The kids are back at school and we are hearing once again about many traumatic events in relation to bullying in the school yard and classroom.

You may have noticed recent campaigns using names  such  as “against bullying”, “anti-bullying” or “stop bullying”.    As much as we support the intent of these campaigns, we believe there is a much better way to go about it with faster, long lasting, quality results.

Pushing “against” something, even when the intent is from the heart, simply feeds a negative situation (what you focus on grows).  We explain how energy works and why this is so in our book Magic tools to overcome bullying and other stressful stuff!

Take a moment to explore the statements “We are against bullying” or “I want that person to stop bullying me”.  How does it feel when those words are used?  For most people it creates anger, anxiety or maybe a feeling of helplessness.  The negative energy can be painfully felt as the focus is on what we don’t want.

Now explore the desired result e.g.  “We support harmony and respect ”  or “I have loving, respectful relationships”.  Notice the difference in the feeling here.  There is a sense of relief, calmness and empowerment.  The energy flow now is positive as we are focused on what we do want and can begin to create the same.

Mother Theresa was quoted as saying “I will never join an anti-war rally, however I will join a peace rally”.  It says it all.

When we join together with a vision to change something we believe is better for our surroundings, the energy we send out is very powerful.  Why not collectively name and feel it in a positive way, and create a short cut to the outcomes we long for and deserve.

Warmly

Maz and Ray

Like everyone we are saddened by the many grand scale and tragic events that have happened recently in Australia, New Zealand and overseas.  It naturally hits hard when the people we know and love are affected and our hearts also go to those we don’t personally know, in our own country and beyond.

It’s hard to understand why such pain suffering has to happen, and in the larger scheme of things there is no doubt a reason.  Such events can leave us feeling emotionally distraught and drained – wondering what we can do to help in a personal way.

Financial and hands-on support is an option of course, however we can help on an emotional level as well.  This may sound strange as the way to do this is find the best emotional space for yourself that you can.

You cannot help others if you come from a place of negative emotion yourself.   It doesn’t assist them and it certainly doesn’t assist you.  By imagining them healing, finding peace and positivity about the future – sending love and light is the biggest gift you can give.

This is not to say that you lack compassionate in any sense.  Ray and I found ourselves glued to the TV with the coverage of the tragic earthquake in New Zealand – the same dreadful footage being played over and over.  We found ourselves feeling the pain of those suffering on a deep level and we are sure you can relate to that.

We reminded ourselves that to watch such events continuously we were imprinting the trauma into our personal DNA and by holding ourselves in such a negative space would attract negativity into our own lives.

Most of us do choose to watch  the news and have a gauge of what is going on in the world, however it is helpful to be aware that watching too much negativity is not good, especially if felt at a deeply emotional level.

Our advice is to observe what is going on, allow yourself to feel compassion, then as quickly as possible imagine those involved at peace, healing, rebuilding their lives and becoming happier every day.  If we fill our hearts with love and light and send this transformational energy on mass – it’s the most powerful gift we can collectively give.

Warmly

Maz and Ray

The lead up to Christmas can be stressful for many of us, instead of the happy time it could be.  I am usually pretty centred and calm, however while out shopping this week, I started to feel a bit on edge for no good reason.

I reflected on previous years and remembered I had that same feeling.  As it got closer to Christmas I would set out to buy those last minute gifts, declaring that I would enjoy the experience in a relaxing way.  Sure enough it wouldn’t take long to pick up the vibes of those around me, feel the shattered auras,  start to feel “pressured” and come home feeling exhausted.

Why do we create this every year?    For many of us it seems as if there is nothing  beyond Christmas!  We believe that everything must be done and in place, that we should catch up with everyone socially and that we ought to buy gifts for everyone – even if we can’t really afford it.

On top of all that, we can have high expectations of Christmas Day itself, excesses of food on the table, often running around like crazy to do the right thing and make everyone happy.  Phew!  No wonder we can end up exhausted, sensitive or snappy.

So what can you do to create a different experience?

1. Remember to breathe!  Long, slow calming breaths whenever you catch yourself getting up tight.
2. Ask yourself, what is the true meaning of Christmas for me?  Is it about the presents?  Is it about having everything in perfect order?  Is it about the “shoulds”, “musts” and “oughts” and “doing the right thing”?
3. If the answer is no, create a picture of the way you would like your experience to be – from heart space.
4. Let go, be authentic and share your thoughts about  your ideal Christmas with those around you.  You quite likely will find that others  feel the same way too.

Changing your focus gives a whole new perspective of what is happening around you.  You will notice opportunities to show acts of kindness in many ways – give a smile or a helping hand.

Simply radiating your new found calmness, light and “presence” with everyone around you is the greatest gift of all!

We would like to send our very best wishes for the festive season to you and your loved ones.  We are truly thankful for your support of our quest to help people create  happy and amazing lives.

Warmly

Maz and Ray

We are delighted to announce the launch of the “Magic tools to overcome bullying and other stressful stuff!” resources as e-products. The book itself is now presented in soft cover, e-book (pdf or epub format) and also in an audiobook version. The Teachers’ Guide is in available as softcover or e-book (pdf) which is interactive whiteboard compatible.

Check out the products page of our website www.magictoolsforlife.com for great value packages!

Warmly
Maz and Ray
Ultimate Teachers E-Pack

Spring is here so why not think about “spring cleaning your mind” as well as your physical surroundings. It’s interesting isn’t it – when we sense it’s time to clean our house or work environment it can be hard to get started, maybe even a bit painful, however is usually followed by a feeling of elation and freedom especially when it is done. It’s same with the mind. “Get rid of the old and make way for the new” is a common saying and so very true. Unless we make space in our lives, physically or mentally, it’s impossible for the exciting new stuff to flood in.

Here are some tips for “spring cleaning your mind”.

1. Take time out to reflect on the squillions of thoughts that clutter your mind throughout the day (and night for many of us!).

2. Step back and become a witness – are your thoughts mostly positive ones or negative ones? Do they serve you well?

3. Notice how you “feel” when you are in a negative or positive frame of mind.

4. When you catch yourself in a negative thought pattern – simply ask the question “that is obviously what I don’t want! What is it that I do want?”

5. Make time to consciously write down and say goodbye to the negatives e.g. “I am so unfit” or “I’m not happy with the way people treat me”.

6. Write down and visualise what you do want e.g. “I am working toward the ideal fitness level for me” or “I am beginning to treat myself with love and respect – other people sense that and are treating me well to”.

7. Capture the essence of it – pretend that you have what you want now. What does it look like, or feel like? Be specific as you can! E.g. “I am healthy and energised, ready to burst right out of my skin!” or “I feel happy, free and empowered, ready to live life to the full”.

8. Take inspired action, even a small step toward your goal will get you on your way e.g. organise to walk regularly with a friend or begin a morning ritual of appreciation for the special and unique being that you are!

Make space, become open and “allow” the good to flow into your life. You may well be amazed with the results!

Warmly Maz and Ray

Here are our EIGHT little grandkids! Aren’t they gorgeous!

Warmly

Maz and Ray

So lovely to meet up with our friend Tracey Stranger. Traci is the author of the book “How to overcome stress naturally!” The forward of Tracey’s book is written by the Dalai Lama. How awesome is that! Trace is holding an awesome even on the Gold Coast in September and in Melbourne in October called “Massive Mind Over Money Event 2010. Check it out on www.MassiveMindOverMoneyEvent2010.com
Warmly
Maz and Ray

Back home and taking a breath after our great trip to Queensland followed by the North West Coast of Tas! It doesn’t matter how great a time you have it’s always good to come home isn’t it. We caught up with precious family including our 8 gorgeous grandkids as well as dear friends. Also had a fun time at the stores doing book signings and met lots of lovely interesting people. Photos are attached.

Warmly

Maz and Ray

Keeping a gratitude journal is a great way to attract great stuff! At the end of the day, write down all of the things you are thankful for – no matter how small. Really feel the gratitude in your heart, become open to grace and the good things will just keep coming.

Warmly

Maz and Ray