Happy Father Day.

Brain Interpret Happiness Faster Than Sadness on Face

“Our brains get a first impression of people's overriding social signals after seeing their faces for only 100 milliseconds (0.1 seconds). Whether this impression is correct, however, is another question.

The researchers worked with 80 psychology students (65 women and 15 men) to analyze the differences between their cerebral hemispheres using the "divided visual field" technique, which is based on the anatomical properties of the visual system...” medical newstoday

My face keeps a somewhat dry posture and I get asked frequently, “Something bothering you,? I reply no why would you asked that? I understood from my personal feeling I was being misread, but now I understand from a neurological one.

“...happiness and surprise are processed faster than sadness and fear..People make deductions from the expressions on people's faces. "These inferences can strongly influence election results or the sentences given in trials...” explains Aznar-Casanova.

The saying “your first impression is a lasting one” have proven merit. Going in for the job interview, dating, socializing, a happy disposition will create that happy smile.

So the next time you're in traffic court, get off with a great big smile, unless you need dental work, in that case pay the fine online.

"Be Happiness" right now, here's how

"Be Happiness," everyday.  Soar to new heights of Love and Joy with the sunrise. Empowered and positive from just being you, a positive magnet of Love: for the universe only send what you send it.

Your heart and mind cradling thoughts of sharing, giving, and forgiving. Not seeking to control anyone or anything, you are in perfect balance with the creator.

Be hope and faith, your stewardship, the best witness to the power of spirituality. For who walked your road better then you?

Release the desire to strive, to be the best, for one never will arrive at such a place. Where you are right now will always be, so "Be Contentment."

Share company likewise with caring people, who desire not strife, anger and hate, for surely we are far from God with those thoughts. Be a gather of people, not a divider.

Find acceptance, and peace will be your God. Travel inside, so your days may be long and plentiful. Make no one your enemy, for when you have an enemy, you have yourself.

Fear comes from a unfaithful mind. Not truly a believer, one makes companion with turmoil, not trusting in the Great Way.

Seeking out other fallen angels for company, never seeing the good in all of God's creation.  Relinquish a dark mind, relinquish your dark days.

***

“5 Be Happiness Steps”

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Be your own Moral Authority

Trust in your wisdom and common sense. Follow your reasoning, and you'll find your way. Others may have a different agenda for you, so be vigilant, trust God; which resides in your heart.

***

Build a Wisdom Map

Gather your life experiences, study them and make a positive wisdom map. Your best experience is your best teacher, leader and master. Trust your life that it may guide you, needing no interference from others. If you are angry all the time, you built the wrong map.

***

Release desire to control anyone or anything

Rest chronic pain and despair by allowing others the freedom to choose their way. A tornado of pain can subside by understanding "you are not God," guide people to themselves and they will find their way to home.

***

Trust Tao will provide in due time

The Sun never doubts the moon, as rain never doubts dryness. All situations change, change is the only constant to have faith in. God is Change. Faith is God. Be content where you are, for God has you there for a reason.

***

Be Honest

No factor is more important to “Be Happiness” then honesty. When we deceive ourselves, we imprison our heart. A constant Broadway performance that the curtain will eventually come down on. No greater wall has been erected between God and us, then the one who can not look in the mirror.

***

I hope that this personal reflection on “Be Happiness” helps support your journey to self-discovery and spiritual growth. If you have ideals on positive steps you employ tell us about them, you never know who it may save.

Fasting

“Lao Tzu instructs that you must be empty in order to become fill, for attachments keep you so restricted that nothing can enter your already-filled self.”—Dr. Dwyer

To start a life anew, one needs to vanish long held beliefs and attachments that hold creativity to low energy.  If the mind is rooted in ego-centered thoughts, a new you will never manifest.

Fasting is a great way to begin a discipline of self-discovery, new thoughts and beliefs.

When one fast, its done not to deny pleasure, but to become intense in spirit by eliminating for a brief moment an activity.  Some fast in speech, not talking for a certain amount of time or altering diet, refraining from food.

It has been discover by fasting, we are able to concentrate on spiritual disciplines we wish to strengthen.  Fasting is not about denial, but invitation, greetings to a new a new way of seeing things or thinking.

It should not be painful, but pleasurable, a feeling of empowerment that you wish to revisit several times a year.

Fasting, a technique of spiritual empowerment requires a willing partner.  Discover who you are by going inside and discovering your true being, creating room for a new bottle to be filled.

Patrick Kennedy Checks into Rehab

U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy has checked into a rehab facility. He has not disclosed the location or what he will be treated for, but Kennedy has made no secret of the fact that he has had a lifelong battle with drug addiction and mental illness
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1838907/patrick_kennedy_checks_into_rehab.html

Black Women in D.C., Have Higher Rate Of AIDS Than Other Women

Black women in Washington, D.C., have higher rates of AIDS and other chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease than women of other races, according to a study released today by the Kaiser Family

Foundation, the Washington Post reports. According to the study - which is based on CDC and federal population data - the incidence of AIDS cases for black women is 176 per 100,000, higher than that of any other group of women in the district.

Lack of education, poverty, unemployment, stress, and inadequate living conditions and health care coverage contribute to black women's poorer health, the study finds (Fears, Washington Post, 6/10).

This information was reprinted from dailyreports.kff.org with kind permission from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily U.S. HIV/AIDS Report, search the archives and sign up for email delivery at dailyreports.kff.org.

© Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.

3 Stress Busters that Work

 

Stress will disrupt one's ability to function on an optimal level. Its side affects left untreated may cause depression, anxiety and ultimately a trip to your physician. Over the years I did not deal healthy with stress-related issues.

“Kill or Will it,” was my artificial response to stressful filled events. If I could not kill it with anger, hate or destruction, I would turn my back on it, “Will it away.”

This unorthodox manner was created from childhood, healthy alternatives to deal with stress was not passed alone in my family.

I grew up in a place that your survival depended on many factors, dealing sometimes violently with issues or not dealing with them were viable options.

Taoism and therapy has opened my mind to healthier ways in dealing with stressful events. Since 2007 I have studied Taoism and its principles, writing a published journal of my mental travels with it. (the invisible dragon)

My therapist for two years has provided information and feedback on my dealing with stress and depression.

Outside my wife she has been the most important person in my life. Below are three stress-busters I employ to handle stressful issues and remain healthy mentally.

***

Busting free from Stress

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1. Meditation

This form of stress release would have be ridicule by me several years ago. The practice of meditation renders may mind into a state of silence.

A mental peace which deafen my busy mind, and allows my Source to speak to me. Stillness, relaxation and silence creates a flow of energy that's brings peace, harmony and acceptance.

*

2. Read your Journal

I read my journal out loud to myself and sometimes my family. Its soothing to hear my recorded life, it provides me with a live time-machine.

As I listen to my voice, I gauge where I am, as a person, father, husband friend. My written thoughts gives me guidance, accountability. A discipline to change my thoughts which in turn will change my life.

*

3. Terminate Toxic Relationships

Eliminate ties with individuals who are controlling, self-serving and dishonest. We are attached to people for a number of reasons genetic, marriage, spiritual etc.

Some of these relationships are maintained blindly, believing a sense of loyalty will be broken just by evaluating the effects of the relationship on your mental state.  

A healthy relationship is voided of manipulation, threats, passive aggressive techniques and dishonesty. Its balanced, not a up and down constant state of erratic change.

A two-way form of communication, never not harming with words or actions. If you find yourself in such a relationship end it,

Harmony and peace of a sincere relationship eliminates stress immediately.

***

In the last few years I have maintain these three principles to deal with stress. Stress is a biological defense mechanism, employed in situations that call for fight or flight.

Some live in environments where stress becomes normal, nevertheless stress kills in the long run.

It deteriorates one life, you may develop high-blood pressure, depression etc. Find alternatives methods to help you control your stress and live a healthier life.

If you have some other stress busters, please let me know.

Smoking Kills, 2009 Cancer Facts and Statistics

The 2009 the annual statistical analysis by the American Cancer Society indicates cancer deaths are declining.  The study also show a more rapid decline is possible if people stop smoking.  (Statistics in Cancer Facts and Figures)

The top killer among men is lung cancer and women while digestive system cancer is the most common group of cancers, and that group includes colon, rectal, throat and intestinal cancers.

New Cancer Statistics:

• Between 2001 and 2005, black people still had the highest percentage of cancer incidence and cancer deaths among other statistically significant ethnic groups. The same problem persists: blacks and poor people often don’t see a doctor until the cancer is too advanced.
• Black men have an 18 percent higher incidence rate and 36 percent higher cancer death rate compared to white men.
• Black women are less likely than white women to get cancer, but when they do, they’re more likely to die from it.
• Poverty remains the number one condition behind cancer deaths, regardless of ethnicity. The lower your income, the more likely it is that if you get cancer, you’ll die from it.
• Cancer death rates dropped 19.2 percent among men during 1990-2005 and 11.4 percent among women during, between 1990 and 2005.
• Early detection, improved prevention and improved treatments account for the drop.
• The drop adds up to 650,000 lives saved in 15 years.
• Cancer Society researchers predict 1,479,350 new cancer cases and 562,340 cancer deaths in 2009.
• For all cancers diagnosed from 1996 to 2004, the 5-year relative survival rate is 66 percent, up from 50 percent in 1975 to 1977. That increase reflects improvements in both early detection and treatment.
• Prostate, lung and colorectal cancers account for about half of all cancer diagnoses among men; lung, colorectal and breast cancers account for about half of new cases. Combined, they account for almost half of the cancer deaths among men and women.

For the science behind the statistics, get CA: Cancer Statistics for Clinicians .
See a PowerPoint presentation or hear an audio report narrated by Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer of the Cancer Society.

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• African American death rate from cancer getting better, but still not great (cancercommentary.com)

5 Signs of a Enlightened Leader

A journey of personal contentment, humbleness, wisdom, can be daunting. The restructure of spirit may take several months, most likely years. Personally my journey began in August 2005, I have witnessed growth, setbacks and re-evaluation on a daily bases.

The evolution requires deeply committed energy, unobstructed by external factors. e.g. marriage, employment, relationships

My salvation rested with me, this I understood clearly, refusing since youth to turn it over to spiritual men of the cloth. A higher spiritual consciousness, attracts and consumes my faith, a faith guided by my experiences.

Support guidance not taken lightly, I decided upon guidelines one would have to possess for me to entertain listening to their speech. Its my mortal life, its my eternal life, and I have the keys to it, I choose to open the door to whomever.

**

My 5 Spiritual Leadership Guidelines

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(1) Love

It would be their cornerstone, not in words, but actions. There would be no question of their compassion, stewardship and far-reaching desires to help all of men, not just ones that satisfies their agenda.

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(2) Ego-less

Traces of arrogance, harshness, does not come from their lips. You would not have a feeling that you must impress them, or somehow could disappoint them. You welcome their company, not altering your behaviors to fit their lofty expectations.

**

(3) Hand-offs

Effective growth can only be shepherded in by leading without strong hands. Guiding one passively to find their own strength, allowing them to choose their road.  Invisible leaders, who do not feel the compulsion to control everything and everybody.

**

(4) Fear used as a tactic

Fear is the oldest and most useless formula to lead people. If it accompany instructions, such leader lack personal discipline and wisdom. They create monsters consistently, so your thoughts and behaviors may be controlled from a distance.

**

(5) The leader trust no one, and no one trust them

A mutual sense, that something amiss, not spoken but felt. When such atmosphere exist, no growth will come through it, none. The people have no true voice in the matters of their own spiritual salvation.

*****

If someone says something that goes against my reasoning and common sense, I don't do it. Relinquishing my freedom to choose will never become a prerequisite to keep anyone's company.

I have the freedom,  I choose wisely. 

Gossip helps reduce anxiety and stress, UM study says

ANN ARBOR, Mich.---Why does dishing with a girlfriend do wonders for a woman's mood?

A University of Michigan study has identified a likely reason: feeling emotionally close to a friend increases levels of the hormone progesterone, helping to boost well-being and reduce anxiety and stress.

"This study establishes progesterone as a likely part of the neuroendocrine basis of social bonding in humans," said U-M researcher Stephanie Brown, lead author of an article reporting the study findings, published in the current (June 2009) issue of the peer-reviewed journal Hormones and Behavior.

A sex hormone that fluctuates with the menstrual cycle, progesterone is also present in low levels in post-menopausal women and in men.Earlier research has shown that higher levels of progesterone increase the desire to bond with others, but the current study is the first to show that bonding with others increases levels of progesterone.  The study also links these increases to a greater willingness to help other people, even at our own expense.

"It's important to find the links between biological mechanisms and human social behavior," said Brown, is a faculty associate at the U-M Institute for Social Research (ISR) and an assistant professor of internal medicine at the U-M Medical School. She is also affiliated with the Ann Arbor Veterans Affairs Hospital.  "These links may help us understand why people in close relationships are happier, healthier, and live longer than those who are socially isolated."

***

Progesterone is much easier to measure than oxytocin, a hormone linked to trust, pair-bonding and maternal responsiveness in humans and other mammals.  Oxytocin can only be measured through an invasive spinal tap or through expensive and complex brain imaging methods, such as positron emission tomography scans.  Progesterone can be measured through simple saliva samples and may be related to oxytocin.

In the current study, Brown and colleagues examined the link between interpersonal closeness and salivary progesterone in 160 female college students.  At the start of the study, the researchers measured the levels of progesterone and of the stress hormone cortisol in the women's saliva, and obtained information about their menstrual cycles and whether they were using hormonal contraceptives or other hormonally active medications.

To control for daily variations in hormone levels, all the sessions were held between noon and 7 p.m.  The women were randomly assigned to partners and asked to perform either a task designed to elicit feelings of emotional closeness or a task that was emotionally neutral.  In the emotionally neutral task, the women proofread a botany manuscript together.

After completing the 20-minute tasks, the women played a computerized cooperative card game with their partners, and then had their progesterone and cortisol sampled again.  The progesterone levels of women who had engaged in the emotionally neutral tasks tended to decline, while the progesterone levels of women who engaged in the task designed to elicit closeness either remained the same or increased.

The participants' cortisol levels did not change in a similar way.

***

Participants returned a week later, and played the computerized card game with their original partners again. Then researchers measured their progesterone and cortisol.  Researchers also examined links between progesterone levels and how likely participants said they would be to risk their life for their partner.

"During the first phase of the study, we found no evidence of a relationship between progesterone and willingness to sacrifice," Brown said. "But a week later, increased progesterone predicted an increased willingness to say you would risk your life to help your partner."

According to Brown, the findings are consistent with a new evolutionary theory of altruism which argues that the hormonal basis of social bonds enables people to suppress self-interest when necessary in order to promote the well-being of another person, as when taking care of children or helping ailing family members or friends.

The results also help explain why social contact has well-documented health benefits---a relationship first identified nearly 20 years ago by U-M sociologist James House.

"Many of the hormones involved in bonding and helping behavior lead to reductions in stress and anxiety in both humans and other animals. Now we see that higher levels of progesterone may be part of the underlying physiological basis for these effects," Brown said.

****

Established in 1949, the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research (ISR) is among the world's oldest academic survey research organizations, and a world leader in the development and application of social science methodology. ISR conducts some of the most widely cited studies in the nation, including the Reuters/University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers, the American National Election Studies, the Monitoring the Future Study, the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, the Health and Retirement Study, the Columbia County Longitudinal Study, and the National Survey of Black Americans. ISR researchers also collaborate with social scientists in more than 60 nations on the World Values Surveys and other social science research projections.

Abortion doctor killer 'had history of mental illness'

Scott Roeder 51, the man suspected of killing a prominent US abortion doctor, was a former member of an extreme right-wing Christian militia group.

Mr. Roeder had a history of mental illness, his family said on Monday.

Dr George Tiller, was shot and killed Sunday as he attended church by suspected gunman.  He was gunned down in the foyer of his church on Sunday. His wife Jeanne was in the choir at the time.

In a statement released Monday, Roeder's family admitted he had "suffered from mental illness at various times in his life" but insisted they had never believed he would kill anyone.

In 1996, a district judge said Roeder presented a "threat of danger to the public" after bomb-making equipment was found in his car along with a military rifle, gas mask and ammunition.

Mr Roeder had been involved with the Freemen movement, an extreme Christian conservative and anti-government group – a link which prompted a district attorney to describe him as a "substantial threat to public safety".