According to an ancient legend, there was a time when ordinary people had access to all the knowledge of the gods. Yet time and again, they ignored this wisdom. One day, the gods grew tired of so freely giving a gift the people didn't use, so they decided to hide this precious wisdom where only the most committed of seekers would discover it. They believed that if people had to work to find this wisdom, they would use it more carefully.

One of the gods suggested that they bury it deep in the earth. No the others said -- too many people could easily dig down and find it. "Let's put it in the deepest ocean," suggested one of the gods, but that idea was also rejected. They knew that people would one day learn to dive and thus would find it too easily.

One of the gods suggested hiding it on the highest mountaintop, but it was quickly agreed that people could climb mountains.

Finally, one of the wisest gods suggested, "Let's hide it deep inside the people themselves. They'll never think to look there." And so it came to be - and so it continues today.

This parable came from Jack Canfield's book; The Success Principles. I simply love that story. So often we are looking in all the wrong places when it comes to dealing with a difficult situation. Finding the information or solutions we crave becomes a nearly impossible task.

If you want answers that will serve your higher purpose, you must begin to look inside. Within each and every person there lies a treasure of infinite wisdom and personal wealth. The distractions of this world conspire to keep us off balance, in a constant state of agitation. Our mind jumping from one thought to the next. Without the ability to stay present in the "here and now" we loose focus and quickly become overwhelmed by circumstance.

There was a time in my life when I was crazy enough to actually road race motorcycles. I loved the rush of flying through a corner with my knee on the ground, slicing and dicing through traffic. I was addicted to the adrenalin to be sure, but what that thrill gave me was complete and total focus. My mind was like a laser and if I had the slightest skip in attention it meant hitting the pavement at mind numbing speeds. That life and death focus meant that all the clutter in my mind was finally silenced into a single action. What I noticed was that after the race had ended, some of my most profound ideas and thoughts would emerge, flowing without effort.

One way you can create this result is by using a technique called Segment Intending. Simply stated; you organize your day into small and manageable segments and then complete each segment before moving on to the next. Give that segment your complete and undivided attention and you will see amazing results. For example, imagine how good your partner or children would feel if the next time you communicated with them you gave them 100% of your attention. Imagine what that kind of focus could do in all aspects of your personal and professional life. Living your life to the fullest means being fully present in body, mind and spirit, and segment intending can help you achieve this goal.

By Lynn Ravazzini, Owner: Nutrition Within, Lynn4nutrition@sbcglobal.net

While colds and flu can be difficult to prevent entirely, building your immune system with the right nutrients and lifestyle changes may significantly reduce your risk. To help you "bundle up on the inside" this fall and winter, I suggest you consider the following simple strategies.

This season, many people will seek natural support to prevent and shorten the duration of a cold or the flu -- and for good reason. With the right nutrients, you can bolster your immunity and increase your chances of beating the bugs this winter.

Nutritional Support to Boost Immunity:
• High level of absorbable vitamin C enhances immune system activity and provides antioxidant protection
• Zinc promotes healthy immune function and provides antioxidant protection
• Nourishing mushrooms targets multiple organ systems to promote healthy immunity and protects a stressed immune system
• Selenium supports immune function and provides antioxidant protection

Other Lifestyle Factors
• Whenever possible, avoid close contact with someone who is infected.
• Wash your hands frequently, particularly if you have come in contact with an infected person or have touched an object they have touched.
• Avoid touching your nose and eyes, which serve as easy pathways for virus particles to enter the body.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Get plenty of rest to give your body time to heal.

Counteracting Side Effects of Antibiotics

Did you know that 70% of your immune system is in your intestinal tract? That's why it's very important to maintain a healthy balance of your intestinal bacteria, which can be offset by taking antibiotics. Although antibiotics kill the "bad" bacteria in your system, they also attack the "friendly" bacteria that are essential to proper digestion and your overall immune system health. To help restore your bacterial balance, you might consider probiotic supplements to help replenish "friendly" intestinal bacteria and support digestive and immune health.

Of the numerous probiotics, specific strains of L. rhamnosus, B. lactis, and S. boulardii have been shown to exert positive therapeutic outcomes by reestablishing friendly intestinal bacteria. More specifically, utilizing the combined effect of these friendly bacteria may be a powerful probiotic strategy to help boost your immune system before, during, and after antibiotic therapies in addition to addressing intestinal concerns. Be sure to check the product label for identity certification to ensure purity and effectiveness.

If you are like most people and have concerns about staying healthy through the fall and winter seasons, please call me today to schedule an appointment. We can discuss an easy-to-follow nutritional program that incorporates powerful immune-boosting nutrients and purity-certified probiotics!

Did you know that taking as little as 20 minutes a day for deep relaxation can replace as much as 90 minutes of deep, quality sleep? Would you be excited if I told you that a product already exists that can help you achieve that amazing result? Dr. John Mason, Founder of the Stress Education Center, has a series of guided relaxation CD's that are really amazing. They are specifically created to address where your body manifests stress. For example, many people hold stress in the muscles creating chronic pain. Or, many people experience sever headaches or migraines as a result of stress. Some people have stomach issues, or panic and anxiety attacks; the list of possible symptoms is really quite extensive. Whatever your issue, Dr. Mason has a CD to help you reduce and/or eliminate the effects of stress on the body.

Dr. Mason has made this offer to anyone who receives this Newsletter: You may call him directly to receive a FREE consultation and diagnosis about how stress is manifesting in your body. This is an amazing offer because you will be consulting directly with Dr. Mason, something that normally would cost hundreds of dollars, FOR NO COST! And, if you mention that you know me, Dr. Mason will prescribe a relaxation CD for your needs for under $25! You just can't do better than that for something like this, so feel free to take advantage of this no obligation offer. You may call Dr. Mason directly at 1-888-795-0095, or visit his website at www.dstress.com.

This month's mantra for your affirming pleasure:

"My inner wisdom guides my every action."

Tapping into the inner wisdom we all possess is such a powerful process. Using the power of the manta to obtain this inner information begins with quite focus. Just sitting in silence for a few minutes throughout the day, repeating the above affirmation, can yield a quite and receptive state that flows its information to your conscious mind so you can then take action and achieve a desired result.

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 center yourself and you feel your breath quite down, repeat the mantra; "My inner wisdom guides my every action" to yourself for the next five minutes. Feel this wisdom flowing into you effortlessly and you continue to repeat this powerful mantra.

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 empowering yourself to survive.

For those of you who live locally in the Sonoma County area I thought I would feature one new business each newsletter where I know the person involved and have done business with them in the past. The people featured in this section are so exceptional; they come with my highest recommendation. A different service will be featured each month for your review.

Ricoh is the leading provider of document solutions for your office. Think copiers, printers, faxes and all kinds of document equipment. If it's made Ricoh has it. What is amazing about Ricoh products is that they are very high quality at remarkably reasonable prices. Mr. Francis Brenning is an Account Executive for Ricoh Business Solutions here in the Sonoma County area. His specialty is helping you to reduce the amount of documents you store and to reduce the cost of printing those documents. I know Francis has saved business tens of thousands of dollars and all it takes is a phone call to get a no obligation assessment of how Ricoh can save you time and money.

RICOH Americas Corporation
Mr. Francis Breining
6020 Commerce Blvd, Suite 124
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 584-4777
e-mail: francis.breining@ricoh-usa.com

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

Rodger