By Roger Von Oech, Author of "Expect the Unexpected".

As children, we're awe struck by most of life. Everyday events, from the chirp of a cricket to a telephone conversation with faraway relatives, seem nothing less than miraculous to the average three-year old. Yet somehow, as we grow into adulthood, that sense of wonderment gets drummed out of us. Too many of us sleepwalk through our lives, focusing on trivial matters ("that car took my parking place") and get locked into narrow ways of thinking ("my way is the right way").

Wake up to the wonders of our existence. What amazing things do you grasp? That the sun rose this morning and you're alive to enjoy it? That plants contain the pigment chlorophyll that allows them to store the sun's energy? That ingredients in the bark of the cinchona tree can combat the deadly effects of malaria? That your care brakes work virtually every time you use them? That compassion between human beings isn't all that rare? That wind chimes evoke childhood memories of spring rain? As scientist Lewis Thomas put it, "Statistically, the probability of any one of us being here is so small that the mere fact of our existence should keep us all in a state of contented dazzlement."

Do you see the magic in what you're doing? What deadens your awareness of things? What heightens it?

Editor's note: The most damaging thing that can happen to any of us is a loss of our life's purpose. Once this has taken place we are not fully human. We are no longer free to experience life in the fullest and we lose our desire to live; surrendering instead to the victim mindset of mere existence for its own sake. If you really want one of the secrets to life it is this ... become more childlike in all your actions in this world. When you feel gratitude for the wonders of our existence you will know joy because in every instance, gratitude proceeds joy itself. People who master their place in life from the perspective of a child playing a game possess the power of Kings!

Last week I was hitting the gym for a bit of refreshing, energy pumping exercise. I was doing my thing with my typical 100% effort and fanatical pursuit of perfect form. My philosophy is that if I can't move my body or the weight I'm using with flawless form, then I'm done with the set. Cheating just opens us up to injury and does not build the kind of functional muscular strength and endurance I want.

I happened to be watching one of the gym-rat regulars hit the bench press. He loaded up the bar to an impressive 315 pounds. He was a big, strong looking man and he did not ask for a spotter. Things that make ya go hummm. Not too many people are capable of pushing 315 on a bench press and even fewer are so confident in their strength that they would risk death to toss around that kinda weight without someone spotting them. He had my attention now, if for no other reason that I might have to get the other half of the gym members together to get the weight off his chest if he got stuck. Then it happened.

I watched him take the bar off of the supports. He arched his back into a bridge which made me cringe in sympathetic pain as he lowered the bar at nearly the speed of light. What I saw next astounded me. He let that bar hammer his chest so hard that he had a full six inches plus of compression directly above his heart. He proceeded to bounce 315 pounds off his chest like a jack hammer as he beat out 8 reps in similar fashion before slamming the bar back and hopping off the bench with the pride of a peacock. What a freaking idiot!

I could only shake my head at the damage he could have done to himself and frankly, if he had tried to push that weight with good form, working the muscles correctly he would have never been able to actually push that kinda weight back up.

Folks, if I can pass on one of the key tips in any kind of movement please, please do yourself a favor and only do the movement with perfect form. Save yourself some grief, because that kind of abuse will catch up sooner or later and it will be a heavy price to pay.

My best buddy from 5th grade to present day is a man named Frank. Frank has always been a "seeking the brass ring" kinda guy. From my earliest memories he was always striving to climb his corporate ladder, starting at the bottom and quickly ascending to the top by working 17 hour days all the while raising a family and holding down a marriage.

Frank's high powered jobs concern the hotel industry in San Francisco. Frank's at the top of the food chain in what can be a cut throat business. After reaching a position of leadership in one particular hotel it was purchased and if you know anything about hotel purchases, the new owners typically clean house by firing everyone and starting over. Frank received this news and it broke his spirit. Starting over, again, was just a bit too much to bare after working so hard.

Frank walked out of the hotel that day in a state of shock. He wandered the streets of the city for a while, no particular destination in mind, to just be. After a while he found himself standing in front of one of the trendy art galleries in Union Square. There, in the window, was a beautiful painting by a famous renaissance artist. Frank became lost in the painting, standing in the location, not moving, barely breathing for over two hours. People passing by probably just thought he was another nutcase (plenty of those in San Francisco), but what was going on inside Frank was nothing short of a miracle.

Frank was pulled into the painting. He noticed every detail. The particular stroke of the brush. The blending of the colors. The subtle hues. The genius itself unfolded in his mind.

He immediately went to an art store, bought some canvass, paints and an art book with that painting he saw featured in one section. Frank went home, and without the slighted knowledge of how to paint with oils, much less draw a cartoon character with a crayon, he proceeded to replicate the painting. Now, I'm not talking about some obviously lame attempt to copy of master's painting, I'm telling you he copied it exactly...precisely, down to the brush stroke.

How is this possible? This is a guy in his 40's with zero artistic talent who suddenly finds himself painting at a level of mastery. Frank opened his doorway.

Great saints and sages have told us for eons that the doorway to the infinite is directly in front of us but we are blinded to its presence by our attachments and comfort, our unwillingness to do what is necessary to unleash our hidden potentialities that lie beneath the surface of every being. And so, we see examples of this from time to time if we really look, but most of us stay mired in the mundane details of life, never really stretching ourselves until we are pressed. And so often the release of these amazing gifts is preceded by intense strife and turmoil, suffering that triggers a response allowing the doorway to open.

A great Sufi poet once said; "The wailing of broken hearts is the doorway to God". Is it possible to open these doorways to our inner genius without the struggle? Is it possible to discover our hidden treasures from a place of happiness and joy? Are you willing to explore the deeper aspects of "self" knowing that, without a doubt, within you lays a reward beyond your wildest imagination? What will you do today...now, to start yourself on this path of self-discovery? Will you take the first step? Are you ready or would you rather wait for life to body slam you out of your apathy first?

By Lynn Ravazzini, Owner - Nutrition Within: (707) 292-1284

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays an important role in the body's energy-producing process and in protecting cardiovascular health. In fact, CoQ10 is vital to sustaining life. While it is a conditionally essential nutrient with properties similar to vitamins (sometimes even referred to as vitamin Q), it isn't classified as such due to its natural production in the body. This production slows down after age 21, however, and your CoQ10 level could be reduced by up to 50% by age 80.

Further decreases can be caused by a poor diet (which slows production) and CoQ10-depleting drugs such as:

• Statins prescribed for lowering cholesterol (e.g., lovastatin, simvastatin)
• Diabetes drugs (e.g., chlorpropamide, glimepiride, glyburide, metformin)
• Tricyclic antidepressant drugs (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine, doxepin)
• Antipsychotic medications (e.g., chlorpromazine, fluphenazine)
• Beta-blocker drugs (e.g., acebutolol, bisoprolol, esmolol, labetalol, sotalol)
• Diuretic drugs (e.g., benzthiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, metolazone)

Although CoQ10 is found in many foods, the estimated dietary intake for adults is less than 5 mg to 10 mg per day, which is well below most recommendations in a diagnosed deficiency. Additionally, CoQ10's molecular weight and other properties make absorption of dietary CoQ10 slow and limited. Correction of a deficiency, therefore, requires supplementation with higher levels than are available in the diet. The need for supplementation may be necessary.

Foods Fall Short. Scientific studies have shown that CoQ10 may be recommended as preventive therapy or as a safe and effective complement to conventional therapy for cardiovascular disease. In fact, many researchers now believe that patients on statin therapy should also take supplemental CoQ10. CoQ10 supplementation has also been shown to positively influence physical activity, energy, and quality of life.

Choosing the Right CoQ10 Supplement for You. Scientific studies have shown that CoQ10 may be recommended as preventive therapy or as a safe and effective complement to conventional therapy for cardiovascular disease. In fact, many researchers now believe that patients on statin therapy should also take supplemental CoQ10. CoQ10 supplementation has also been shown to positively influence physical activity, energy, and quality of life.

Even in supplement form (typically tablets, powder-filled capsules, or softgels), the absorption of CoQ10 may be limited. Quality is also a concern for this difficult-to-formulate supplement due to its sensitivities to changes in light, moisture, and acidity. Some over-the-counter supplements may offer lower quality materials or fail to meet label claims.

New technology and delivery methods may help improve the absorption potential of CoQ10 supplements. An advanced CoQ10 processing technology called "nanomicellization" delivers a better solution for CoQ10 supplementation that one preliminary study suggests may increase absorption by 54% over the industry standard manufacturing process for CoQ10 supplements. That means it takes less to do more.

Standard micellization is a process to help improve CoQ10 solubility in both fat and water. The patented nanomicelle process results in more stable micelles that are 1,000 times smaller than typical micelles, which facilitates increased CoQ10 solubility in a water solution and greater absorption potential by cell membranes.

Nanomicelle technology allows supplements to be created in liquid form for convenient delivery in larger doses. A CoQ10 formula developed through nanomicelle technology may provide a better option for those who could benefit from supplementation.

If you'd like to know if you might be at risk for a CoQ10 deficiency, please contact my office to set up an appointment. We'll work with you to design a supplementation program that will help you promote long-term health.

This month's mantra for your affirming pleasure: "The doorways to my hidden talents open easily and effortlessly!"

As you repeat this mantra see yourself completing anything you have ever wanted to try. Perhaps it is something like Frank, painting like a master. Or perhaps it is you speaking in front of a stadium filled with people. Whatever you desire, see it now being fulfilled as you repeat this powerful mantra.

Now, sit or lie back comfortably. Take three deep breaths, pausing after you inhale and then exhale fully and completely. After you have taken your first three breaths, just breathe normally. Close your eyes and let any tension you may be holding in your muscles just begin to melt away. After you feel centered and your breath begins to quite down, repeat the mantra; "The doorways to my hidden talents open easily and effortlessly!" Say this mantra with conviction!

As many times as you can throughout your day, stop what you are doing, take one deep breath and repeat this mantra. You can do this when the phone rings, or when you look at your watch, or anytime you feel the need to just slow down for a brief moment and focus. The power of setting a positive intention throughout your day should not be underestimated. It can literally change your life. Make this short time commitment everyday and begin on the path of empowerment.

Well, that's all for now. May the Warrior Spirit guide and protect you always.

The contents of this monthly email are not to be considered as medical advice. Always consult a physician before beginning, or changing any wellness program.

Rodger Ruge
Ready Force Inc. Publications
8688 Lakewood Dr, #212,
Windsor, CA 96592
(707) 975-0899
www.readyforce.net
www.readywarrior.com