By Melinda  Ribner  
Did I get your attention?

This week’s Torah portion (June 21) Balak begins with Balak, the king of Maob requesting Bilaam the prophet to curse the Jewish people.  “Please come and curse these people for me, ..  For I know that whomever you bless and whomever you curse is accursed. ” Why did he not simply say, ” Bless my people so no harm will come to them” , rather than ask that the Jewish people be cursed?  This is a sign of Amalek, that I see as  the code for embodied evil outside and even within ourselves. More than Amalek wants their own people to prosper, they want to hurt and destroy those they perceive as their enemy. So powerful is their hate, they do not mind even giving up their lives in this effort. As you may recall, Amalek went out of its way to attack the Jewish people when they traveled through the desert.  Amalek seems to be very alive and active today as well. Within a person, Amalek is equated with doubt, it is the voice of addiction. Because of addiction, a person will hurt himself.

 In this Torah portion, Bilaam, the leading prophet in the non Jewish world, tries many times to curse the Jewish people, but is not able to do so,even though he very much wants to do so, but he can not go against the messages that he receives from God.  At one time, Bilaam even says, ” How good are the tents of Jacob, your dwelling places, O Israel. “  Bilaam affirms that there was no sexual perversity, no divination, no sorcery, so Israel could not be cursed. Interesting enough, these very words of this non-Jewish prophet ”Ma Tov vu”, that Bilaam utters, the prophet who tried to destroy the Jewish people introduce the morning blessings of our daily prayers.  Isn’t this ironic, another Tammuz reversal.

Bilaam was unable to curse the Jewish people because of the sexual purity of the Jewish people. Each Jewish tent allowed for openness and yet also protected privacy.  It is said in Kabbalah that when a Jewish married couple have proper sexual relations they create angels that protect the Jewish people. As long as the Jewish people were sexually pure, no harm could come to them.  Improper sexual relations, according to Kabbalah, are sexual relations that are purely lustful. Relations that are purely for physical gratification are said to create demonic energies that weaken the connection with the Shechinah of the individuals and lead to a lack of spiritual protection for the Jewish people as a whole.

My book New Age Judaism has an entire chapter on “Kabbalah of Sexuality”.  ” According to the Ramban, ( Nachmanides) sexual relations brings wholeness not only to ourselves, but it also radiates sexual energy and healing to the world. ” ( page 135) This chapter offers additional kabbalistic guidance on how to have holy sexual relations that are healing to the individuals and the world.

As part of an anti protest statement against the Viet Nam war, many of you will recall that John Lennon and Yoko Ono staged a rally in their bedroom with the slogan, ” Make love not war”. Little did they know that much before they came up with this concept, the Ramban wrote much earlier that making love if done with the proper intentions actually brings peace to the world. People may not realize how important and holy sexual relations are in Judaism and of their power to actually create peace in oneself and the world. Sexuality in Judaism is said to provide the highest revelation of God.  In Kabbalah, in Judaism, it is the bedroom that is likened to the holy of holies, the most important and powerful place to experience Godliness. Perhaps we should revive a campaign inspired by the Ramban, ” Make love for peace in the world.” How would it be if people had this intention when they made love?   Love warriors for peace. We have to fight this battle against evil on many fronts.  Perhaps the bedroom is another frontier for this battle.
Unfortunately, however, if sexual relations do not take place with proper holy intentions, if they are purely animalistic, according to Kabbalah, they can take us to the lowest depths. Lustful sex, even if it is between consenting adults is negative and creates klippot, opaque shells, that shut out the Light of the Shechinah, the Divine Presence.

Because Bilaam could not curse the Jewish people, he comes up with another scheme that will enable him to hurt the Jewish people. If he can cause the Jewish men to ‘sin’, they will become vulnerable and he will be able to curse them. The story I heard was Biliam hatched a plan by which beautiful women of Midian would trick and seduce the men of Israel. When the men would come to town to buy linen, ugly old women would set outside of the tent and escort the men into the tent to view the linen wares. Once inside, they would find beautiful young Midianite women lying down nude on linen who would invite the men to lie with her to sample the linen. Once he was sexually aroused, he was asked to deficate in front of an idol for that was how the people worshipped their idol. It seems hard to believe, but that is what I read. I imagine that the Jewish men did not think that was really like worship of God, so it was not a big problem to comply. The women invited the men to their idolatrous festivities, they ate and they prostrated themselves to their idols, not because they wanted to abandon Hashem, but because of the power of the sexual desire they stopped thinking.
 
The sexual seduction reached to such a point that an elderly leader of the tribe of Shimeon, whose name was Zimri, attempted to have sexual relations with a Midianite woman named Coshbi publicly in front of the tent of Moshe. In so doing, they both planned to usher in a new age for Israel and Midian, that would celebrate a merging of the two cultures. Kabbalah tells us that these two were indeed soul mates so there was a real powerful desire for them to unite with each other.  They had previous reincarnations such as Dina and Shechem. A plague however ensued,that was stopped by the quick action of Pinchus, son of Elazar, son of Aaron who pierced Zimri and Cosbi, his consort, in the stomach in the middle of the act. And that is how the chapter ends. Very intense.
This is the month of Tammuz, after all. The Torah portions reflect the times. I was not so surprised when I read today that the next flotilla ” Free Gaza” would be occupied by Christian and Moslem women. I thought that was interesting parallel of some sorts with this weekly portion. Another event today was an announcement that  the Presbyterian Church is voting its most anti- Israel referendum in their history. Today, as well, I read that a group of anti-Israel Pro- Palestinian protestors planned to block an Israeli ship from uploading in California, trying to equate this act with the Israeli blockade of the Gaza ship. I find it a bit humorous, that in the end they blocked a Chinese ship from unloading by mistake.  The Israeli ship did not arrive to much later, after the crowd left. Another little miracle that did not allow them to have the public relations opportunity they sought. I am sorry to report political events, but I feel that it is important that all be informed. This is all part of the preparation that is taking place. This is the month of Tammuz, after all as well.
 
 
Be gentle with yourself this month of Tammuz. I have heard already of so many stories of unexpected occurrences, reversals this month. Some of these reversals have been positive and some of them challenging. This is the month of clear seeing, where we can easily see through illusions, and deception, to see the truth. Sometimes, we do not allow ourselves to see what is really happening before, but events in Tammuz bring the truth into light. It may be helpful to know that this is what Tammuz is all about.   For more additional teachings, please consult Kabbalah Month by Month and New Age Judaism. These books can be purchased online or in bookstores.

Message of Joy

By Joy Heartsong
First published in Heartsong Healing Newsletter – Tiger Talk

If you had a choice, would you rather go upstream or downstream?  Think about it for a moment.  On the one hand, we may feel negative emotions, struggles and dissatisfaction with life.  With the downstream hand, there’s a sense of feeling lighter and being more positive, confident and trusting.

It’s amazing how hard we work to go upstream when what we really want is to take the path of least resistance.  Since you always have a choice, what’s it going to be?  No excuses or qualifiers, please. We don’t need to know your tale of woe or why you can’t do anything to change it.  It just is. We can’t always make it go away, but we can shift the way we feel about it, talk about it and think about it.

Most of us would prefer doing a 180 degree turn to go downstream if we truly believed we could. Instead we may feel lost about the “how”, paralyzed by the unknown or afraid of endangering life and limb, our own or someone else’s.  It’s time to muster up our courage. It’s time to let go of everything but the desire to be happy and have the kind of life you want.

Are you ready to take the plunge into the depths of happiness? If so, take a big breath and exhale slowly. Now let go of the oars and trust that the boat will turn effortlessly; soon you’ll find yourself flowing with the current.  “Row, row, row your boat gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily…”

I love this quote by Abraham-Hicks excerpted from the book Money and the Law of Attraction, Learning to Attract Health, Wealth and Happiness,#463:

“Whenever you are feeling less than good, if you will stop and say, ‘Nothing is more important than that I feel good; I want to find a reason now to feel good,’ you will find an improved thought.”

If you find yourself going upstream again, even with all your good intentions, simply look for a happier thought.  When you have it, allow yourself to focus on it until you’re once again going gently down the stream.

As you continue going with the flow, you’ll have more energy to love the things you do and do the things you love.  Quiet contemplation, inner listening and a joyful spirit will become your trusted guides on your journey.

Love the things you do, and do the things you love!

Joy is a Healing Touch Certified Practitioner/Instructor and intuitive energy healer. In her private practice, she specialiizes in relieving your pain, stress and allergies. She is passionate about helping  claim your true power by connecting with the wisdom of the Tiger within.  She can be reached at www.heartsonghealing.com

A Book Review

Have you ever picked up a book, opened to a page and found the answer to a question that you had asked, probably silently, just a little while ago?  Scott Blum’s new book, Summer’s Path is like that – a guide to life’s questions on living, dying, reincarnation and healing lifetimes – all in 209 fast reading pages.

Some of you may have read Scott’s first book, Waiting for Autumn about Robert, a seemingly homeless man on a mission and Don, his black Lab puppy who meet up with Scott (no coincidence with the name) who is on a journey to heal.  This is the prequel to Autumn.  This is the tale of how Robert and Don meet, Don’s death, both of their walk-in experiences and their quest to heal the lives, past lives and bodies.

As a reviewer, I am challenged to condense this book down to 149 character sound byte.  There is too much love and life in this book to simplify it

It is a primer for those just beginning to seek their path and those seeking to remember it when faced with a hectic, fast-pasted existence.  Summer’s Path answers questions on topics not easily googled; and certainly not with the love and attention that Scott puts into explaining non-threateningly concepts like walk-ins and why they are here and how walking-in differs from reincarnation; how to help people to cross to the next life and how to heal life time patterns of guilt and abandonment.

I particularly like Scott’s placement of centering exercises right before his characters had to dealing with healing lifetimes of karmic issues.  From a teaching perspective, and I will be using this book as a personal growth primer, it’s a great reminder that healing is not just about experiencing past memories.  It is also about preparing the body at all levels for the change and growth that’s about to commence.  As healers and teachers we sometimes forget this critical step.  So Scott’s placement of the centering section before the healing section was so stellar.

Would I recommend this book?  Even before I finished the book, I loaned it to a friend who was seeking answers.  Because I trusted Scott’s information, I gave her the book and; on reading it, she found peace of mind.

If you are looking for answers, Summer’s Path will guide.  And remember, Waiting for Autumn is another great read.

 by Tisha Morris
 
In the documentary film, The Story of Stuff, Annie Leonard examines our national obsession with stuff and how it all began.  She attributes our consumption addiction to the post-World War III economic policies that propagandized the notion of buying stuff.  Our insatiable appetites haven’t been able to stop since.  That is, until now.
With the decline of the economy – whether directly affected or not – we have all started to take pause before making a purchase.  More importantly, we are beginning to take inventory of the stuff that we do have.  Even more so, we are beginning to feel taken over by all the stuff that we have accumulated over the decades, which is why so many of us are having the urge to purge or declutter our homes.
But is it as easy as making some runs to Goodwill?
Of course not.
Why?
We have become addicted, or emotionally attached, to our stuff. 
Buying and accumulating stuff is just another way to distract ourselves from our present lives.  Like cigarettes or alcohol, it is a quick fix to feeling good.  But when the high wears off, we are left with an icky feeling.  But we need the icky feeling so that we can punish ourselves and perpetuate our guilt.  And then we need the high again so that we don’t feel the pain, and the circle continues. 
Is this an overreaction to buying a new toaster?  Maybe.  But consumption can be an addiction (or at the least an emotional attachment) that, unlike cigarettes and alcohol, is hard to recognize because it is so affirmed by our friends, family, media, and government. 
So how do we detach from our stuff?
Knowledge is power.  Knowing what and why we are attached to our stuff or certain items will oftentimes break the emotional attachment with our stuff.  For some of us, having a lot of stuff is simply a distraction from our everyday life.  A cluttered space results in a cluttered mind, which is exactly what some of us want, at least subconsciously.  In the same way alcohol makes things fuzzy, having a lot of things in your space will do the same.  And on some level, that is the desired outcome.  If this resonates with you, then bring awareness to it.  (If you are highly resistant to this idea, then you might want to take a second look.) 
For many of us, it is certain items that are difficult to part with.  It may be books and magazines for some or old pictures, clothes, gifts, collections, etc. for others.  Either way, if you don’t love the item(s) or don’t use it, then it is time to part with it.  If you are still having resistance, then it’s time to acknowledge an emotional attachment to the item….
Start asking yourself questions.
What am I feeling right now?
What memories does this item bring up?
Who gave it to me?
Why did I originally buy it?
Who does it remind me of?
Do I feel guilty getting rid of this item?  If so, why? 
Why?
Why?
And Why?
Be your own detective… or therapist.  Get to the root of why you are hanging on to an item that you know would be in your best interest to get rid of.  You may be surprised.  What you thought was just an old hairbrush may actually be a reservoir of past emotions that you and your sister shared when she helped you get ready for prom.  Or maybe the green gingham shirt with the price tag on it conjures up guilt for buying things that are on sale and never wearing them.  Until acknowledged, the shirt will hang in your closet serving only to attract the pattern for more guilt.
Once you have awareness around an item, you will be amazed at how easy it will be to let go of it.  If you have the awareness but still don’t want to get rid of the item, then it may simply be too early.  See how you feel the next round of decluttering. 
To start the process of decluttering, I recommend working in baby steps with attainable goals as I set out in 5 Steps to Clearing Clutter.   You will build up the confidence that will keep you going through the long haul.  Once you realize that life will go on with fewer items, you will not only want to clear out more stuff, but will start to feel free.
And when you feel this sense of freedom you know you have mastered the art of detaching from your stuff.

Title: 27 Things To Feng Shui Your Home
Author: Tisha Morris
Turner Publishing Company
ISBN: 978-1-59652-567-2
Price: $9.99
184 pages
Self-help genre
Purchase on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1596525673/?tag=writeoncreati-20

 
Back cover:
 
“If you want to change your life, move 27 things in your home.” This ancient Chinese proverb speaks of the powerful connection our homes have with our lives. In 27 Things to Feng Shui Your Home, Tisha Morris shows in creative, basic steps how to use the art of feng shui to create an inviting, personal atmosphere in your home that will renovate your life.
 
Discover how to:
•         Manageably clear clutter to optimize space
•         Use lighting, color, and simple objects to create good energy flow
•         Space clear to promote good health
•         Integrate the five elements into your home to create harmony

By Joy Heartsong

 I’m all for making it easy. Can I count you in? Then let’s look at 7 simple steps for making our hours, days and lives easier and more fun.
1. Let go of acculturated beliefs that no longer serve us, but we still live by. For example: We’ve got to work long and hard for anything of value. Work isn’t supposed to be fun. First we work, and then we play (if there’s time). I’m sure you can add to this list. Are you still letting these beliefs influence your decisions and make your life harder?
2. Get rid of the idea that you must do it all by yourself.   Ever heard the saying, “Many hands make light work”? This was true long ago and is even more so today. With the multitude of tasks we’re faced with on a daily basis, it’s no wonder we sometimes feel overwhelmed, “edgy” or discouraged. Why do you feel you must do it all and do it well? It’s unreasonable to expect yourself to be an expert in an area you’ve never been trained in. For some of us that may include marketing, computer graphics and sales. For others, it may be trying to do all you used to do and a whole lot more. Do the math. It’s not possible. The bottom line is: Get some help!
3. Prioritize, delegate, barter and contract the help you desire. Look at what really needs to be done vs. habitual patterns. What can be delegated, dropped or done more creatively or efficiently? You may dearly love doing some of your tasks, projects or daily routines. Is it the best use of your time? If so, you may want to keep doing those. You may have expertise in areas that no one else can do to your satisfaction. Continue with those. Look for others who will barter or contract with you. Remember virtual service providers. Delegate responsibilities when possible. Expect others to follow through. Give them the authority to do so. Avoid jumping in to “fix it” any time someone doesn’t do his/her part, or you’ll find yourself back at square one.
4. Say “No” with grace, ease and aplomb. If you find yourself saying “Yes” to doing things you would rather not do, you may find this one very challenging. If you find yourself saying “Yes” because you want to do it but don’t have the time, you still have a problem. In this case, you’re either letting others down by not delivering as promised or you’re letting yourself down, or perhaps your family, by giving up your time for fun or relaxation.
5. Set boundaries. What feels good to you and what doesn’t? Go with what feels good. Let t

By Amy Cook-Porter

Today is my 25th Mother’s Day.  I celebrate today as my 25th anniversary of being a Mom.  This is the longest job I’ve held.  I’m not planning to give it up any time soon.

I didn’t celebrate this anniversary on our daughter’s 25 birthday.  That day, both 2 months ago and 25 years ago, was all about her. 

Mother’s Day, May 9, 2010 is about me.
The moment a child is born, the mother is also born.
She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new.
~ Rajneesh
No, I don’t think it’s selfish to take a day for me, on behalf of other Moms who have milestones today.  I have a friend who’s daughter is 40 and she is still married to her daughter’s father.  This woman, this mother should be lauded too for her accomplishment of co-creating a successful and happy young woman.

Another friend with 5 children helped arrange today’s celebration so that her daughters would have Mother’s Day.  She also called to make sure that I would have Mother’s Day – just in case my husband or daughters forgot.

These women understand.  This day isn’t about our children.  It’s about a sacred sisterhood we enter on the birth of our children. 

The real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men – from mothers most of al
who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.
~ Oliver Wendell Holmes

Women who have never given birth can only surmise what it’s like to have this kinship. Nor will men understand.  That’s why we connect with our sisters who do.

A sister understands and never judges: why our houses are never neat, our refrigerators covered with artwork and reminders; and why we never buy new things for us.  They too know that our children’s needs come first; and, that we consciously choose to sacrifice. 

All the while, our husbands and partners complain – complain about the house, the money, and our being tired because we live in a dual world – where we work full-time either in the home or out and raise a family, including our husband.  His mother stopped raising him at 18, hopefully.

So today, is Mother’s day. 
It is a day to do what YOU want of it.
It is a day without self- sacrifice or the need to control

It is a day to be with your family – or not. 
It is a day to play in the garden with Mother Earth
It is a day to go shopping or not
It is a day to let go of chores or to savor them
It’s a day to just be

It’s a day to cuddle babies or snuggle teenagers or walk hand-in-hand with loved ones
It’s a day to lounge on the patio, in the bath or in front of the tv
It’s a day to be me – who I used to be before wonderful daughters or who I will become when our house will be so empty, so quiet in the not so distant future
It’s a day to talk with friends who’s kids have grown and we remember when.
It’s a day for me.  It’s a day for our daughters and their young babies. It’s a day for grandmothers and their wonderous memories. Most of all it’s a day for Mothers.
And a special thanks to whomever put the 50 Inspirational Quotes I found on this website, http://inspirationmanifestation.com/614/a-mothers-day-tribute/ (and many others).  I was glad that I wasn’t the only one that wanted to honor the oldest profession.

By Debra Frick

What is the world coming to when a Barbie Doll makes the news? With all the violence our children are subjected to each and every day on the tv and in movies and in video games it makes me a little sick to think that a Barbie has become a political statement. People are in a uproar but the latest voilence riddled video game gets a meer notice from the public.

That being said my opionion is so what…………..At least it was not a Jihad Jane Barbie. Put it on the national news and on the internet when someone makes a sucide bomber Barbie or Airline highjacker Barbie. That would truly be obsence.

Barbie has always represented what a little girls ideals should be. When Barbie first came out she was a homemaker and wife. She had a strong love for family which represented her time. As Barbie got older her ideals changed in that she got job worked out of the house and was a soccer Mom and then she was back home working in great jobs but which left her more time for the children. As our society has changed so has Barbie. Barbie also has represented our changing  lifestyles. Once you lived in a town house and then a mansion. She drove a bug and now a SUV.

Barbie represents a girl or boys and (yes there are boys that play with Barbies) innocent. It is a time when we fill our minds with fantasy. I feel that Barbies should represent ALL professions that are open to women and if that is an Episcopal Reverend so be it. Barbie dressed as a minister should represent that our faith is inportant and that women now days are taking a more inportant role in spirituality. Children should be taught right from wrong and should not be allowed to fill their minds with voilence and hate. I remember a time when playing with Barbies and my brothers GI Joe was a great way to act out the roles of being adults and dreaming of what the world could hold for me when I grew up. Many people think that Barbie with her outlandish body is an offence to women but if Barbie can still be used to teach the paramount ideals of a strong healthy and intelligent woman then I say long live Barbies. Hey if Barbie can become President then why can we all.

So bring it on……If we can have Barbies that do construction, Ride in the rodeo, go to the moon and win the Olympics why should we not have a Barbie of Faith.

I am no bible scholar just a Christian but when I think of the virgin I think of all the hardships her faith helped to see her through and through her I know that I can withstand any trials that life may bring me. Mary comes to us as an unwed mother who had to suffer the tauts of other women who she thought of as friends. When she told them the story of the angel in the night she was called a liar. She was shunned by her people. Through it all her faith helped her to hold her head high.When Joseph comes into her life she has heavy with child. But Joseph loved her any way. His faith told him to love and care for her.

Imagine if you were told you had to make a journey to the city to be counted in the census and far away from all you knew you went into labor. After traveling so far you were told that every decent place had already been taken but you are offered a stable to rest your head. Your faith would have been tested. You had been told by the angels that this was going to be a special child a favored child of god and now you are going to give birth with nothing but the angels and animals as witness.

With the coming of your child your child was truly what the angel had fortold. Your child was worshiped by Kings of far away lands who brought him gifts and as you watched him grow you knew that wonderful things were in store for him.

As she watched him grow to manhood and to preform miracles how proud she must have been. He made the blind see, the dumb to speak, the deaf to hear and spoke of a loving god who loved each and every one of us. He taught how to live a rightous life and how to love each other. Her faith told her that he was truly the son of God. She also knew the dangerous road that his words were taking him and how many people called him a fraud.

And how her faith must have been tested as she watched the Roman soilders nail him to the cross. With a mother’s love she prayed to ease her son’s pain knowing that there was nothing she could do. She held her faith close to her that night knowing that our great God must have some plan for her son that was greater than any pain he was then suffering.

When he was brought to her for preperation for burial how she must have cried. But her faith told her that he was now with his father. How she must have rejoiced when she heard that he come back from the dead to proclaim that as he had risen from the dead that all that believed in him would also overcome death. When he told her that he was leaving but that some day he would return how it hurt to lose him for a second time but her faith told her that she indeed would see him again.

Mary faith was sure and steady but as an woman knows faith can sometimes make us wonder why. I am sure even with her faith Mary wondered why God had choosen her to have his child, Why her son had to die, Why was his life and death so inportant? But she chose to believe in something she could not see or feel or taste or hear and that is what faith is. She believed that God had a plan for her and her belief turned into faith. She just had faith to see her through and I hope that all of us can have some of that sure and steady faith in these times of uncertainity.

By Trish Currin

As a parent of 2 young children, moving into a new area seemed daunting.  Our old city had everything we needed: a great doctor, a close hospital, a great dentist, walking distance parks, and even great cheap little places to go have fun. I really didn’t want to move several hours away, after FINALLY getting into the groove with my 2 year old and infant daughter.  As fate would have it, we had to move for my husband’s job. I was a stay at home mom, pretty happy with where we were, but agreed to move to save his job, instead of succumbing to a layoff. As I was packing, I had no clue what I would need to make an easier transition. I found out the hard way. Here are a few things (in no particular order) that are needed to help settle in with your little ones:
1) Find medical attention.  Ideally, finding a pediatrician right away would be the way to go. In a pinch, know where the urgent care center and hospital near you are.  Urgent care centers are ideal to deal with little things, such as a diaper rash or a fall off the couch, because hospitals are expensive.  Most health insurances consider this a doctor’s appointment, not a hospital visit.  And, hospitals have countless germs and infections that your children can either catch or make worse just with their presence. Two things to check:
a. make sure the medical facility is covered by your insurance
b. And, make sure they have pediatricians or family practice doctors on site

2) Find a park or outdoor area that you can take your children to.  When the day is filled with unpacking, waiting for the cable company, and general chaos, nothing can compete with going to the park for a little R & R.  Take time for a little fresh air.  It can calm both you and kids down, after a day spent sorting boxes.  Down the road, this is also a very useful tool to connect with other moms and tap into their limitless wealth of information of the surrounding area, from a dry cleaner to  mechanic or dependable babysitter.  These women can save your sanity.

3) Local Insurance Agent.  Even if all your policies are from nationwide insurance carriers, it is helpful to have a real life person to help you navigate the different things associated insurance:
a. have you located into a higher risk area
b. do you need additional earthquake coverage or flood coverage
c. have the changes you already made been implemented

These are things the agent can work with the carrier for you.

4) Learn about potential disasters for the area and how to prepare for them: earthquakes, floods, are just a few things that need to be prepared for. Find out what the new community does to help, and what they recommend the community does to prepare and get through the event.  A good resource is the local library, or chamber of commerce.

5) Find a mechanic. As a starting place, a close national chain such as Midas or Jiffy Lube are good resources for a small repair recommendation. Sometimes they have recommendations themselves. The can also give you recommendations on what needs to be done to get your car prepared if it is a new climate as well:
a. do you need snow tires for the winter
b. do you need to change what kind of oil is used

6) Schools and their policies.  Making sure there is continuity in education is very necessary for children to get used to their surroundings, as well as provide for necessary care for errands, unpacking, and a little time to gather yourself in your new surroundings.

7) Find a local parents group.  Just a with playground moms, these people can provide great support for someone learning a new town. Meetup.com, Craigslist, cafemom.com or even Myspace has parents forums to get you in touch with other people in your area.

8) Local place of worship.  Again continuity of routine is essential for your family as a whole when moving into a new area. Keeping the faith will add a little respite from the boxes, change of address, and other urgent matters, as well as allot family time that sometimes goes to the wayside after such a large undertaking as moving.

By Joy Heartsong
Are you a winner? Some of us have never won any event or competition. Most of us are not Olympic champions. However, we can all adopt a winning spirit.
 
So what is a winning spirit? Consider for a moment what makes one person a winner in life and another one not. You may feel it’s related to how many “gold” or “silver” medals one wins. You may think it’s related to good health, wealth, supportive relationships, loving families or perfect opportunities. Maybe you equate it to talents, abilities, skills or “intelligence.”
 
When I think of “winning spirit”, I think of positive attitudes, courage and an unwavering belief in possibilities. I also think of Scott Hamilton, a former Olympic gold medalist in figure skating. Some of you may remember Scott. Between 1980-1984, he won fifteen consecutive championships. He even had a series of specials on television during prime time and was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.
 
But did you know that Scott also has had a series of challenges in his life? At age two, Scott became ill and stopped growing. It took years before doctors were able to correctly diagnose the rare illness that was paralyzing his intestinal tract and restricting his breathing. With diet and exercise, Scott began regaining strength and growing. He was told once he was too small to compete internationally.
 
Scott was dismissed from the Ice Capades because he was a male, so he created his own professional ice skating show. He was diagnosed with cancer. His response was “I feel 100% confident that I can overcome this disease and be back on the ice in a few months. He had chemo and surgery and was back on the ice in months performing well. Then the brain tumor appeared. Once again Scott met the challenge and came out on top.
 
Scott’s message: It’s important to meet a challenge, embrace life, move forward and know you can get back to your better self even after a life-threatening illness and treatment. Scott is a small man with a truly big heart and a winning spirit.
 
So what’s your story? Are you stuck in blaming, negativity or self-pity; or are you determined to feel better, do what makes you happier and meet your life challenges with courage and a positive “can do” attitude? You don’t always get to choose your life circumstances, but you do get to choose how you think and feel about them and how you respond to them.
 
It’s up to you. Are you ready to be the winner that you were born to be? We can all cultivate that winning spirit. We all make choices that either strengthen it or weaken it. Increase your awareness of what you do and think that makes you feel better and what makes you feel worse. Believe in yourself and your ability to know what makes you feel like a winner. Practice thinking happier thoughts and doing what brings you joy; and I’ll see you in the Winner’s Circle.
 
You are a winner!

This article was first published in the March Tiger Talk and is reprinted with Joy’s permission.
Joy is a Healing Touch Certified Practitioner and intuitive. In her private practice, she specialiizes in relieving your pain, stress and allergies. She is passionate about helping you claim your true power by connecting with the wisdom of the Tiger within. Her message is that we all have the power to heal that comes from a higher source manifesting through each of us. Her writing includes stories, insights, and techniques from successes with her clients and her own healing journey.