PEACE OF MIND: 11 Sure-Fire Ways to have a Calm and Peaceful Mind

The fast pace of the modern world may put our mind in chaotic state. Information comes and goes, we must do this and do that. There are simply too many things that reside in our mind. While it may cause stress or even depression, at the very least it puts us away from a peaceful state of mind. But a peaceful mind is essential for our effectiveness. It keeps us calm no matter how the situation is, and it allows us to stay joyful during the day. At the end of the day, it makes us happier and more productive.

1. Reduce your use of rational thinking

We need rational thinking, but we tend to overuse it in analyzing our situations and making decisions. That brings a lot of things into our mind which potentially also brings in noise. Is rational thinking really that important? I don't think so. Even Einstein once said that "I never came upon any of my discoveries through the process of rational thinking."

2. Listen to your intuition

While you should reduce your use of rational thinking, you should increase your use of intuition. Listen to your intuition whenever you need to make decisions. Your intuition often knows more than you think. Furthermore, since intuition works instantly, it won't bring a lot of things into your mind. Your mind will remain calm and peaceful. No wonder Einstein said that "The only real valuable thing is intuition."

3. Listen to your heart

Your heart tells you what is right to do. There is where your deepest value and principles reside. Following what your heart says helps you be true to yourself, and that has a great effect on giving you peace of mind. So learn to listen more to your heart, and do what it tells you to do.

4. Get the stuff out of your mind

This is a basic principle of Getting Things Done (GTD). In fact, the term "mind like water" comes from GTD. You should record the things you need to do or remember on an external system you trust so that they do not occupy your mind. This way your mind will be freed to focus on your current task.

Cellphone Etiquette for Kids
By Warren Buckleitner

Remember those triangle-shape notes you used to pass to friends between your classes? To today's middle-schooler, cellphones are like those - times 50. They're also Polaroid cameras, tape recorders, CB radios, flashlights, a stack of favorite music albums and a photo scrapbook - not to mention a social lifeline at a time when relationships seem as important as oxygen.

To an increasing number of parents and grandparents, cellphones in youthful hands are an irritation on par with a swarm of mosquitoes. This pocket-size miracle just may be an intergenerational wedge larger than rock 'n' roll ever was. So perhaps it's time for a dose of old-fashioned digital etiquette, for both parents and kids. Gadgetwise readers, if you have your own ideas for parenting in the cellphone age, feel free to contribute.

Here's my list, starting with what kids should know:

* Always take calls from the person who is paying the bill.

* Please (PLZ) and thank you (TY) work like magic, even if you text them. Manners will never go out of style, in any form.

* Abide by your school or library's cellphone policy. A ring during an art lesson can land you in detention, just as unsilenced phones can get your mom or dad in trouble during a religious service or on the commuter bus from Flemington to Port Authority.

* Be charitable. Your phone is a powerful tool that can help a kid stranded after soccer practice.

* Don't be sneaky. Instead of hiding your cellphone under the picnic table, let everyone in on the unfolding drama of your text streams. You'll be surprised how much adults love gossip, and it helps them learn about what's going on in your life.

Exercise and cold weather: Tips to stay safe outdoors

Dressing in layers, protecting your hands and feet, and paying attention to the forecast can help you stay safe and warm while exercising outdoors in cold weather.

So you don't like grinding out miles on the treadmill or power walking the malls, but you dread exercising during cold weather. Unfortunately, cold weather can discourage even the most motivated exercisers. And if you're not so motivated, it's all too easy to pack away your workout gear along with your warm-weather clothing.

You don't have to let cold weather spell the end of your exercise. With these tips for exercising during cold weather, you can stay fit, motivated and warm when the weather turns chilly.

Dress in layers

One of the biggest mistakes you can make while exercising in cold weather is to dress too warmly. Exercise generates a considerable amount of heat - enough to make you feel like it's much warmer than it really is. Yet, once your sweat starts to dry, you can get chilled. The solution?

Dress in layers that you can remove as soon as you start to sweat and then put back on as needed. First, put on a thin layer of synthetic material, such as polypropylene, which draws sweat away from your body. Avoid cotton, which stays wet next to your skin. Next, add a layer of fleece or wool for insulation. Top this with a waterproof, breathable outer layer.

Our next Belt Presentations
will be held on a special split schedule;

Children: Lil Dragons & Goshin Juniors will be presented on Friday 16 December 2011

Adult Martial Arts & Jiu Jitsu testing will be held on Saturday 10 December 2011 and belt promotions will be awarded during

"SUPER SATURDAY" after class on
Saturday 17 December 2011 featuing an
**EXTRA SPECIAL GUEST INSTRUCTOR**

and a SPECIAL END OF YEAR PRESENTATION !!!

----- DON'T MISS IT !! -----

Please review the testing schedule, exam roster, and upcoming events to see how it may affect you by visiting our website @ http://www.americanblackbelt.org/student.html

December BBC DATES !!

FRIDAY 2 DEC 11

FRIDAY 9 DEC 11


DON'T MISS IT !!!

GREAT JOB to the DEMO TEAM wrapping up the year with an appearance and special Performance @
** ATHENS PARADE OF LIGHTSon THURSDAY 1 DEC 11

Check out the pictures
CLICK HERE

American Black Belt Academy will be CLOSED on the following dates in December:

Thursday December 22nd through Sunday January 1st in honor of the winter holidays and in the celebration of the new year.

Regular scheduled classes will resume on
MONDAY 2 January 2012

featuring a NEW Schedule with more great class times, NEW programs, and SPECIAL NEW CLASSES.....

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

Bring in a friend
to enter & WIN our VIP referral contest

You are invited to participate in our VIP Referral Contest. Because we get our best quality people, like yourself, referred by other students at the Academy we'd like to show our appreciation with a chance to WIN PRIZES.

Over 80% of new students at the AMERICAN BLACK BELT ACADEMY come from your referrals!

Know someone who could benefit from the the healthy lifestyle and positive influence, both physical and mental, gained by the Martial Arts?

Your sponsored guest will receive a FREE Two Week Trial Membership in our Martial Arts program at Absolutely No Cost or an extended Trial Program in our Jiu Jitsu program at regular price! Special discounts will also be available to any sponsored guest who qualifies for entry into our regular program.

For every person you refer that completes the FREE Trial Program and Two Week Trial Membership you will receive an entry into our contest to win.
If that person becomes a regular member you'll receive another chance to win and be entered in our
grand prize drawing at the beginning of December for a FLAT SCREEN TV.

↓

2 Weeks Left to WIN !!!

With three weeks before Christmas, don't lose sight ... of your chance to WIN ...........

For every person you refer that comes in for the FREE Trial Program before the 14th, you will receive an entry into our contest to win.

We will be giving away our GRAND PRIZE in the VIP Referral Contest;

The Samsung 40" LCD 1080p HDTV, with full-HD 1080p resolution on a 40" LCD screen, movies come alive and TV shows are utterly captivating. Samsung's innovative & Impressive function with equally stunning form that complements the decor of any room.