Daniel Benor asked:


Nightmares – the kind that wake us with our heart beating wildly and our whole body tensed and ready to do battle with the baddies or run away – are often experienced as very frightening and worrisome.

Many want to forget their bad dreams as soon as possible. They don’t realize these could be missed opportunities for enrichment in their lives. Analyzing dreams is a potent method not only for managing stress but for our personal development.

We may ask ourselves:

Did I see or hear something bad that is coming back to haunt me?

Is my dream warning me about someone who is out to get me?

Did I eat something spoiled for dinner?

Or could there be something more that I am not getting here?

The truth is, any or all of these and many more possibilities may be true. Dreams are imagery and storyline salads that our deeper self puts up on the screen of our awareness during the night. When we sleep, our conscious mind is resting. This allows our unconscious mind the space to chew on and digest whatever issues we have swallowed but have not yet sorted out during the day.

The ingredients in this salad may include

- Residues of experiences from the day

- Memory associations with those experiences that

are sitting in the same file drawer of brain

- Feelings similar to those experiences

- resonating like taut guitar strings to a similar

note from recent events

- Sounds our unconscious mind notes while we sleep

- Worries and fears about the future

There are countless books for interpreting dreams. These may give us some general ideas about our own nightmares, but only we ourselves can say what our particular dreams mean. This is because we have concocted this imagery salad out of the unique ingredients of our individual, personal lives.

Example

From ‘Kate,’ a 35 year-old, single parent MBA:

“I once woke in a sweat, having dreamed I was driving a car with a steering wheel I could no longer turn.”

The first step in befriending our nightmares is to write down every detail and nuance we can recall, omitting no pixel of pictures, no nuance of feeling, or soundbyte of words, or intonations exchanged by the characters on that inner stage.

“As I started to write, more details emerged. Not only was I approaching a curve, but there was a big truck approaching in the opposite lane. I kept fighting the wheel that wouldn’t turn, terrified as my car crossed the yellow line just in front of the truck. I wanted to scream but no words would come out of my mouth. I woke just before impact.”

Next, we can scan our memories for what might have been a leftover from recent days’ experiences that was dropped into the salad.

“I felt I was being driven by my financial needs to continue on a career path that I was unhappy to pursue. The atmosphere at the factory was terrible because I was being asked to do jobs that weren’t mine, due to several recent staff resignations. I was forced to stay late, compromising my duties as a mom to two young girls. I was having a hard time finding another job I wanted, and worried I could not hold up (might crash) under the stresses.”

Examining patterns from the past that might be similar, Kate realized:

“My father was forced into bankruptcy, due to a poor choice in business partners, when I was in my late teens. This severely disrupted our family and delayed my plans for going to university until I could pay my own way. I felt totally out of control when this happened.”

Sorting out the meanings of the dream, one can explore alternatives that one might have overlooked in the dream and why these blind spots might exist.

“I came to see I had struggled with the steering wheel but never thought of stepping on the brakes. The dream actually helped me understand that when stressed, I often felt panicky and out of control – when actually there often were choices I could make that would be under my control.”

The nightmare can then suggest new ways we might approach our life situations.

“I came to see that I could take a stand for myself and put on the brakes at work. I was lucky that the division manager was an understanding single mom herself and she supported me when I requested shifts in my duties.”

Kate also found ways she could deal with the heavy feelings of hurt, anger and resentment she carried from her father’s bankruptcy.

In short, if we don’t run away from our nightmares or push them back into the fog of unknowing in our unconscious mind, they can be a rich feast for understanding ourselves better and for discovering creative ways to improve our lives.

Jeff Schuman asked:


Have you heard of Twitter? It seems like there are new ways to promote your business online and Twitter is a very good one. It is one of these cool social network ways of staying in touch with people.

In this article let’s talk about 6 ways you can easily use Twitter to make friends and more money!

1. First and foremost Twitter is a great way to stay connected with people who are following you and who you are following. You do this by posting short messages called “tweets.

This has become known as micro blogging because you are limited to 140 characters in your messages. The key is to build up a large list of followers. You can do this at various sites like Twellow.com and then start following people who have similar interests to yours.

2. Make yourself stand out by offering things that are unique. I like to offer updates about what I am blogging on. Avoid selling all of the time and offer useful content and your followers will appreciate it.

3. You have to get your Twitter link out where people can find you. This means adding it to your email sig file, in forum posts, on your website, on your blog sidebar, in article resource boxes, and so on. People will follow you if you have some credibility which you should haveve doing it this way.

4. Be consistent when posting new updates, or tweets. If you have something to offer say it. This is like posting in your blog. If you let in stagnate you will lose your effectiveness.

5. Social networking is all about being a part of a community. Twitter is no different. If you are an asset to your followers people will want to see what you are up to. You can include a link in your Tweets to anything you want by creating a TinyUrl.

6. Understand all of the ways you can benefit from Twitter. For example you can find new joint venture partners just by posting what you are up to in your internet business. Another way to benefit is outsourcing things you need done by posting a tweet for work such as blog articles, graphics, website design, and so on.

These are 6 easy ways to use Twitter to make new friends and make more money by attracting traffic. Because it is here to stay, and the ways to use it will only increase, this is something you are going to want to learn more about.

John Vespasian asked:


Every few years, investigative reporters uncover scandals of some religious or social movement which, under the pretence of improving the world, serves only to enrich its leaders. This sort of exploitative phenomena are not new. Abundant examples of similar cases can be found in sources from previous centuries.

Why do these abusive situations repeat themselves so frequently? What allows those harmful schemes to attract thousands of victims in different countries and historical periods? The response lies before our eyes: individuals feel alone and want to belong to a closely-knit group, even if that entails paying the highest price.

Men and women wish to be part of a community. We all desire to feel needed and appreciated. In a harsh city environment, a polite sentence or gesture may constitute a shocking act of generosity. Even self-serving, abject flattery can work once in a while in situations that have become so dehumanized that people are starving to hear a few nice words.

Isolation creates psychological vulnerability, which, on many occasions, turns into long-term dependence and subservience. Sociologists have come up with sophisticated theories to explain why people fall prey to heartless manipulators, but do we need a long chain of reasoning when direct observation can provide the answer?

The fundamental cause of such pernicious relationships is a false theory of friendship. It is a fact that, from infancy to retirement, men get together, talk, and cooperate. Although we see friendships begin everyday and fail every hour, in advantageous or disruptive conditions, we seldom take the time to reflect how the process works.

When it comes to making friends, commonplace advice has become integrated in the dominant culture to such an extent that it reigns uncontested. Traditional guidelines have been recycled and rehashed without much regard to veracity or scientific proof. Here are some bromides that are often served as entrée, main course, and dessert:

1. Smile to random strangers.

2. Do not express unpopular ideas.

3. Avoid making controversial statements.

4. Listen to others and never contest their views openly.

5. Do not attract undue attention.

6. Show interest in whatever stories people choose to tell you.

7. Be flexible and avoid making clear-cut statements.

8. Do not antagonize others by bringing up sensitive subjects.

9. Cultivate small talk and avoid criticizing people.

10. Do not embarrass others by pointing out obvious contradictions.

The list could be extended to comprise a hundred commandments. The issue is to determine whether those recommendations lead to friendship or to something else. What are the results of following such advice?

Exhortations to avoid personal conflict may be meant to protect your career, but they possess a fatal weakness. Their effectiveness in hiding your true opinions becomes, at the same time, the poison that prevents you from developing any kind of deep, satisfying, involved personal relation.

Rational people do not choose their friends amongst those who avoid firm commitments, appear self-effacing, and sugar-coat their remarks. Playing down your personal views in order to please strangers will certainly minimize the amount of conflict in your life, but it will also render you invisible to potential friends, that is, those who share your values and convictions.

Being yourself is the first step to build satisfactory relationships. If you choose to dissimulate your interests and beliefs for the sake of conformity, you might be accepted by a certain community, but only as an empty human shell. Is it worth it to give up your personality in order to enter a space where you essentially don’t belong?

From time to time, when a situation so requires, it may be advisable for you to refrain speaking out your mind. Those cases tend to be exceptional in modern society. As a general rule, a man is better off by letting his philosophy inspire his words and gestures so that others can see him the way he is. In practical terms, this is what an open attitude entails:

* Reserve your acts of kindness for people you like.

* Do discuss about ideas, principles, and ethics.

* If you believe that you are objectively right, take a clear position.

* Remain open to examine evidence that contradicts your views.

* When you make a mistake, apologize, and learn for the future.

* Be polite, but if someone tries to force something upon you, just say no.

* By pointing out contradictions to people who are willing to listen, you might prevent a catastrophe from occurring.

* Seek truth and steer clear of insincere people. Liars are the sort of persons that you don’t want to have in your life.

* Choose deep, involved conversations over nonsensical, time-wasting trite.

A realistic theory of friendship begins with a commonality of interests and values. A life filled with empty social engagements is tantamount to an endless nightmare from which you never wake up. Seek out people who appreciate profound discussions and share your rational beliefs.

Offer consistency between form and substance and fly high the flag of your convictions. Be yourself and you will not fail to attract your perfect social match. True friendship is what binds those who share the same road and move forward in the same direction.

JOHN VESPASIAN writes about rational living and is the author of the novel “When Everything Fails, Try This.” He has resided in New York, Madrid, Paris and Munich. His stories reflect the values of entrepreneurship, tolerance and self-reliance. See John Vespasian’s blog about rational living.

http://johnvespasian.blogspot.com/

Allison Mac asked:


For most of us around the world we know April Fools day to be a day of pranks and trickery. It can be great fun to trick someone into believing something that isn’t true. James Randi however takes this one step further and what many may not know is that April Fools day is also the day that the Pigasus Award is announced.

The Pigasus Award has gone as far back as 1979 and is given annually by James Randi who is a noted skeptic of psychic energy. The award seeks to expose paranormal, parapsychological or psychic frauds that have been noted over the previous year. Appropriately given on the first of April, Randi awards the trophy to candidates chosen by himself from a list of nominees.

The trophy has been noted as being a stainless steel spoon bent in a curve and supported by a plastic base. It is flimsy at best and done so on purpose. There is also a plaque with a flying pig on it. Randi has stated sarcastically that the winners are published immediately after being announced on April Fools and are notified telepathically. He has also said that the famous Flying Pig trophies are sent via psychokinesis and if not received then it is probably due to their lack of paranormal talent.

Though the Pigasus awards are not done every year, there is a long list of recipients spanning from 1979 including famed psychics Nostradamus, John Edward, Sylvia Browne and Allison DuBois. The White House has also been a winner. For a complete list of other famous recipients visit Wikipedia and search Pigasus Award.

April Fools day may be a day of pranks and laughter for some. For James Randi however it is an opportunity to ridicule some poor unsuspecting person or institution that he feels has promoted fraudulent paranormal claims. To all of us who are believers in psychic energy – beware of the Pigasus award!  As an April Fools day joke from Randi, it may telepathically wind up on your doorstep.

Find out who the winners of the 2009 Pigasus Awards are and decide for yourself whether their psychic claims are real or a hoax.  A complete list of recipients can be found at YourPsychicResource.

Vikram Kumar asked:


 

As we all know that human beings are the most vital creation of God. They have the best intelligence in all living things and are considered as the one who are capable of doing anything. They are the most powerful creations on earth and rule the earth in almost all aspects. Thus it can be said that they can control everything with their intelligence but is it really right?

 

One cannot say that they can control everything as there are several paranormal incidences and various hauntings unsolved mysteries which prove this sentence wrong.

 

Several stories are still hidden in the heart of history. There are many hauntings unsolved mysteries which prove that there is something around us which is even more powerful than human beings. Several paranormal incidences took place in front of many people which compel us to believe that something invisible is there which is dominant and prevailing.

 

This online site has been given a name of ‘profiling the unexplained’ with a purpose to uncover several hidden secrets of the unknown world. The main reason of creating this online site is to make people familiar to several paranormal incidences and many hauntings unsolved mysteries.

 

This site contains several pages from which you can gain several information and knowledge on various aspects like paranormal incidences, information regarding UFO’s, various hauntings unsolved mysteries and several other hidden secrets which are not known to the world.

 

The incidences mentioned in these sites are true and will compel you to believe in the invisible world. The incidences mentioned on various pages of this site are not just stories; rather they contain some proof with them. This site can also provide you true unsolved crime cases. This site is very beneficial for the internet users as it include the cases or mysteries from all over the world and is not restricted to any one state or country.

 

You may question that internet is just like an ocean in which one can find several cases hidden mysteries and paranormal incidences then why should we opt for this particular site?

 

Your question is absolutely right but the answer to this question is that, this site is an ocean in itself for gaining information and knowledge about several paranormal incidences and different hauntings unsolved mysteries. Some facts are also included with the incidences so as to make it more real. This site also contains some evidences which work as a proof that all the incidences are true and not a single sentence is imagined by any human being.

 

This site is very much different from other online sites which just put any content to attract the net users. The motive of this online site is to uncover many hauntings unsolved mysteries and several paranormal incidences and to help people in knowing the truth of the invisible world. This site also provides several articles, posts and forums so that people can write their views on any particular incidence or topic.

 

These forums help the net users in writing enormous views on any topic so that other can easily judge the significance and truth of that particular topic. This site also facilitates the people with live chat so as to clear any doubts regarding any incidence or topic.

 

Michael Hood asked:


If you are into paranormal happenings, you will want to plan your holiday to Florida to start at Tallahassee. The Sunland Hospital is a point of interest for seekers of the unknown. It is said that the patients of the hospital were mistreated and is now haunted by a few. The hospital has been closed for over twenty years. You cannot enter the building, but it is something to see. Another fascinating place is the Old City Cemetery in Tallahassee. A supposes white witch is buried in the cemetery and her gave is the most visited gave there. Her gave faces west instead of east like most.

The two other places you might find interesting when you are planning your holiday to Florida are Florida State University and the University Cawthon Hall Dormitory. Some say that former cadets that were housed there many years ago haunt the University. A woman can be seen walking outside the campus grounds right around midnight. The dormitory seems to house a poltergeist. This place is something to see and hear the unusual stories. Two other places to explore are the Oak Lawn Cemetery and the Lively Building for some adventure.

Paranormal happening are part of Florida and other areas of the world. It does seem that Tallahassee has more than there share of ghosts and haunting. Your holiday to Florida will be exciting to say the least when you plan a vacation seeking haunting places around Florida. After Tallahassee, you can travel to Fort Lauderdale where you can visit the Butterfly World. It is an amazing collection of beautiful and colorful butterflies. Since you are not far from Miami, you can visit the Monkey Jungle Farm. The monkeys run wild and you are the one in a cage so to speak. It is fun to sit and watch for hours.

Holidays to Florida do not have to be about Disney World or Sea World. It can be about adventure and seeing things that are off the beaten track. The one place to spend the entire day is at the Miami Zoo. The animals and exhibits are amazing to watch. Some of the antics of the habitants of the zoo will delight any age. You can enjoy a nice sunny day without worrying about lunch or dinner. The zoo grounds have some very nice eateries where you can have a quick lunch or a sit down lunch.

When you are planning your holiday to Florida, you want to plan a few other places to see or maybe you will want to spend a few days in the sun. The beaches are enjoyable as well as the nightlife. You can visit some excellent nightclubs in Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Tallahassee. The areas are interesting and have live entertainment and some fine restaurants for dining. You are going to enjoy your time in Florida no matter how you plan your trip. You should try to see some of the unusual things Florida has to offer.

Ronald Eapen asked:


In the 1920’s, there was a big sensation in the US. Twosisters had photographed fairies flying around flowers in their garden. It was an unbelievable event. The two gave interviews and talked stuff. It was after more than sixty years that one sister revealed the whole thing was a hoax. The fairies were made of paper. Nonetheless they captured public imagination. It was something different and unbelievable, but was revealed a hoax later.

But thousands of paranormal and supernatural things remain the way they are- uncanny and unimaginable. No one has explanations. All the same, people love to know more and indulge in these pursuits. Very often we have astrologers predicting events. Most people love the opportunity to get one’s palm read by an astrologer.

Believe the stuff or scoff at it. But the whole idea is fascinating to humans. Many people read the headlines of a newspaper later, but read their horoscope first. Astrologers and fortune tellers may talk in deceptive and ambiguous terms. Knowing the same, people flock to them.

Science and scientists try a lot. They never come up with satisfying explanations to paranormal and psychic stuff. Human beings are a curious lot. Issues with explanations satisfy them. But things with no explanations fascinate them. Take this one. Former US presidents Abraham Lincoln and John F Kennedy – Kennedy’s life was very nearly a copy of Lincoln’s. Both became presidents after similar victories. Held office for nearly same number of days. Both were assassinated outside a theater near their car. The name of the killer was the same in both cases. These two incidents happened more than eighty years apart. Science does not have any explanation to this. People are intrigued by such happenings.

Human minds are adventurous. No wonder, why horror movies are so popular.

Everyone knows it’s all make believe. People still get white with fear inside cinemas and dream of ghosts for next few days. Calling spirits of dead people has become an industry in Britain. You have Gypsy ladies peering in a psychic glass ball and calling spirits of the dead people you want to get in contact with. Forget the common man, British aristocracy has been known to visit them more than anyone else.

Science-fiction -a word that sums up the topic. All the science-fiction novels, movies is make-believe. Nothing is real but every thing’s in a proper scientific way.

Giant spaceships, alien landings, UFOs kidnapping people all happen in science fiction. Actually there’s a group of people in US who claim to have been kidnapped by UFOs. They believe, they have had extra-terrestrial contact. What’s true, what’s not only time will tell.

Now if there were a time machine to travel in the future like in the movies…