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The third step of preksha meditation is perception of breathing. Regulate your breathing; make it slow, deep and rhythmic. Let the vibrations of each breath reach your navel. Allow your abdominal muscles to expand during inhalation and contract during exhalation.

Now concentrate your mind fully on your navel. Practice deep, slow and rhythmic breathing, by allowing each breath to take the same time. Perceive each inhalation and exhalation through the expansion and contraction of the abdominal muscles accompanying each inhalation and exhalation respectively.

Continuing the slow, deep and rhythmic breathing, now shift your attention from the navel and focus it inside the nostrils at the junction of both the nostrils. Perceive each incoming and outgoing breath. Remain fully aware of each and every breath.

Continuously practice slow, long and rhythmic breathing–inhale and exhale each breath while remaining fully aware of it. Fully occupy your mind in perception of breathing.

If you are distracted by any thought, do not try to stop it forcefully, but also perceive it, and then again start perceiving your breath. If the distraction is frequent, you may hold your breath for a few seconds without causing any discomfort.

Maintain the continuity of the awareness of breathing. Merely perceive it without like and dislike.

B. PERCEPTION OF ALTERNATE BREATHING

In the practice of breathing through alternate nostrils, you have to inhale through one nostril and exhale through the other, then inhale through the same and exhale through the other.

Try to accomplish the alternation by exercising your will-power. But in the beginning you may make use of finger and thumb of the right hand by placing the right thumb against the right nostril and the ring finger of the right hand against the left nostril and resting the middle and index fingers on the forehead. Now, remove alternately the thumb and ring finger for opening the path of breath through the right and the left nostril respectively.

The third step of preksha meditation is perception of breathing through alternate nostrils. Regulate your breathing; make it slow, deep and rhythmic. Concentrate your mind inside your nostrils, practice breathing through alternate nostrils. Inhale through the right nostril and exhale through the left one. Now inhale through the left nostril and exhale through the right one; this completes one cycle. Repeat the same exercise again and again continuing the rhythmic breathing. Perceive each inhalation and exhalation by concentrating the mind in alternate nostrils. Let your mind and breath go hand in hand. No thinking, no memory of the past, no imagination of future. Simply perceive.

Continuously the mind and breath should accompany each other. While you are breathing in, let your attention follow the breath inside. While you are breathing out, let your attention follow it outside.

Now, practice the perception of breathing through alternate nostrils together with holding the breath intermittently. Concentrate your mind inside the nostrils. Inhale through the right nostril and hold the breath inside, exhale through the left nostril and hold the breath outside; again inhale through the left nostril and hold the breath inside and exhale through the right nostril and hold the breath outside. In this way, practice holding of breath four times during one complete cycle. Continuously remain aware of each exhalation and inhalation. You may hold the breath only for a few seconds without causing any discomfort. Repeat the same exercise for several rounds. Let the mind and breath go hand in hand.

ACHARYA MAHAPRAGYA 10th acharya of terapanth.For More articles Visit our
site- http://www.articlesworld.com

Health, it is rightly said, is wealth. Without good or optimal health, there is little we can do in life and career. Health has been connected to astrology for a long time. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, once said: “A physician without the knowledge of astrology has no right to call himself a physician.”

In olden times, the first thing a doctor did was draw up his patients’ astrological charts. Doctors don’t do this any more. Still, one can use astrology to find out how we can stay healthy and also achieve a sense of balance in life and wellbeing.

It is, therefore, no surprise that there is a new, growing field of “medical astrology,” which some physicians have also begun to use. This form of astrology helps you find out what may not be discovered through general medical tests. Medical astrology also gives basic information about your metabolism, the types of foods that may agree or not agree with you, and also what needs to be monitored for you to maintain good health and energy levels.

It goes without saying that the connections between your star sign and parts of the body are part of the Cosmos. This is reflected in the human body. For example, all the zodiac signs — not necessarily the Sun sign you are born under — are mirrored in your birth chart. They have a definite bearing on your health and well-being. A case in point: Capricorn represents the teeth, bones, joints, and the knees. It is, therefore, indicative that if you are a Capricornian, you’d do well by eating a lot of proteins and calcium.

Please visit http://www.knowyourday.com website to know more information.

Article courtesy of www.knowyourday.com team.

Direct Answers - Column for the week of October 6, 2003

It took me eight years after my husband died to try a relationship, and now I am thinking maybe I should never have tried.

Over a year ago I met Jay. I always felt we had the perfect relationship. We like the same things, have the same type personality, and talked things through when there was a misunderstanding. A few days ago Jay came over, and after dinner he said he doesn’t want to see me anymore.

The next day he left a phone message saying he knows we have a relationship most people spend a lifetime searching for. He said he loves me and still wants me in his life, but to think of this as a break from each other and not a breakup.

I spent the last week crying and upset. Do I sit around and wait for him to call, and if he does, start the relationship over? Does this mean every time there is a difficult situation in his life he will push me out of it? Is there a chance there is more to this than he is saying?

Caitlin

Caitlin, a relationship people spend a lifetime searching for is not a relationship one walks away from without giving a reason. Jay broke up with you in a way which makes it easy on himself and hard on you. Then he put you in a holding pattern while leaving all his options open.

As I waited for Tamara outside a shop today, I thought I saw a few falling leaves. Then I realized they were not leaves, but Monarch butterflies. The Monarchs’ flight is a bit erratic anyway, and the wind blew them around like leaves.

These butterflies are on their long migration from Canada to central Mexico. The Monarchs know when it is time for their journey to begin, and that is why you started dating again. It was time. Like the Monarchs, your flight may be a little erratic before you reach your true destination. Jay was just a little turbulence along the way.

Wayne

This Or That

I truly felt I found Mr. Right. He’s one of the few men I know who are considerate, open, and willing to make a difference in the world. He says he has chosen a lifestyle which is not the typical American one of over-consumption, designer brands, and expensive things.

I’ve moved to the city where he lives, staying with him until I find a room and a job. He says he wants for us to be in the same city, for me to be working and living my own life so he knows what we are like as a couple.

Recently I saw an e-mail he sent a friend. I know I broke the trust tenet by reading it, and I don’t know why I chose to read this particular e-mail, but it sounds like he wants to keep an open channel with her for possible future opportunities.

I felt love for him before I found out. Now I don’t know if I love him or not. I feel lucky to have found someone, but I don’t know if love will ever grow in his heart for me.

Beryl

Beryl, you don’t sound like someone who normally snoops. Something in his demeanor caused you to look, and in looking you have exchanged one old saying for another. You have lost “ignorance is bliss” and gained “knowledge is power.” But knowledge is power only if you act on it.

You attempted to verify one of two statements: he loves me, or he loves me not. Now you have the answer. If you allow him to determine the course of your relationship, he has all the power. He will do what he will do. That will not lead him to treat you with respect because you are not treating yourself with respect.

Tamara

About The Author

Authors and columnists Wayne and Tamara Mitchell can be reached at www.WayneAndTamara.com.

Send letters to: Direct Answers, PO Box 964, Springfield, MO 65801 or email: DirectAnswers@WayneAndTamara.com.

In today’s world of technology we do not have ample opportunity to get personal. Life is fast-paced and everyone seems to be in a rush. We dial the phone and we talk to machines. We spend long hours on the computer playing games, emailing one another or working with our web pages. Even in the office environment, we email the person in the cubicle 3 feet away instead of walking over to hand them a task list.

Don’t get me wrong. I love technology. I cannot imagine ever being without my computer and am guilty of spending a large part of my day working on line. The computer and Internet afford many opportunities. Now at no charge outside of my Internet connection I can communicate with persons all over the world. If screened carefully young people have a world of education available at their fingertips. I could continue to expound on the many benefits that technology has brought into our lives. However, that is not the gist of this article.

As a result of the technological age of today’s world, our personal touch with one another is decreasing. We need to take full advantage of the opportunity to be personal. Humans are becoming strangers to one another. People are in a hurry to get on with the business of living and walk past each other on the street without even a nod.

Have you wondered why there is so much clinical depression in the world today? Ask yourself why our young people are so distressed. Why so many of them attempt suicide or worse the murder of their classmates or families. Do you conclude as I do that we need more of a personal touch?

Have you taken notice to how you felt when you were standing in line at a bank and someone turned and smiled at you. Prior to that smile you were feeling very anxious, possibly tapping your foot in impatience. You weren’t very happy to be there waiting in a long line. You had things to get done and you were getting more frustrated by the minute. It was one of the mundane drudgeries we all have to go through. Then comes this smile from the person in the line next to you and suddenly you feel much better. You are compelled to smile back. You do so without giving it thought, as though it is a natural inclination to reciprocate the smile.

Think about it, don’t you feel compelled to smile back when someone smiles at you? Doesn’t if lift your mood, and bring you out of a frustrated frame of mind? But that smile does so much more than that. It makes you feel accepted and liked. Somebody cares, and shares the things you go through. It makes you part of a group, a integral part of the human race. If you do not think that our society, do research into why our young people join gangs. The kids will tell you they are seeking to belong, to be a part of something. The gang becomes an extension of the family.

There is power in the smile, you see. It’s as though that instant someone waved a wand and all the drudgery disappeared. You suddenly feel warm and responsive and the person who offered you a smile has just gone from a stranger to be wary of to a kindred spirit. Sometimes a conversation is started and now the mundane drudgery has actually become an enjoyable experience. You no longer feel frustrated and rushed and in spite of yourself and enjoying yourself. The world is now warm and fuzzy instead of cold, fearful and bitter.

I do not mean to imply that giving and receiving a smile is the solution to the world’s problems, but it is a very good place to start. We all need to feel that sense of belonging. We are after all members of the same human family. We should feel moved to embrace each other in our hearts and minds.

So go ahead and smile. I dare you. But be careful. You might find the world a friendlier place to live. You might find that people are warm and kind and appreciative. Your smile might just make their day.

Doran Roggio, writer and entrepreneur provides resources for success in life and business at personalsuccess.healing-truths.com and self-improvement.healing-truths.com

I grew up climbing mountains. Mountains are beautiful and challenging, majestic and all powerful. They also have lessons to teach us: lessons about life and how to live it.

Every mountain has a surprise around the corner, an obstacle in the path, or a storm brewing minutes away. During every climb you’ll find yourself teetering on a ledge, knowing you could fall, and then rounding the bend and seeing a pristine light blue mountain lake nestled in the cradling arms of a snow capped peak. You may struggle to take one step at a time, and then be inspired by a mountain goat teetering on the ledge above you. Mountain climbing taught me how to deal with the unexpected.

But, LIFE taught me this: the hardest mountains we climb are the ones we can’t see. Just when we think we have life figured out and we know where we are going, and how to get there…. something changes: we lose a job, a loved one, our health, a dream, a goal. There is a mountain in our way.

“Life is full of mountains to climb. The climbs are challenging and often painful. If we chose to climb, and follow our route with purpose, preparation, persistence, patience and in partnership, those mountains can become vehicles for wonderful new beginnings.”

SURVIVING

At first we must try to survive … only to survive.

Initially change is shocking. Sometimes we react with anger and sometimes denial. We feel sad, terrified, overwhelmed and out of control. We are lost in the foothills, and until we are able to become emotionally stable, this is where we need to stay as we attempt to find ourselves again. We must first find our footing so that we can move on and prepare to climb the mountain of transition.

REVIVING

Once we have our footing, we may start to a make the climb to new life.

We visualize the peak, pick a route, and start to move.

Next we prepare for survival. We must be physically, emotionally, and mentally prepared. Preparation means getting ready to do our best and persist through the tough times ahead.

We must lighten the load. We are able to travel further and faster if we carry a light load.

Maintaining an adventure attitude helps us persist. Attitude is a personal choice. The adventure attitude looks at mountains as an adventure and opportunity for positive change.

We take risks, and step out of our comfort zone. Finding a new life is all about the painful stretching that leads to new things.

We take one step at a time to get there. It involves sweat and struggle, but we can travel day-by-day, hour-by-hour, step-by-step and make progress.

We handle obstacles along the way. We know we will always encounter unexpected obstacles along the path. Those challenges make us stronger and teach us many lessons. We get stronger with every obstacle we meet, greet, and defeat.

We throw the rope to others. The support and help of friends, family, and strangers we meet along the way helps us attain success.

Thriving

As we climb to the peak, we understand the strength we have acquired through the struggle of the climb.

SOARING above the mountain of change, we find that it is our responsibility to share the lessons we have learned to help others.

Copyright © Soaring 2004 by Cheryl Perlitz

All rights reserved

About The Author

In the business world, Cheryl Perlitz is best known as the author of the popular book, “Soaring Through Setbacks - Rise above adversity - Reclaim your life” and her upcoming book “Survival Tips Handbook.”

Cheryl’s clients, friends and colleagues know her as a fearless mountain climber and nature lover with an insatiable spirit of adventure. She is a dynamic speaker and trainer/facilitator for Candidate University and the National Speakers Assn.

Cheryl’s message to you; “TRANSFORM YOUR MOUNTAINS INTO OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVENTURE AND POSITIVE CHANGE.” You may contact Ms. Perlitz through her website at www.soarwithme.com.

julie@rivendellcommunications.com

You’re a remarkable person. But, you knew that already. Still, buried among apathy, unbelief and inhibition, is the brilliant “you” waiting to be released. You already knew that, too. A few disappointments here, several temporary defeats there, and POOF! just like that, you settled for being a risk-conscious, opportunity: self-denied, generality. Nobody makes any progress by standing still. You’re not an exception; and you’re not alone.

In fact, you have plenty of company. But, why settle for a life that looks like just about everyone else’s? Do something magnificent with your God-given gifts and boldly distinguish yourself from the masses. Decide-on this day-to connect with your brilliance, within.

Paramount in your quest for brilliance is the personal development and daily utilization of your talents and abilities. As a matter of fact, it’s required. It’s not necessary to be perfect. Striving for excellence in everything you do is enough to release your brilliance.

Trust me. You were not born to be “mild.” So cut it out! There’s an entire universe out there starving for your gifts. How long will you continue to wait to take those last four classes needed for your degree? What career have you just been “wishing it were so” about? If all you can see is yourself remaining 16 units short of your degree, how can you possibly prepare for an exciting future? If you can’t believe for a meaningful vocation now, will you have the passion to believe for one later?

Challenge yourself. Commit to do just two things this hour that will untap your brilliance. Revamp your resume; make a phone call to your advisor. Even a modest amount of brilliance unreleased, would relay the message to your brain: “Wow, she’s serious!”

Ignite your passion. Inhale, then excel. Stand and deliver! See, then be!

Your life matters. Visualize your brilliance totally unreleased. Then boldly, step into the vision.

Fran Briggs is a “motivational speaker of the inspirational kind.” She is a published author of several books including, “Seeds for Success,” and the children’s inspirational, “Don’t Think Like an Elephant!” For resources that maximize human potential, visit Fran at http://www.franbriggs.com and sign up for your free successzine. It’s a newsletter loaded with innovative success tools and strategies.

Astrology is the study of the differing planetary energies and their effects on humans. It is not fortune telling it is an incredible calculable tool, which when studied, can help you find out the reason for this incarnation, what you have incarnated to learn this life time to help you through your evolvement.

Through the study of astrology and your birth chart, you will learn the qualities, gifts and talents which you have brought in with you from previous lives that when realized and harnessed can be shared with the world and humanity.
The planets have differing qualities of energy, some of these qualities I will now list for you, as examples. The Sun, a true star is a warm, generous ball of fire, with a never ending amount of energy which it lovingly gives to all life. The Sun represents our Father.

The Moon is quite different from the Sun, it allows us to feel our emotions, and it also influences the waters of the seas giving them higher or lower tides depending on the phases of the moon. It allows us to get in touch with our past and to be in tune with our feminine side and to nurture. The Moon represents our Mother.

The planet Venus has differing qualities again; its energies allow the opportunity to relate to others, to have self worth or lack of it. It is the planet of love, beauty, balance and peace. All these qualities of energy can be played out negatively or positively. It is our choice, so once we are aware of these energies and with some knowledge of Astrology we can choose to play our game of life positively. Then, our life will be more enjoyable, more peaceful within ourselves and the world and more content with our lot, because, what we give out we get back, it’s that simple.

Now, my belief is that on a soul level, we as humans chose the parents, the date, time and place we needed to be born at, so that the planets would be in such a configuration, and beaming their differing qualities of energy, that we need to have this life time to learn the lessons, required to help us climb a little further up the ladder of evolution…
We as human beings are here to learn, we do not do things wrong or make mistakes, we are just learning. Life is a journey of learning. Whilst we are here on earth we will continue to learn our lessons, whether we like it or not, whether we are aware of it or not.

The more we are open and aware of any reactions we may have when interacting with others, and the more flexible we are to change. The easier our life will flow.
By finding out just where all the planets were stationed in the heavens, when you were born will tell an astrologer just what lessons you have incarnated to learn.

An astrologer will cast a natal birth chart for you; with the information of the place and time you were born. With this information an astrologer can see in the chart just where the planets were, and if they have any aspects (connections) to each other. These aspects can be easy or a difficult, thereby indicating where your greatest challenges in life are.

Through the study of astrology and being willing to change my dysfunctional behaviour I have created a very happy, peaceful and fulfilled life. I have found creative abilities which I was not aware of before, and find myself at the great age of 62 building and maintaining websites http://www.soulstardesign.com, singing, boogie boarding, painting, and generally having a wonderful life.
I have created one of my websites http://www.cdordersonline.com to help promote local talent here on the Gold Coast Australia. My other website http://www.joanellerby.com has more information on astrology, with keywords for all 12 signs of the zodiac explained to help you.

I am making a trek through the Bible this year starting out
with reading a couple chapters in the Old Testament and
about 1 chapter starting with Matthew per day. It’s amazing
how many times they coincide with eachother. I just got to
thinking about the truth that God keeps telling us about. If
only we would learn to lean on this fact instead of being
stubborn and thinking we are all excempt from life
happening, our lives would start to shape up the way they
were intended.

About three and a half thousand years after the fall of man in
Genesis, a nation arises out of Exodus. The main theme
behind God’s Word is redemption. People back then are not
so different than they are today. Chapter 32 tells about the
impatience of the Israelites while Moses went up to Mt. Sinai
to get the Commandments from God. God had already done
miraculous events to prove Who He was, but after a short
while promising they would be faithful to follow all His
commands, they grew impatient. They had convinced Aaron
to make for them a golden calf in which to honor. God saw
all that was happening and was set to destroy them all, but
Moses pleaded for God to change His mind. (Ex.32:12) He
did turn from the evil which He thought about doing to them
(vs. 15)

When Moses returned with the tablets written by God,
Joshua told him there was a noise of war in the camp. (vs.
32:17) But it wasn’t a war, it was a celebration of the most
brazen kind. Moses saw that the people were singing and
dancing around the molten calf, acting like crazed maniacs.
(vs.32:19). Moses got so angry that he melted the calf and
broke the tablets from God. Since Aaron was left in charge,
Moses asked him why did he let this happen? (vs.32:21)
And like so many of us, Aaron blamed it on the people being
set on evil. He did not show any authority. We see this alot
even in the churches themselves today. There is such a
passive role among Pastors and Preachers and Teachers.
They don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings and so they preach
messages of “sin managment” instead of telling everyone
how it really is.

But God is a God of order and will not put up with
compromise in the least bit. God will bring condemnation
upon those who are as He called a “stiff-necked” people. He
gave them consequences to pay for.

“And when Moses saw that the people were unruly and
unrestrained (for Aaron had let them get out of control, so
that they were a derision and object of shame among their
enemies). Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and
said, Whoever is on the Lord’s side, let him come to me.
And all the Levites (the priestly tribe) gathered together to
him.” Ex. 32:26-27 (Amplified)

God demands order in our lives and if we don’t pay heed to
His direction, He will let us be an object of shame before
our enemies. Our church families are out of order and we
are seeing the result of this today. Why can’t we get this
right? God is a Man of His Word and He ordered for those
who were on His side to kill all the others that weren’t,
including brothers and friends and neighbors. (vs.32:27)

About 3,000 men fell that day under the sword of the Levis.
Because of their obedience, God had consecrated them
and set them apart as priests to the Lord. God could now
restore their blessings that He had already bestowed on
them through Abraham.

Moses wanted to make atonement for the evil that these
people had done, but no one except Christ can do that
today. Moses asked God to blot his name from the Book of
Life. But God spoke this; “Whoever has sinned against Me, I
will blot Him (not you) out of My Book. God still promises to
do that today. No one can save us except the blood of Christ.
We can not ride on someone else’s coat tails for
redemption.

If we know the truth, why then do we tempt it? Do we think
God doesn’t really care, that He will forgive us just because
He thinks we’re so special? Don’t be deceived by any false
doctrine being taught. There is only One Way to salvation
and that is through Jesus Christ, other than that, you’re on
your own. God can not look upon sin of any kind and unless
you are covered in the blood, God can not look upon you. He
will have no choice but to crush you into dust one day.

“And whoever falls on this Stone will be broken to pieces,
but he on whom It falls will be crushed to powder (and It will
winnow him, scattering him like dust).” Matt. 21:44

Jesus is the Stone on which we should fall. God will break
us of our human nature and reshape us into a work of pure
gold. But for the one who refuses to be broken by Him will
end up being crushed by Him when He will judge the evil
works of their hands. This is the Truth and these are the
consequences.

If you haven’t come to Christ as your Rock of Salvation yet, or
may have back slidden, it’s never too late to ask for
repentence. It’s all that God requires of you. It’s not how
badly you’ve behaved in the past. He can throw all that out in
an instant and give you a clean slate. Since we know that
Christ will return one day, we just don’t know exactly when,
why would you let another day go by without coming to Him?

God is slow to anger and shows His loving kindness to all
who come to Him for forgiveness. Perhaps He’s waiting for
you to come today?

When you fall on the Stone, you can then stand firm!

Vivian Gordon writes inspirational and spiritual articles
in which to help strengthen the Believer’s walk in Christ.
They are often taken from today’s point of view and
used in conjunction with what God says about certain
situations and how we are to handle them. There is
always an answer for every problem. These articles are
not all about asking God “why?” but in finding the
answers.

Yesterday ,3rd of March 2006, Jupiter started to move retrograde and it will keep this direction until 5th of July 2006.

Jupiter in Scorpio already boosted all the underground activities and all hidden things started to come to the surface. Also all the religious fanatism activites found a ’solid’ ground for manifestation. You can look at our world today and we can observe that a lot of dirty things are coming to the light. Also at the personal level is a period of hard times especially those persons with Jupiter transiting natal planets - people with planets in Scorpio/Taurus for example.

The exact start date of the retro movement was 3.03.2006 5:42am GMT on the 18:52 degree in Scorpio. Until 6.03.2006 4:30am GMT it will remain on the 18:52 degree , meaning that Jupiter will be stationary during this period. The stationary periods are important and very powerfull from energy point of view and during this moments all activities related to Jupiter should be postponed: travelling abroad or on long distances, all things related to the laws, partners, associates and religious beliefs.

The sabian symbol of the 18:52 scorpio degree (19 degree scorpio) is : A wise old parrot has been listening attentively to the conversation and preening himself; now he begins to speak.

If you analyze this sabian symbol of Jupiter retro it might be possible that some rumours and negative opinions might spread all over the world and many people it will become confused. There is the danger the this rumours can become valid truth for some of the peoples and may cause some serious problems. Also at the personal level there might be some problems with hidden ‘friends’ which will spread some not very good thoughts about you.

Jupiter it will return to his direct motion on 5th of July 2006 at 6:46pm GMT and it will be positioned at 8:59 Scorpio.

Sabian Symbol fo 9 Scorpio: A dentist is hard at work. Man-made porcelain replaces nature’s enamel which consciousness has been unable to hold

This sabian symbol may suggest that after 5th of July we might be able to find solutions to problems appeared during this retrograde period. We might be able to solve some of the issues that before looked hard to solve.

Jupiter retrogred period, at personal level, is an excelent time for self-reflection and interiorization. Our expanding energies are contracting and we will have time and the mood for analyzing all our internal beliefes (religious or not). We just have to calm down and to connect to the surrouding energies and to our innner-self. We will receive many subtile messages that will guide us in life.

As an advice …during this period it should be better to avoid starting any new activities that involves laws and justice , travelling abroad , partnerships. Also avoid doing thing that are at the legal limit…the risk of being discovered is increased.

My name is Dan Ciubotaru and I’m the author of this astrology software.
I’m a romanian astrologer , member of Romanian Astrologers Association and I’m currently based in Bucharest, Romania. My websites are: Living astrology blog, http://www.astrologydatabase.com and http://www.configurationhunter.com.

From our first day on earth until our last, we face different
levels of adversity. Adversity may be sickness, a property
loss, or the loss of a family member. It may be a lost career
promotion or a business setback. How we handle these
adversities defines how we achieve greatness in our lives.

Let me share the story of James Blake, who overcame
multiple adversities, more than most of us would ever
experience in a lifetime and yet achieved greatness. James
Blake is a world class professional tennis player enjoying
fame and making a six-figure income. However, in his
childhood, he developed a rare disease that required him to
wear a body brace for years. Other kids teased him, calling
him “Iron Man” from the Marvel Comic Books, and he felt
left out. During this time, he concentrated on his academics,
read a wide variety of books, and developed himself as a
well-rounded person. He also developed a heightened
awareness for others who are going through difficult times.

Once he had the brace removed, he learned to play tennis
with an intense passion not exhibited by many other tennis
players, because he appreciated the opportunity to finally
play tennis. He didn’t take this opportunity for granted. He
attended Harvard and became the #1 player on their tennis
team.

As a promising professional player, adversity struck again.
In 1994, while practicing for a major tournament, he slipped
and fell forward striking his neck against the metal pole that
holds the tennis net. James’s doctor said that had James not
slightly turned his head, James would have broken his
vertebra and become paralyzed from the neck down. Instead,
he was hospitalized with a fractured vertebra, blurred vision,
and dizziness.

While in the hospital, James did much soul searching. Many
family members and friends came by to offer encouragement,
advice, and support. His coach was a constant bedside
companion and finally asked James, “Do you want to play
tennis again?” James said “yes,” and they developed a plan
to start his comeback.

With the support of family, friends, and his coach, James
started his comeback step by painful step. At first when he
tried to play tennis, he still had to overcome his blurred
vision and dizziness. He had doubts whether he would ever
handle the 125 mph plus serves of his opponents.

Then he suffered another setback. During his rehabilitation,
his father, with whom he had a very close relationship,
developed cancer and passed away. During his father’s
sickness, James was by his side. After his father passed
away, James was devastated. However, he regrouped and
carried on with the support of his mother, family, friends, and
coach.

He returned to playing professional tennis, and there were
many more losses than wins. But he stayed focused and
determined and progressively improved. He began playing
the top professional players competitively, and he began
winning against the top players. Then he once again started
winning tournaments. After this long journey, James became
one of the top players in the world.

What can we learn from James Blake’s journey through
adversity to greatness? The following are three keys to
making adversity work for you:

1. If it Doesn’t Kill You, It Makes you Stronger
   Many times we face adversities and say, “If only I can make
   it through this.” It may be a sickness, loss of a loved one,
   job loss, etc. By remaining focused, determined, and
   concentrating on the positive, many times you can become
   stronger.

   Parents are now sheltering their children against any little
   adversity for fear it might be painful. I say allow your
   children to “grow up” and stop sheltering them from
   adversity. Teach them how to make adversity work for them.
   These adversities and the way they handle the adversities
   will define who they are and prepare them for challenges in
   the future. Some of our greatest business leaders, scientists,
   engineers, inventors, humanitarians, and sport heroes
   became the people they are because they overcame
   adversity.

2. Adversity Often Develops Unknown Talents
   Once the door of adversity closes one opportunity to you,
   the door of greatness often opens another. James Blake, first
   during his sicknesses and then after, developed his
   awareness of helping other unfortunate people. Now he
   runs free tennis programs for disadvantaged children.
   Before his sickness, James was not known for his
   concentration and focus on the tennis court. After his
   sickness, he developed and became known for his mental
   toughness. When experiencing adversity, ask yourself,
   “What positive thing can come out of this?”

3. Adversity Rallies Your Resources
   While James was sick, many resources arrived to help him.
   First, he had the time to step back to reflect on his life, goals,
   mission, and values. Second, he was able to obtain sound
   advice from family, friends, and others that he might not
   have been able to receive while traveling on the road. His
   setbacks allowed him to take time to summon resources
   (advice, help, etc.) he would not have realized if he had been
   traveling non-stop. He made his “downtime” work for him.

When adversity comes, don’t avoid it; attack adversity with
all your resources. The way you manage adversity will
define who you are and ready you for future opportunities,
because adversity can be your seed of greatness.

Ed Sykes is a professional speaker, author, and success
coach in the areas of leadership, motivation, stress
management, customer service, and team building. You can
e-mail him at mailto:esykes@thesykesgrp.com, or call him at
(757) 427-7032. Go to his web site,
http://www.thesykesgrp.com, and signup for his
newsletter, OnPoint, and signup for the newsletter, OnPoint,
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Secrets for the Busy Professional.”