Thursday, August 30, 2007

Meditation techniques to help you overcome public speaking fears

Fear of public speaking can be a serious obstacle to overcome. Every day, thousands of people face severe anxiety over speaking in front of an audience. The good news is there are many steps you can take to overcome this stumbling block.

Many things can cause public speaking fear. We tend to place unreasonable expectations upon ourselves to perform perfectly in front of our audience. It is often the fear of appearing foolish or making a mistake that is a greater factor than anything else. This anxiety plays a large part in why so many people are afraid to speak in front of large crowds.

The reality is audiences do not expect to hear perfect grammar or an exhaustive litany covering every possible detail of your topic. You have to ask yourself, “Why has this audience gathered in front of me?” If you can successfully impart your message by conveying two or three crucial points, consider yourself to be a success.

Have you ever watched a really dynamic speaker and wondered how they capture the attention of their audience? You are probably thinking to yourself, “This person has never experienced fear of public speaking.” There is no such thing as a natural when it comes to speaking in front of a large group. Some speakers are better able to control their public speaking anxiety, as minimal as it may be, than others.

However, when it comes down to it, we are all “naturals” to one extent or another. Think back to a time when you were the most relaxed when speaking in a group. Maybe you were relating a funny story in front of friends or discussing a topic that you are very passionate about. It is very possible to capture that same ease and naturalness every time you speak in front of a large audience.

To overcome fear of public speaking, it is critical to release any negative emotions that you may have about the experience. When we are in a state of anxiety and distress, it is difficult to function at optimal level. The physical manifestations of stress like sweating, shaking and stammering can contribute to our fear of public speaking. Like a vicious cycle, the physical symptoms of anxiety cause even more distress, as the body pulls the mind into an even deeper state of panic.

There are many programs available to help you overcome fear of public speaking. The best programs allow you to directly address the root cause behind your reservations. For example, methods like the release technique teach you to examine and identify negative feelings. Then, through this technique, these emotions are released to achieve maximum success in all areas of life.

The basic premise behind the release technique is that worry, fear and panic trap us in an unending cycle of unhappiness and dissatisfaction. Once the anxiety is released, you will reach a “flow state” in which you will be able to achieve all of your goals. The release technique is like a key opening a door, allowing your potential and brilliance to shine through in public speaking and all other areas of life.

Fear of public speaking can be a burdensome obstacle to overcome. If public speaking anxiety is preventing you from achieving your goal, the release technique may be able to help you deal with this challenge.

Regards,

Dr. Mike
Your Destiny Doctor
mike@AnInvitationToPersonalPeace.com

P.S. Let me know if you need help finding and expressing your voice.

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Tuesday, August 21, 2007

More on meditation

Meditation is a process (or mental techniques) by which we can get some insight into our 'consciousness' to better understand our entire mind-space and really get to know our real 'self' - mind, body and spirit.

Meditation has different meanings at different levels of the mind.
At a physical level, the process of meditation can be focused on just what we see, hear, taste, smell, touch or feel - one at a time. It is a state of experience without any thought about the experience.

At a behavioral level, meditation can help us to focus on our actions while working or talking -to have complete awareness of those actions.

At a emotional level, meditation can be focused on and have influence on our emotions while thinking or talking with our inner voice (spirit/soul)- to be aware of our thoughts and emotions.

At a spiritual level, meditation can just be listening to our inner spirit/soul without any opposing thoughts and without any emotion.

At the "edge" of the mind, meditation is mind without any thought, like a paper on which nothing is written. It is to feel the silence within- venturing into an empty space- alone, yet connected and one with all!

At all "levels" - meditation = beneficial to our over-all well being.

In Peace,

Dr Mike Davison
"Your Destiny Doctor"

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Monday, August 20, 2007

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is one of the golden keys to Personal Peace.

Mindfulness is an effective way to reduce stress, increase self-awareness, enhance emotional intelligence, and undermine AUTOMATIC and REPETITIVE destructive thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

Mindfulness has only recently been embraced in the Western world, however it is an ancient practice found in a wide range of Eastern philosophies, including Buddhism, Taoism and Yoga. Mindfulness involves consciously bringing awareness to your here-and-now experience with openness, interest, and receptiveness. Jon Kabat-Zinn, a world authority on the use of mindfulness training in the management of medical problems, defines it as: "Paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally."

Mindfulness is about waking up, connecting with ourselves, and appreciating the fullness of each moment of life. Kabat-Zinn further describes mindfulness as, "The art of conscious living." It is a simple, yet profound way to enhance your psychological and emotional resilience, and increase your life satisfaction.

In Peace,

Dr. Mike Davison and Kay Guzder

www.AnInvitationToPersonalPeace.com

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