Open the Mind Exercise the Soul 

This month's focus is on my new book, Open the Mind Exercise the Soul.   It is my first book, and it links psychic ability with my personal experiences. The book explores intellectual thought as it answers many questions about the relationship between religion, philosophy, and science with this controversial subject.

Have you ever wondered ...

* Why do psychic abilities exist?

* What is the proof?

* What is our soul's role in using them?

* How do I access my gifts?

* Can we connect with crossed-over loved ones?

* What is really going on?

Open the Mind Exercise the Soul will answer these questions and more. Explored with real-world examples and new techniques, it boldly challenges you to examine your own abilities and receive clarity. While guiding you through the development of your own psychic gifts, you will learn to embrace experiences you may have questioned as I discuss my own path in metaphysics.

John Cappello

By Sylvia Tooker, Certified Handwriting Analyst

Picture-perfect handwriting -- pretty writing with a straight baseline that resembles the penmanship model from which we were taught -- reveals the trait of perfectionism. Perfectionists have high standards regarding matters of importance to them. Excellence is achieved, high goals are met, and events stay under control. Perfectionists can be counted on to get a job done right. Last month I discussed these and other good aspects of perfectionism. If you missed that article, you can read it and see handwriting samples here:Samples of Handwriting 

This month I will address the dark side of perfectionism because it comes in varying degrees. When it goes too far, damage occurs.

Perfectionism increases anxiety.   Getting bogged down with details causes a perfectionist to lose track of what really matters.   Mistakes get blown out of proportion. Unrealistic goals result in mental pressure and frustration. Perfectionists have difficulty coping with unexpected events or accepting change. Fearing failure, a perfectionist procrastinates or turns down opportunities.

Self-criticism and negative feelings create stress, contributing to illness. The need to look perfect in order to feel acceptable or lovable is a factor in eating disorders and increased demands for cosmetic surgery.

Unrealistic expectations damage relationships. Inflexibility makes compromise and understanding difficult for the perfectionist.   People get tired of the criticism, moods, and anxieties exhibited by perfectionists.

When faced with too many choices, worrying about making the perfect choice can lead to indecision and mental overload. Never-ending fears about not being good enough may lead to depression. Continually hiding perceived imperfections from others has been associated with depression and even suicide.

While there are benefits to being a perfectionist, psychologists suggest seeking ways to recognize problematic tendencies, then making a commitment to address them with a light-hearted approach. If you are a perfectionist, forgive yourself and others when mistakes are made.   Learn to be more flexible. Ask people you trust to support your efforts to change by gently letting you know when you are being too controlling, rigid, critical, or obsessed.   Seek professional help if neurotic behavior, depression, or suicidal thoughts are present.

On the bright side: "Perhaps it is our imperfections that make us so perfect for one another!" -- Jane Austen, 1775 - 1817