is given, then inevitably, life honors and upholds us.

Exercise

Relinquishing Control

Who Are You Controlling? For a few moments each day, take time to notice what it is you want to control. Who are you intent on changing? What is it you won't let go away? Spend a few moments with each situation. Then, very gently, ask yourself what would happen if you let this situation or person, be just as they are? Realize they don't belong to you, but have simply crossed your pathway. (This is true for a mate, parent and child as well.) Do this for a little while each day. See how it feels.

2) Stop Moving Take some time to notice the situations or relationships in which you are constantly moving, busy, fixing something, worried about the outcome. What would happen if you stopped all this activity, decided you weren't going to control?

In the middle of the situation or relationship, just don't move. Stop your usual reactive behavior. Do nothing. Realize there is a larger wisdom which can harmonize and control. Let the situation or relationship be what it is for now, let it move and change on its own. Become a mountain in the middle of it. Realize it is not necessarily up to you to create the outcome. Who is it up to?

3 - Abandon Power Struggles

Realize that power struggles become addictions, they drain joy and energy from relationships, and more than that, they can never be won. If you are in a power struggle in a relationship, let it go. Stop playing the complementary role. Also, do not let another control you. Controlling and being controlled have nothing to do with love. Focus upon who you are, stay grounded in your own truth. More than that, take time to realize, who really is in control. What is the true Source of power in relationships? Is there any power greater than love?

4) Let Him Come And Let Him Go When someone comes into your life (or day) practice letting them come. Simply welcome the person, letting them be as they are.When it is time for a person to go away, practice letting them go. Do not turn it into an experience of loss, rejection, or abandonment. Realize it has nothing to do with you, it is simply time for them to go.

Do this with yourself as well. Let yourself come and go freely in life, not tying yourself in unnecessary chains.

This is article is based upon Jewish Dharma (A Guide to the Practice of Judaism and Zen), and Zen and the Art of Falling in Love (Simon and Schuster).

The exercises are part of Your Inner Freedom: The Emotional Balancing Method Course.

Jewish Dharma (A Guide to the Practice of Judaism and Zen)

Jewish Dharma is the first guide to the authentic parctice of both Judaism and Zen. We see how each practice enriches, illuminates and challenges the other and how they provide keys to the personal struggles we face each day.

Each chapter deals with different life issues, such as loneliness, relationships, conflict, finding peace and understanding and ways of healing suffering. The book includes personal narraitive, parables, quotations, discussion and specific exercises so the reader can integrate the material into their lives.

A Jewish heart is warm, giving, devoted to family and friends; a Zen eye is fresh, direct, spontaneous and in the moment. These practices are like two wings of a bird; both are needed to be able to fly.

Endorsements

"...Brenda Shoshanna is creating a unique path. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a foot in more than one world." Rodger Kamenetz, author, The Jew in The Lotus and History of Last Night's Dream

Dr Brenda Shoshanna flies on two wings: A deep love of the Jewish faith and her Zen practice of 36 years. Her vision embraces both traditions with fidelity and beauty." Robert Kennedy, S.J. Roshi, author of Zen Gifts to Christians and Zen Spirit, Christian Spirit

"/..Anyone interested in finding deeper understanding and meaningful purpose in life will be rewarded by reading any one of Jewish Dharma's pages." Lama Surya Das, author of Awakening the Buddha Within and founder of Dzogchen Meditation Centers.

"I couldn't put Jewish Dharma down. ..a must read for anyone who wishes to explore Zen meditation and Jewish life." Rabbi Marcia Prager, author of the Path of Blessing

To Get A Copy of Jewish Dharma

Wednesdays 2- 3 p.m EST

Progressive Radio Network. Tune In Online at

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com

Call in with your questions and comments: - 1-888- 873-4643

Show is archived and available as a podcast as well.

To subscribe to the podcast, or listen to past shows, go to, www.newdayshow.com

An inspirational, educational, lively show will provide guidance on dealing with all life issues so that each day can really be new and fresh.

To Find Out More

Saturday, April 18th, 4-7 p.m.

Sunday, April 19th 10-5 p.m.,

Thursday, April 23, 6:30-9 p.m.

$350

The greatest need we all have is to experience our own inner freedom. As we do, we are then able to tap into the many resources we are endowed with, and discover how to express them in our daily lives.

In order to be able to experience our inner freedom, it is crucial to learn how to let go of unwanted thoughts, memories, feelings and negative beliefs. In this process, we make room in our lives for what is fresh and constructive to come into our lives. As we free ourselves from past errors, hurts and confusion, we also make room for insight and awareness, and become clearer about true direction for our lives.

The Emotional Balancing Method is a road towards your inner freedom and also a way of tapping into your inner wealth and strength. We learn many techniques for letting go, centering, releasing negativity and making room for that which is new and valuable to appear in our lives.

Dr Shoshanna offers workshops and courses based upon this unique method, which she has created based upon her work in psychology, Zen, Judaism, and the integration of East and West.

For more information, topspeaker@yahoo.com

ENDORSEMENT:

"I just wanted to thank you for such an illuminating evening. I found it so exhilirating and comforting to know that it's not as difficult as I thought to let go of my suffering and pain. It was a very inspiring time." Mary M.

Dr. Shoshanna is a psychologist, author and speaker - her work integrates East and West in finding psychological, spiritual and practical guidance in making our lives all they can become.

GIVE A GIFT

Give a session with Dr. Shoshanna in person or on the phone, or invite Dr. Shoshanna to talk or offer a workshop in your community. She speaks on many topics.Her programs are available as talks, half day workshops, full day , or week-end workshops.Contact us for more information. topspeaker@yahoo.com

Or, perhaps you'd like to give someone you care for a copy of one of Dr. Shoshanna's books such as Zen and The Art of Falling In Love, filled with delightful stories,guidelines and steppingstones to love, based on Zen practice.

Find Out More

In New York City alone, more than one million people are hungry, including nearly 350,000 children and more than 140,000 senior citizens. there are few better ways to help feed them than by providing oatmeal. At the top of the "most desired" food list, oatmeal is highly nutritious, light to transport (since it expands with water or milk), inexpensive and has a long shelf life. It is also a breakfast food, (often most desired), helps lower cholesterol and is healthy for children.

"Project Oatmeal" helps provide oatmeal for NY's only food rescue program, City Harvest, to distribute to its contacts at more than 600 emergency food shelters throughout the five boroughs of NYC. The food agencies then put that oatmeal directly into the hands of the hungry within a few days -- sometimes within a few hours--of receiving it. Project Oatmeal has cut a deal with Krasdale Foods (in the Bronx) to supply oatmeal at only $1.66 per 42 ounce cannister, which comes out to just 16 cents a meal. For a donation of just $1.66 you can provide over 10 meals immediately to help the hungry in NYC.

Go to http://www.projectoatmeal.org to find out more.

Find out more

Sometimes parents are very jealous of the person their child is marrying. They feel that person is taking their child away, that loyalties are being shifted and that they are losing control. It's unfortunate when these feelings get the upper hand. It's a normal, healthy part of life to find a partner, love them, and join together. If your parents cannot be happy for you, positive and constructive that is a sign of their problems, not yours. Let them know that you are going forward with this marriage, that you are happy, and that if they become too destructive it will endanger and sour your relationship with them. Create strong boundaries and communicate them to your parents. Do not allow anyone to destroy your special love.

Full class - from April. (See above)

Contact: Dr Shoshanna, topspeaker@yahoo.com

Probably the biggest need all of us have is to experience a wonderful, loving relationship where we can be ourselves, and share our lives with someone meaningful. This is exactly what you will be able to create when you begin to work with the unique program inside my e-book, Save Your Relationship.

In the program you will discover the common mistakes people make in relationships and how to turn them around. You'll see why it's impossible to fail at love, once you understand how to build a foundation that can weather any storm.

Why not throw away old relationship habits and start new right now?

To find out more and order a copy, go to the website, http:.//www.truthaboutlove.com

GIVE A GIFT

Give a session with Dr. Shoshanna in person or on the phone, or invite Dr. Shoshanna to talk or offer a workshop in your community. She speaks on many topics including:

Save Your Relationship (21 Basic Laws of Successful Relationships

From Anger to Peace of Mind (The Anger Diet)

Journey Through Illness , Loss and Change

Jewish Dharma (A Guide to the Practice of Judaism and Zen) and how it can heal your life

Dr. Shoshanna's programs are available as talks, half day workshops, full day , or week-end workshops.Contact us for more information. topspeaker@yahoo.com

Or, perhaps you'd like to give someone you care for a copy of one of Dr. Shoshanna's books such as Zen and The Art of Falling In Love, filled with delightful stories,guidelines and steppingstones to love, based on Zen practice.

Get a copy of Save Your Relationship today.

Everyone wants to be beautiful, young, healthy, fit and to feel good about themselves. There is no end to available diets and workouts, but the most important diet has been overlooked.

This is a diet that releases stress, lets you sleep soundly at night, reduces cravings and brings new friends into your life. This diet gets rid of the number one toxin that destroys well-being - anger.

In Dr. Shoshanna book, The Anger Diet, you'll learn about the 24 forms of anger, the lies anger tells you, and how to stop it fast with the Emergency Technique. Each day you'll give up a different form of anger and replace it with a life changing antidote. The life changing effects of this diet will appear soon after starting.

There's no need to keep going the way you have been. Choose to feel good today. Get a copy of The Anger Diet and see how easy it is to say no to upset.

The greatest obstacle we have to feeling good, healthy and loving is anger which accosts us in many ways and camouflages itself.

Melt Away Toxic Feelings On The Anger Diet

In this revealing, intimate book, I ask the men themselves and they provide some startling and enlightening answers. Drawing on hundreds of interviews, I present men's own words and perspectives about the various reasons their relationships fell apart. You'll be surprised and relieved to hear what they have to say. Usually the reason men leave, has nothing to do with you. Some of the topics covered in the book include, The Fear of Committment, Ghosts of Past Relationships, The Mid-Life Crisis, The Repetition Compulsion, Competition With In-Laws, The Fantasy Woman, and many others.

Why keep going without understanding?Take new steps today to learn more about men and relationships, feel better about yourselves and findthe courage to love again.

Living by Zen (Timeless Truths for Everyday Life). www.livingbyzen.com

In this book you will discover the 2,000 Year Old Zen Secrets To Being Calm, Balanced and Positive, No Matter What Is Going On.

Probably the biggest need all of us have is to feel calm, balanced and positive no matter what is going on in our lives. This is exactly what you will feel when you begin to work with the unique program inside this e- book.

Living By Zen explores the things that steal your peace of mind, different ways you handle stress and why they do not work.

Download the book now and enjoy.

Living By Zen