...and time matters

“At the atomic scale, it is never possible to obtain what scientists would traditionally consider to be complete information. Aside from the practical problems, there is an inherent limit on the ability to record information about matter and energy. Understanding conjectural objects requires the willing suspension of disbelief. These objects are fuzzy entities that elude concrete escription, defying commonsense notions of space and time, cause and effect. They aren't the sorts of things you can hold in your hand or play catch with. But whatever its form, information can be measured by bits and therefore described using prime numbers. Measuring the motion freezes its spin in one of the directions, or states, destroying the other possibilities. The destruction of all those different possible spin directions means a lot of information gets lost. But one of the key uses of information theories is helping make efficient use of information. Which is all over the place, even further.”

Too nice for the top?

It’s all very well having an understanding nature, but what if your caring, sharing ways are holding you back at work? You have an important meeting at work, and you’re set to impress with a great idea you know your boss will love. You have everyone’s attention – but just as you’re about to start, a solleague interrupts and scts as if it was her idea all along. You’re fuming, but you don’t want to appear rude or petty by butting in. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The majority of women in middle-management think the best way to climb the career ladder is by being polite, sociable and considerate. Questioned women hold very different views about success; factors such as how attractive they are, their popularity and their likeability are known as very important to the senior managers. But really what is counting with the boss are factors such as qualifications, experience and attitude. Being too nice at work is a common female problem – in childhood, most of the women learn to value relationships over winning. This means, in the workplace, women can be hampered by trying to keep everyone happy. Consequently, a woman might not fully claim the credit for her accomplishment. We shouldn’t feel the way to succeed by sacrificing our pleasing personality. There is a difference between niceness and lack of assertiveness – you don’t need to be pushy, lond or aggressive to climb the career ladder and it is wrong to assume the only one who go far in the workplace is the one who act like some more aggressive men. So how do you achieve the fine balance being nice to your colleagues and commanding respect and exuding authority at work? You don’t have to undergo a personality transplant on the way.

...1st problem: The idea snatcher – Your colleagues who are louder, pushier or slightly more senior than you continually pinch the ideas you’ve spent hours working on. Every time you have a bright suggestion at a meeting, they talk over you until everyone believes they were who came up with it. When you have a successful idea while working as a team, another member of the group always manages to take credit for it.
...the solution: Learn to be the queen of cool – don’t be intimidated. Acknowledge the part you’ve played in previous successes, even if no one else does. If it helps, make a note of these and keep them to hand – perhaps reading the list before you go into your next meeting. This will boost your confidence so you approach the situation differently and make it harder for others to talk you down. The layout of conference rooms often sets women at an immediate disadvantage, with oversized chairs making them look small and less important. Instead, sit on the edge of your chair, leaning into the table while making eye contact with whoever is speaking. If someone still attempts to butt in, got to look at the speaker who is interrupting and with firm but kind voice just say: “I know you were eager to talk, but I haven’t finished. Here’s what I didn’t get to say…” This way you can draw people’s attention to the initial interruption rather than the one you are forced to make. Another trick is to keep your boss constantly up to date with your progress. If you keep him informed about your accomplishments by email or through memos, then you make it difficult for colleagues to steal your ideas.

...2nd problem: Tantrum control – You’re in charge of a team of colleagues at work, but you’re too easy-going and a junior employee is taking advantage of your soft nature. You have to get them to work efficiently, yet you want to make sure you don’t lose your temper.
...the solution: Punish the problem, not the person – Show everyone you mean business by focusing on the problem at hand; keep everything concentrated on the missed deadline or the upset client and how to resolve that issue, rather than the performance of the member of staff involved. You will see better results and get the matter resolved much more quickly. Set a team goal, then suggest that the best way of meeting it is if you each put the same amount of effort in. This will make you seem more efficient and focused, and prove – without you having to resort to nastiness – that friendships need not interfere with work. It will also ensure your team feels confident and any criticism is not directed at them personally, thus keeping morale high. But what if a staff member is being really unreasonable? When you’re tempted to lose your temper, try not to. It’s better to live to fight again than to score points and blow your top completely. Play to win in the long term. Even if you’re trembling inside when you’re forced to excert authority, it’s important to appear in control. How you say something can be just as important as what you say. Be aware of the non-verbal messages sent to junior employees. When talking, maintain firm eye contact. If you feel uncertain, then remain standing while talking to the senior employee, rather than sitting down – this claims some power. Use a firm tone of voice, too. Many women lose power by letting words rise at the end of a sentence. It turns a statement into a question and makes you seem less confident. Sound as if you mean it and the job gets done, the boss sees you in control and you avoid confrontations.

...3rd problem: You’re a “yes” woman – Your boss doesn’t like to be contradicted, so it’s easier to just agree with him/her, even though you know he/she is wrong or that him/her idea won’t work. You may hate for doing it, but you don’t want to upset him/her. After all, he/she is the boss and what he/she says goes.
...the solution: Widen the realms of possibility – Remamber, to disagree is to offer a different way of doing things. You’re not saying that your boss’ way will never work. It may help to prepare him/her for your counter agreement gently, by putting some time between his/her proposal andyour reaction to it. You’re doing a disservice to yourself and your boss, if you feel compelled to agree with him/her at all costs. First, you have to work on stopping those agreeable words from coming out too quickly. When he/she presents an idea with which you disagree, buy some thinking time by saying: “I understand what your idea is. I’d like to think about it a little while. I’m not sure I agree with all of it.” Then, after a break, you’ll be prepared for a more appropriate response. Acknowledge him/her enthusiasm for his/her plan and offer suggestions to improve it, rather than attacking the idea on it’s own terms. Even if he/she doesn’t take your oppinion on board, you’ll feel much better for voicing your misgivings. If his/her idea proves to be a failure after all that, he/she may realise it’s worth listening more carefully to you next time around – and you’ll have made your point, without anyone thinking less of you. Mission accomplished.

...4th problem: You’re your worst enemy – You desperately want to take the reins at work, but everyone around you is beginning to appear much more capable, more confident and more qualified. You’re beginning to consider if you’re good enough for the job.
...the solution: Don’t be so hard on yourself – Remember, you got where you are now because the powers that be believed you were the right woman for the job. If it helps, re-read your CV to remember why you applied for the job in the first place. It’s a common problem that women make life difficult for themselves by refusing to recognise their importance in te workplace. If something;s going wrong, don’t assume it’s your fault. Look at the people around you, the system you’re working in and the management structure around you. You’re probably just suffering a temporary blip in confidence. To combat it, make a note of the role you’ve played in previous successes at work and read it whenever you’re tempted to take the blame. Finally, think twice before putting yourself down and remember – if you don’t believe you deserve to be treated with respect, you probably won’t be.

...5th problem: You can’t say No – You came in early because your in-tray’s already weighed down with work and you’ve cancelled your night out to catch up. Yet you’ve just accepted another major task that needs finishing for tomorrow and promised a colleague to take on a job she doesn’t fancy doing to help her out. The word “no” just doesn’t seem to be in your vocabulary.
...the solution: Be a giver not a taker – First, break the cycle of acceptance you’ve fallen into. Don’t be afraid to take regular holidays to prevent burnout. And don’t let anyone stress you out while you are away. On your return, start afresh. We often believe saying “no” means people will think less of us and believe we’re not capable of what the job requires. This isn’t the case. Bosses don’t remember acts of kindness at promotion time. They remember who gets the job done. So, ifyou’re helping everyone else out, taking on more work than it’s possible to complete, it won’t be you. You have to learn to resist the “British” disease of saying “yes” to everything. It’s the worst trap you can fall into. Even if you begin by saying “no” to one project a week, you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes. No one can expect you to do everything, so don’t feel you’re letting people down. Instead say: “I’d like to help, but unfortunately I wouldn’t be able to give the appropriate time and attention to the job.” Then get to work on clearing your own in-tray.

Management Today magazine shows in a research that women managers are more truthful, considerate and appreciative than their male counterparts. They boost morale and productivity by praising workers and promoting teamwork, and they are better at customer relations. That’s how you can cash in on your gender:
- Keep morale high: good managers keep everyone feeling good about what each person’s doing.
- Be understanding: use emphatic assertion to put yourself in the other person’s shoes before making any statements.
- Be reasonable: don’t let yourself be seen as everyone’s mother. Set limits on how available you are to everyone to take care of their problems.
- Give positive feedback: this includes pointing out colleadues’ strengths as well as areas for growth.
- Be ready to listen: be open to hearing the opinion of everyone, rather than taking a dictatorial approach.

How to catch a dream?

You can fulfill yours, too – whatever they are.

1.) Identify your dream – Sometimes people get confused and think they don’t know what they want to achieve. We all know what our dreams are, but what’s important is to identify the essence of them. For instance, if since the age of eight, you’ve wanted to be a ballet dancer but you’re now over twenty and know might not make it as the lead on a first-class show, don’t give up. What excited you about being a dancer in the first place? Was it the need to perform? If it was, channel that need into something else – maybe part of the public sphere. I suggest you ask yourself a few pointed questions to help identify your dreams. Ask yourself what you regret not having done in life. Do you regret not travelling? Do you regret not going to college? Then ask yourself what it was that stopped you doing it – like money or your age? Then think if any of these obstacles can realistically be overcome – are you really too old to go travelling at the age of your own? Questioning yourself like this will bring out your real aspirations and dreams.

2.) Set your dreams in motion – One of the best ways of getting your dreams into motion is writing them down. Get a piece of paper, some pens or pencils and sketch out exactly what it is you would like to achieve. It could be a relationship you want or job – sketch out what you need to do to achieve it. Note down the money, qualifications and phone numbers of organizations that could help you. Get together (if possible) three or four friends who are also trying to set their dreams in motion and meet (again, if possible) once a month to give each other support. They’ll help you with decision making and motivation. People who get their dreams up and running do it with the right support.

3.) Stick with your dreams – Accept that if you want to lead an exciting life, then setbacks are part of the deal. If one does occur don’t let it shatter your confidence – keep sight of your dreams. It’s useful to have an image of what the dream will be like once it is achieved. Visualise yourself in your new life – think about it every time you feel like giving up. Making positive affirmations are suggested. Tell yourself “I’m a winner” or “my life is getting better” – and you should avoid criticising yourself; it always leads to failure.

4.) How to keep your dreams – Don’t move the good posts. The problem is, when your dream has become a reality, you begin to think that if you did it anybody can do it – and you see it as ordinary. But this is so wrong. Instead try and recognise your achievment and celebrate it. If you don’t, you may be in danger of losing it. Sadly, most of the pleasure in even major achievments means off after a couple months. Set your sights on something new – it’s all about staying involved and striding onwards and upwards.

sunset in time

The sunkissed sounds of balmy nights and summer breezes, smoky lounges and sandy beaches are bended together. Man has lived a long time the way he has lived - human nature is eternal. Therefore, one who follows his nature keeps his original nature, in the end. Living in a world full of confusion, is like living in a world full of lies, full of disappointments, and a world of nothing but illusions; being trapped into a world like this, a fear of never being able to find that way out, the only door that leads to the way out, just so conveniently always seems to be lost. Wishing that you could disappear and hide yourself from all the pain that is caused in this world, hide yourself from the lies, the hates and your own thoughts is to find the balance - but better search and sincerely plead for hope. Each day goes by slowly; I try to be creative with time. But I know not every opportunity is for me to grab. What was it like for us to wait? What did we do while we were waiting? What thoughts went through our mind? I look at my family and friends and I realize that they are waiting, for me to give them my time and undivided attention. While I am dreaming about big things in life, I see what (or who) is more important – people, who need to be touched, known, and heard. Only the prepared will overcome the trials and temptations. We are never to lose compassion and care for others, even if they are miles or oceans away from us. All mankind is of one author, and is one volume; when one man dies, one chapter is not torn out of the book, but translated into a better language; and every chapter must be so translated. As therefore the bell that rings to a sermon, calls not upon the preacher only, but upon the congregation to come: so this bell calls us all: but how much more me, who am brought so near the door by this sickness. No man is an island, entire of itself; any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. Time goes by fast. Sometimes I get panicky thinking about how I spend each day. When I wake up in the morning, I wonder how I will spend that day. When I go to sleep, I look back and wonder what I’ve done on that day. I had much to do each day and spent it without much thinking. I knew I was moving upward, making progress. I feel as though I need to be out there, doing something for the humanity as well. But I have to remind myself being proceeds doing. What I do will never give me a sense of who I am. That’s not me anyway. I am much deeper than what others perceive me as; even before I try to make my name known in the world or to leave my footprint. No one can tell me that I am invalid because I am and not do. Because I am present in this world, the world is already a different place. Although I might not be doing something fantastic out there, my silence and quietitude do make a difference. My slowing down protests this fast-paced, work and achievement-driven society. Sometimes you get a better glimpse of your world when you step out of it. Many things you thought were of utmost importance might not be as important as you think. Also we might be able to look at ourselves more clearly, because all our masks are down. There is nothing like human words that can either throw one into despair or revive one’s soul. But as I struggle each day to find hope and comfort, I am beginning to understand the verses. Fear is a powerful force. It can paralyze us or empower us to do something we can’t possibly imagine doing with a rational mind. Fear is the absence of security. And living in an insecure world, we know what fear feels like. Fear grips us. The sense of peace is nowhere to be found. In the minds of the fearful we are always the victims. The aggressors are out there to get us. We feel we have to defend ourselves at any cost. It is ironic that we have to buy guns to protect ourselves against gun violence. Our sense of moral superiority is another protection against our fear. In this unpredictable, chaotic world we’d like to believe that we are on the good side. I wonder how many of us truly live a hopeful life each day. We can look forward to different things as we face a new day – meeting someone, eating meals, accomplishing something you wanted. But if your life is like mine and today is not much different from yesterday and tomorrow will be not much different from today, we need something beyond our mundane life to keep us going – hope. Not expecations but hope. Hope is the borometer of our spiritual welbeing, I believe. A well-nurtured and grounded spirit is hopeful, regardless of the cirumstances one is in. Emptiness and despair are the opposite of hope. As we have seen, a hopeless soul is destructive not only to oneself but to others. But a hopeful one revives not only oneself but can resucitate others as well. Advent is a time of inner searching, when hope, anticipation and introspection are active in our souls. Perhaps my creativity will come in when I put my effort in connecting with others more meaningfully, when I offer my help in my brokenness, insecurity and doubts to others who are making the same journey. Perhaps the opportune time is here and now. It is up to us how we make of it; or even make it better.

People who like to travel can't wait to put themselves into the role of the wanderer, the visitor, the stranger passing through, and, sometimes, unfortunately, the victim. I have no idea why, but I am one of those people. It's just that, having done it, I get this incredible rush – a feeling of accomplishment completely absent from my suburban roots - discovering real people, real cultures and having incredible real life experiences along the way. Probably anyone knows the exciting feeling when you are thinking and planning a new trip to some distant places. If you believe in what you are doing, then let nothing hold you up. Much of the best things of the world has been done against seeming impossibilities. The thing is to get it done for real.

stormy weather

Have you ever had a dream that you think is so real that when you wake up it takes a few minutes to convince yourself that it was only a dream? It is so easy through any period of turmoil or severe weather conditions, to believe that it will never end, and that the storm will not pass. Well, it does, and it will. Awareness and safety are key. When storm clouds gather on the horizon, it's not foolish to batten down the hatches, and prepare. Life is a sea of changes, and each one of us are sailors riding the waves. Like life, the sea may not be fair, but when damaged by the storm we can rebuild and heal. If we see fellow sailors in distress, we must reach out and cast a line; you never know when you may need the same. We may all sail our own individual ships, still, we are all part of the armada of souls, searching for a safe port. Yet, the normal folks are beginning to have a hard time distinguishing science fiction from real life - the fine line between both is starting to fade. Trouble always seems like "someone else's problem" until it arrives at our own front door. There are many things in life that we don't have control over, but our perception of them, we do. This perception affects our state of mind and in doing so, we choose whether to rejoice in the light, or lurk in the shadows. It never ceases to amaze me how two people can look at the same picture and come away with two totally opposite viewpoints of what their eyes have seen. Interpretation is incorporated into just about everything we encounter in life. The affects of these interpretations place us on an emotional scale where joy and freedom sits at the top, and fear and despair reigns at the bottom. Whether we choose it or not, we accept a belief system to live by. The learning of life is the ultimate art. So many express it in so many ways. The imperfections of Humanity may not be expected to get it totally right, but they are expected to try. Each generation is expected to become better than the previous. We are supposed to perch on the shoulders of those who came before, until one day we can see the clouds of heaven. There can be no art, if we are not learning, and there can be no learning, if we have no art. Through stormy weather, just when we feel lost, out of the dark cuts the beams of light from the lighthouse - rays of hope, that can bring us to shore. No matter how dark the day, rest assured, there is always the light that says we are never alone.

one plus one will always equals two

'smoke your eyes'

Dark, glamorous eyes dominates in every time, in every season - it's going to be a smoulderingly hot one, even this one. Heavy, glossy india-ink eyes flash and sparkle on the catwalk. It's a continuation of the iconic, glamourous feel of the past. Fashion insiders put the trend down to our socio-psychological desire to look expensive in the face of a potential economic recession. The style keeps its contemporary edge with softly groomed eyebrows, and eyeshadow that's almost translucent. Strong eyeliner is complemented by brow bones highlighted with a shimmering hue. Our desire to look into someone's eyes (or have them look into ours) is due to an optical illusion. Eyes are attracted to contrasts or light and dark, and glittering pipils demand attention. Painting a dark colour around the eye is an extension of this. In doing so, we're expanding the whites of the eyes by surrounding them with black in order to attract potential admirers. The other big sex-appeal factor is that we're accentuating the natural difference between the male and female eye. Because women;s eyes have thinner skin around them, they naturally look darker than men's. A dark eye is a sign of femininity, which men are programmed to notice. To achieve smoky eyes, start gradually. A soft black kohl eyeliner gives the quickest and sexiest finish to the eyes. Lining the inner rims of the eye crates a frame of instant sophistication, which can be intensified by taking the kohl into the lashes and smudging it. Build the liner and shadow up until you have the right intensity. There are no rules or limits. To keep it pretty as opposed to strong make the edges soft and subtle. Finally, never scrutinise make-up. Take a step back from the mirror and view yourself from the distance others would. Find your suits-you smoky shade.

'less is better now'

Something strange is happening to modern women. When it comes to make-up, we all suddenly want to look like like we're not wearing any. It's true. Ask yourself how you'd describe your signature style or personal approach to make-up, and if some of the words 'simple', 'natural', 'understated' or 'sheer' don't come into aquation, you're a rare being indeed. So, what's going on? Have we lost interest in our appearance? Got bored of beauty products? Or have we become so confused by ever-changing beauty trends that we've just given up? The answer is none of the above. The most recent reports shows that spending on cosmetics is higher than ever, and the category that accounts for over a third of these sales is so-called 'face' make-up - foundations, concealers, powders and blushers. We're doing more and spending more to create the illusion of no make-up - a complexion so flawless we don't need any extra colour. But hold on, surely a life without gorgeous shimmery powders and brightly coloured lipsticks will simply make us look plain, boring and downright old? On the contrary. For many women, 'going natural' is the Holy Grail in the quest for younger-looking skin. And, let's face it, looking young is what we're all really after. 'Women want to be percieved as perfect - like they came out that way'. Some radiance serums were designed to create this impression - to give you the 'original skin' you were born with - and a slew of other 'complexion-enhancing' creams aim to do the same. But for feminists, this preasure for effortless perfection is nothing short of oppression. Some authors believes that a male-dominated society has made us obsessed with ageing. 'Aging in women is "undeautiful", since women grow more powerful with time', some says. But some others disagrees, asserting that it is beauty, not age, that holds most power for women, so the process of making ourselves look attractive can be seen as a feminist act in itself. (Earlier the last century, make-up was endorsed by feminists, with suffragettes wearing lipstick as a sign of their liberation). Staying youthful and beautiful just for the sake of it is no longer enough. Beauty equates to power and control. Whichever argument you agree with, it's fair to say that even the most 'natural' make-up look is rarely achieved without clever products. The paradox is that while bright cosmetics were once worn to look younger, now we think they have the oposite effect; and it's the is-she-or-isn't-she make-up that really takes years off you. Consequently, the products we want to buy are changing dramatically. Out go deep colours and heavy textures, and in come all things sheer, light and, you guessed it, natural. In Western beauty 'natural' is seen as desirable, but what is natural beauty? It is really only a perception of natural beauty that is strived for. And that doesn't mean not wearing any make-up at all. In fact, some of the latest collections contains only natural shades, including some of the best-selling illuminators. Many of the products that have achieved cult status in the beauty world are similarly 'nude'. As a result of our desire to look atural, more technologically advanced products have been developed. And the airbrushing and photo manipulation techniques used on models that inspire us to believe we too can have flawless shin have also been refined. We see the perfect skin of models in photos and we want to look the same - but for most of us, it's simply not possible to get a perfect 'no make-up' look without using make-up. The airbrushing techniques used in advertising and editorial give an unrealistic perception of what we want to look like. It cannot possibly work off paper. Another explanation for beauty's new 'no make-up' trend is the way in which many of our beauty ideas filter down from another society influences. It's our new obsession with 'lunchtime lip-filters' and 'Botox before breakfast' that has rendered us able to do without the trowelled-on make-up look. The Western preoccupation with feeling and looking younger is exporting its influence accros the pond. The stigma cosmetics treatments and procedures is slowly being lifted, and no loonger carries the fear and loathing it once did. But aside from the questionable assertion that surgical treatments have 'improved' our underlying features so we need wear less make-up, it's certainly true that we've lifted the 'nude and neutral' look from aside. But the 'bare' faces, like the tan leather handbags and perfect blow-dries, also say something about the lifestyle. With no worry lines, stress breakouts or dark cirlces, there is a hidden implication in those healthy, glowing bare faces that they've been blessed with a stress-free existence. In reality, of course, a clear complexion signifies nothing of the sort. Ironically, the easiest way to a stress-free existence is not to worry about getting older. And according to the experts, the best way to do that is to have confidence not only in yourself but also in your products. A product that helps to enhance your appearance, rather than cover or manipulate, definately promotes confidence. The theory goes that we should all be looking for the kind of confidence that comes from within, so we can feel good in our own skin, without needing trowel-loads of make-up to mask it. Women need to relax into the fact that skin does change and age, and they are coming to understand this more and more. What is perfect skin anyway? What indeed? The bare faced cheek of it.

So, do you believe less is better, now?

The history of the human race (naturally I mean the history of its mind and not merely its wars) is readily intelligible on the theory of the appearance of genius, and of the imitation by the more monkey-like individuals of the conduct of those with genius. The chief stages, no doubt, were house- building, agriculture, and above all, speech. Every single word has been the invention of a single man, as, indeed, we still see, if we leave out of consideration the merely technical terms. The genius is not a critic of language, but its creator, as he is the creator of all the mental achievements which are the material of culture and which make up the objective mind, the spirit of the peoples. The "timeless" men are those who make history, for history can be made only by those who are not floating with the stream. It is only those who are unconditioned by time who have real value, and whose productions have an enduring force. And the events that become forces of culture become so only because they have an enduring value. As memory has been shown to be a special character unconnected with the lower spheres of psychical life, and the exclusive property of human beings, it is not surprising that it is closely related to such higher things as the idea of value and time, and the craving for immortality, which is absent in animals, and possible to men only in so far as they possess the quality of genius. If memory be an essentially human thing, part of the deepest being of humanity, finding expression in mankind's most peculiar qualities, then it will not be surprising if memory be also related to the phenomenon of logic and ethics. The most common defect which one could discover in the conversation of a woman, if one really wished to apply to it the standard of logic (a feat that man habitually shuns, so showing his contempt for a woman's logic) is the quaternio terminorum, that form of equivocation which is the result of an incapacity to retain definite presentations; in other words, the result of a failure to grasp the law of identity. Woman is unaware of this; she does not realise the law nor make it a criterion of thought. Man feels himself bound to logic; the woman is without this feeling. It is only this feeling of guilt that guarantees man's efforts to think logically. The source of all error in life is failure of memory. Thus logic and ethics, both of which deal with the furtherance of truth and join in its highest service, are dependent on memory. Memory, it is true, is not a logical and ethical act, but it is a logical and ethical phenomenon. A man who has had a vivid and deep perception regards it as a fault, if some half-hour afterwards he is thinking of something different, even if external influences have intervened. A man thinks himself unconscientious and blameworthy if he notices that he has not thought of a particular portion of his life for a long time. Memory, moreover, is linked with morality, because it is only through memory that repentance is possible. All forgetfulness is in itself immoral. And so reverence is a moral exercise; it is a duty to forget nothing, and for this reason we should reverence the dead. Equally from logical and ethical motives, man tries to carry logic into his past, in order that past and present may become one. That which enables man to have a real relation to truth and which removes his temptation to lie, must be something independent of all time, something absolutely unchangeable, which as faithfully reproduces the old as if it were new, because it is permanent itself; it can only be that source in which all discrete experiences unite and which creates from the first a continuous existence. It is what produces the feeling of responsibility which oppresses all men, young and old, as to their actions, which makes them know that they are responsible, which leads to the phenomena of repentance and consciousness of sin, which calls to account before an eternal and ever present self things that are long past, its judgment being subtler and more comprehensive than that of any court of law or of the laws of society, and which is exerted by the individual himself quite independently of all social codes (so condemning the moral psychology which would derive morality from the social life of man). Society recognises the idea of illegality, but not of sin; it presses for punishment without wishing to produce repentance; lying is punished by the law only in its ceremonious form of perjury, and error has never been placed under its ban. Social ethics with its conception of duty to our neighbour and to society, and practical exclusion from consideration of the other human beings, cannot extend the realm of morality, when it begins by limiting it in this arbitrary fashion.
- Otto Weininger, 1901

4 Ways to break the habit
"You can't get rid of sress but you can make it work for you"

1. Upgrade : Rely on healthier sources - an hour at the gym or a walk in the fresh air, will give you a natural buzz
2. Treat the source : not the symptom. If a five-night clubbing marathon leaves your body demanding sleep, you should listen. If you can't cope at work - book a meeting with your boss to ask for help.
3. Streamline : If problems seem overwhelming, make a list of everything that bothers you and address one each day until they're gone.
4. Indulging : in you makes a big difference. Spend time nutriting yourself, whether it's taking long, hot bath or reading the newspaper. It's a quick way to refresh.

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Beat the PMS (Perfect Moment Syndrome) blues
When you feel anxious, rather than fretting about the moment, make a mental list of all the things that are right, instead. FOr example, try thinking, 'the table might be a bit cramped, but at least I'm having a delicious glass of wine with two of my closest friends". To prove you can cope with imperfection, make some hurried decisions on a night out. If you're going for a meal, order your food without deliberating. It may not be the best dinner you've ever had, but you'll gain from having taken the pressure off yourself. Remember, you're responsible for no one's happiness but your own. To stop worrying about other people's reactions and feelings, make sure you spend at least one night a week alone - going to the cinema or going for a walk - so you can get to know exactly what makes you happy, without the burden of trying to keep others happy. But an elastic beaded bracelet and whenever you feel anxiety vreeping up on you, ping it against your skin. This will slice through your thought processes and remind you not to get caught up in a spiral of worrying.

Карма

# Кармата представлява реализация на всемирния космически закон за причините и следствията. Според него всяка една причина поражда определено последствие. С всяка своя постъпка ние пораждаме съответно добри или лоши за нас последствия. Действията ни задвиждат неотвратимо и фатално колелото на собствената ни съдба. Извършвайки дадена постъпка в настоящето, трябва да бъдем готови да понесем в пълна степен нейните последици в бъдещите си прераждания. Или както казва народната мъдрост : каквото посееш, това ще пожънеш.

# Съществува тясна връзка между кармичната предопределеност и астрологичния хороскоп. Хороскопът изразява влиянието на постъпките ни в минали прераждания, проявяващи се сега чрез содиакалното предопределение на съдбата.

# Нашите чувства, мисли и действия във всеки един живот се отпечатват в Космическата памет. Според спецификата си всяко деяние се класифицира в съответната папка или директория т.е. в съответната област в паметта на универсалния компютър. Дирекотриите на космическия компютър са всъщност планетите на Зодиака. Всяко наше дело под формата на файл се адресира и прехвърля в съответната директория. Така всеки има свое лично досие в Космичния архив, което съдържа всички данни за него. Лошите ни постъпки трупат в нашата сметка дълг от негативната Карма, който впоследствие трябва да изплатим с лихвите. Добрите ни постъпки, от своя страна, формират позитивната Карма, която ще донесе дивиденти в следващия ни живот. такава е строгата и неумолима логика на съдбата.

# Съдбовната предопредленост, или влиянието на звездите, се отразява върху цялостната структура на човека. Негативната Карма се проявява особено силно във физически план, тоест тя действа най-видимо на грубата материя на физическия свят. Разбира се, съществува начин Кармата да бъде променена в позитивна посока.

# Тъй като кармичните предопределения се реализират първоначално на пет нива (физическо,етерно,астрално,ментално и духовно), ние можем да облекчим негативните кармични последствия като извършим съзнателна, целенасочена и интензивна работа на всяко от тези равнища. Всъщност те са разделени твърде условно, тъй като на практика се преливат едно в друго. За целта трябва да извършим необходимата компенсираща работа във всяко едно от изброените пет нива, като на самото ниво, така и в следващия по-висш план. Например, за да подобрим физическите си качества, освен някаква подходяща форма на физкултура, трябва да работим върху ефирното си тяло, тъй като от его зависят функциите на физическото.

# По принцип в момента на раждането върху ефирните тела на човека се отпечатва влиянието на звездите. Фините ефирни тела се формират преди физическото тяло и всъщност определят неговата форма. в процеса на настоящата си инкарнация човек тъче, изработва своите ефирни тела, които се обличат в плът и кръв при следващото му прераждане. Следователно, за да постигнем благоприятно бъдещо прераждане, трябва да живеем правилно от гледна точка на космическия порядък в настоящия си живот.
# Когато живо същество се появи на Земята, Небесата слагат печат върху ефирните тела и така определят хороскопа, в който е записана съдбата му. С други думи информационната матрица на личноста се кодира в ефирните тела. Това дава възможност предопределението на съдбата да бъде променено чрез промяна на кода в матрицата на ефирните тела. Това става чрез водене на "разумен и чист начин на живот".

# В светлината на учението за Кармата раждането и смъртта са относителни категории. Когато човек умира, той всъщност се освобождава от своето физическо тяло, т.е. от празната черупка на своята външна форма. Неговите фини тела обаче се възвръщат към своето по-висше битие, обогатени с опита, натрупан от проявлението им в плътната форма, Този цикъл се повтаря многократно, докато личността се изчисти от заблудите и осъзнае своята истинска Божествена природа.

# За да предичвикате позитивна Карма, добрите ви постъпки трябва да бъдат напълно безкористни. Една възможност човек да се освободи от ограниченията, предписани му от звездите в момента на неговото раждане и да разкъса оковите на Кармата, е съзнателно да се стреми към възстановяване нишките, свързващи го с "твореца". Така той ще излезе от закона на необходимостта и ще попадне под влиянието на закона на милосърдието.