Standing Rock: Critical Injuries After Police Attack with Water Cannons, Rubber Bullets in Freezing Temps

Monday, November 20, 2016 3:00pm
Prepared by Standing Rock Medic & Healer Council at the Standing Rock Dakota Access Pipeline Resistance Camps

The Standing Rock Medic & Healer Council responded to a mass casualty incident that began at 6pm yesterday evening. Approximately 300 injuries were identified, triaged, assessed and treated by our physicians, nurses, paramedics and integrative healers working in collaboration with local emergency response. These 300 injuries were the direct result of excessive force by police over the course of 10 hours. At least 26 seriously injured people had to be evacuated by ambulance to 3 area hospitals.

Police continuously assaulted demonstrators with up to three water cannons for the first 7 hours of this incident in subfreezing temperatures dipping to 22F (C) causing hypothermia in the majority of patients treated. Chemical weapons in the form of pepper spray and tear gas were also used extensively, requiring chemical decontamination for nearly all patients treated and severe reactions in many. Projectiles in the form of tear gas canisters, rubber bullets, and concussion grenades led to numerous blunt force traumas including head wounds, lacerations, serious orthopedic injuries, eye trauma, and internal bleeding.

Every emergency medical unit from the Standing Rock Sioux reservation responded to the incident and additional ambulances were sent from Cheyenne River Sioux tribe (South Dakota), Kidder County, and Morton County. 3 seriously injured patients were transported directly by ambulance from the scene and another 23 patients were transported by ambulance after initial assessment and treatment in camp. Injuries from the mass casualty incident include:

•    An elder who lost consciousness and was revived on scene
•    A young man with a grand mal seizure
•    A woman shot in the face by a rubber bullet with subsequent eye injury and compromised vision
•    A young man with internal bleeding who was vomiting blood after a rubber bullet injury to his abdomen
•    A man shot in the back near his spine by a rubber bullet causing blunt force trauma and a severe head laceration
•    Multiple fractures secondary to projectiles fired by police

The Standing Rock Medic & Healer Council condemns the excessive police violence and calls upon law enforcement to cease and desist these nearly lethal actions. Specifically, we demand the cessation of water cannons in subfreezing temperatures.

Our volunteers performed well under challenging circumstances last night, but we would not have been able to do this without the help of water protectors and local community members who transported patients to our clinic, organized warming spaces, and provided food and tea. We specifically want to thank the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe EMS services for their excellent response and highest quality care in an unprecedented situation. “They were phenomenal. They recognized the severity of what we were dealing with, it could have been a lot worse” said Jazmine, a volunteer physician from the Standing Rock Medic & Healer Council.

Donations for the medical and public health response can be made to the Standing Rock Medic & Healer council at www.medichealercouncil.com/donate.

Water is Life, Mni Wiconi

Signed,

Linda Black Elk, PhD, Ethnobotanist, Sitting Bull College

Michael Knudsen, MPH candidate, Standing Rock Medic & Healer Council
Noah Morris, EMT
Amelia Massucco, RN
John Andrews, RN
Kristina Golden, EMT, herbalist
Sebastian Rodriguez, RN
Rosemary Fister, RN, MNPHN, DNP Candidate
Rupa Marya, MD, DoNoHarm Coalition, University of California – San Francisco
David Kingfisher, MD, JD, Wichita State University
Jesse Lopez, MD, Heartland Surgical Care
Kalama O Ka Aina Niheu, MD, Aha Aloha Aina
Howard Ehrman, MD, MPH, University of Illinois - Chicago
Geeta Maker-Clark, MD, University of Chicago
Elizabeth Friedman, MD
Vanessa Bolin, ALS Paramedic

Contact: Michael Knudsen, Medic Coordinator and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe ethno-botanist Linda Black Elk, PhD – medichealercouncil@gmail.com

Transformation: Journaling is Hot Again

Mankind has known for over 2000 years they can use the power of writing to renew themselves.  Now with the release of Thinking Anew: Harnessing the Power of Belief, a book within a composition book and the expected May release of E L James new book Fifty Sha des of Grey: Inner Goddess (A Journal), there are multiple ways to become what you are meant to be.   Like Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, you have to die . . . let your old self go . . . before you can become anew.  If you have stayed true to your New Year’s resolution,  today is the day to let your old self pass away and to acknowledge your resurrection  . . . you have become the new you in the new year with all the opportunities this will afford you.  Quis & Moynihan believe by writing down your aspirations each day and recording the raw creative thoughts that well up from within during a daily expressive writing exercise, you will surely change within 90 days.    This year, that would have been New Year’s Day to Easter Sunday.   And the best part of journaling for change is the cycle can begin whatever day you decide to renew yourself.

Learn more at www.helpthinkinganew.com .  To schedule an interview with Dick Quis call 714-992-2150 or  Gene Moynihan call 917-416-3448.

Eugene F. (Gene) Moynihan, Jr. is a street-wise psychotherapist in private practice.  He had the contract with the New York City Police Department for ten years helping cops deal with the dark side of their profession, as well as 9/11 first responders. Richard F. (Dick) Quis is a writer, fine artist and an investment banker. After a near death experience where Dick was asked by his surgeon to help with his survival, he became intrigued with Gene’s uncanny ability to help people get through rough times. He helped document Gene’s highly successful written self-improvement methodology.

Also available for coaching for journaling and dreamwork is Julia Widdop, MA. see more about her programs at: www.JuliaWiddop.com.

Journal Writing to Aid the Therapeutic Process

Journal Writing CE Courses

Using journal writing as an aid to the therapeutic process is not an unfamiliar idea. Keeping a journal has been practiced by patients of cognitive therapists in an attempt to help identify and correct negative thought patterns, by Jungians to record dreams, and in the Japanese Morita therapy for the treatment of neurosis; Sigmund Freud professed his belief in the diary as “a key to the psyche” in his preface to Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl (Rainer, 1978).

One of the most well-reputed journal therapists is Ira Progoff, a psychotherapist trained in Jungian analysis and depth psychology, who developed the concept of “The Intensive Journal,” a complete, specific journaling format to be used in working toward the goal of bringing depth to the inner self (Progoff, 1992).

In 1990, James W. Pennebaker, professor of psychology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, published “Opening Up: The Healing Power of Confiding in Others.” Pennebaker describes carefully controlled experiments and ten years of scientific research that caused him to conclude, “writing can be an avenue to that interior place where . . . we can confront traumas and put them to rest – and heal both body and mind.”

Dr. Edward J. Murray (1991), professor of psychology at the University Miami, claimed that although he initially questioned Pennebaker’s findings, his own later findings proved that “writing seems to produce as much therapeutic benefit as sessions with a psychotherapist.”

Writing it Out: Journaling as an Adjunct to Therapy is a 2-hour online continuing education course that provides a brief monograph on the use of journal writing as an aid to the therapeutic process. While most psychotherapy is conducted through traditional “talking therapy,” having a client express himself through the written word offers another way to let him vent his thoughts and feelings, and to gain information about his internal and external experiences of life. This course includes descriptions of the various uses of journaling as well as detail on seven journal-writing techniques. 2003 | 21 pages | 12 posttest questions | Course #20-13 | http://www.pdresources.org/CourseDetail.aspx?Category=All...

Writing in a journal can be an effective aid to traditional psychotherapy. It allows clients to vent and explore their personal thoughts and feelings even when the therapist is not available. The process of writing helps to bring obscure or overwhelming abstract concepts into concrete form, thereby making them more manageable and empowering the writer. Writing can act as a soothing behavior, a safe place to express affect, and a vehicle for tapping unconscious material, fostering the development of self-awareness. When used in a more structured form, such as a behavior log, writing can help to interrupt unwanted behaviors and provide insight into behavior patterns.

Journaling II: Directed Exercises in Journaling is the follow-up course to Writing it Out. This is a 4-hour continuing education course designed for the practitioner who would like to use journal-writing exercises with clients as an adjunct to traditional psychotherapy, and would like some topic ideas to suggest, rather than limiting writing only to the technique of “freewriting.” It is suggested, although not mandatory, that the practitioner has already completed the course, “Writing It Out: Journaling as an Adjunct to Therapy.” That course lays the basic foundation for understanding the benefits of journaling and how it can best be used with clients. It also teaches a number of basic writing techniques. Journaling II presents a brief overview of “freewriting,” as well as 36 directed exercises divided into three phases. It also offers interpretive questions coordinating with each exercise and an explanation of the use of a behavior log as a journaling exercise. 2005 | 41 pages | 20 posttest questions | Course #40-03 | http://www.pdresources.org/CourseDetail.aspx?Category=All...

About the Author:

Lisa M. Schab, MSW, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice in Libertyville, Illinois. A graduate of Loyola University School of Social Work, Ms. Schab has specialized in anxiety and depression, blended families, and the treatment and prevention of eating problems and disorders. She has presented a number of professional training seminars on the use of journaling and is the author of several books, among them Writing it Out: Self Awareness and Self-Help through Journaling (Wainsley Press, 1996).

Professional Development Resources is recognized as a provider of continuing education by the following:

AOTA: American Occupational Therapy Association (#3159)
APA: American Psychological Association
ASWB: Association of Social Work Boards (#1046)
CDR: Commission on Dietetic Registration (#PR001)
NBCC: National Board for Certified Counselors (#5590)
NAADAC: National Association of Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors (#00279)
California: Board of Behavioral Sciences (#PCE1625)
Florida: Boards of SW, MFT & MHC (#BAP346); Psychology & School Psychology (#50-1635); Dietetics & Nutrition (#50-1635); Occupational Therapy Practice (#34). PDResources is CE Broker compliant.
Illinois: DPR for Social Work (#159-00531)
Ohio: Counselor, Social Worker & MFT Board (#RCST100501)
South Carolina: Board of Professional Counselors & MFTs (#193)
Texas: Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists (#114) and Board of Social Worker Examiners (#5678)

http://www.pdresources.org/Index.aspx

Success Strategies by Michelle Gines

If you’re serious about creating lasting and significant change in your world – as opposed to merely thinking and talking about it for another year – there are a few things you might want to do in order to help make those intentions a reality…

1. Know what success is. If you don’t know what success is (for you), how can you possibly create it? Success is different things for different people, and one person’s success (a pregnancy for example) might be another person’s catastrophe. That’s because success (or failure) is not so much about the situation, circumstance or outcome as it is about what that “thing” means to the person in the middle of it. In order to create success, you must first define it – and far too many people haven’t. Be very clear about what you want and don’t want for your life. Clarity produces excitement. Excitement produces momentum. Momentum produces behavioral change. Behavioral change produces different results and eventually, the internal vision becomes an external reality.

2. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Some people will live a life of second-best, of compromise and under-achievement simply because they are (1) controlled by fear (2) always looking for the magic pill or shortcut, and (3) not prepared to do the tough stuff. People who always take the easy option are destined for mediocrity. At best. Constantly avoiding the discomfort means constantly avoiding the lessons and the personal growth. Pain is a great teacher. Not always what we want, but sometimes what we need.

3. Seek to be righteous, not right. The need to be “right” speaks of arrogance, insecurity, ego and stupidity. It’s also synonymous with failure. The person who constantly needs to be right will miss out on much of what life has to teach him and alienate himself from others. Arrogance repels, humility attracts.

4. Use more of what you already have. Imagine what you could achieve if you took all the knowledge, intelligence, opportunities, time, skill and talent that you currently have and absolutely milked it. What if you already have more than enough talent to become wildly successful? Well, you do. There go the excuses. And that voice that’s telling (some of) you right now that you don’t have what it takes to become successful, that’s called fear. Not logic, fear. Not reality, fear. Unless of course, you allow that to become your reality. Be mindful that the voice in your head (the very loud, annoying and persistent one) is rarely a reflection of your potential and mostly a manifestation of your insecurity.  And no, you’re not alone in your self-doubt; it’s a universal condition. Many people fail, not because they don’t have what it takes, but because they don’t use what they already have. Successful people typically don’t have more innate potential, luck, time or opportunity than the next person, but they consistently find a way to use much more of what they have at their disposal. While the majority are rationalizing their lack of decision making and action taking, these guys are finding a way to get the job done. The question is not “how much ability do you have, but how much will you use?”.

Success is your if you put forth the effort, develop the mindset and get started!

To Your Success,
Michelle Gines

Purpose Publishing
www.purposepublishing.com
Email: michelle_gines@yahoo.com
Facebook.com/ michelle gines

Publicist Stephanie Barko Introduces us to a New Book Marketing App

Today there’s an easier way to create your author platform. Thanks to publicist Stephanie Barko and her development team, we can now say “there’s an app for that”.

 Book Platform Defined: A book platform documents a forum and following for a book in its first year of life. It’s a marketing plan that shows where a book’s readers are coming from, a useful device for attracting literary agents and publishers who accept direct submissions.

DIY Book Platform is a web-based app that guides authors of multiple genres & publishing tracks to create a unique platform for their upcoming release. Sections in the app include market analysis, reviews, audience, media, social networking, events, and competitions. Each section is color coded to help users keep their place as they navigate through the tool, answering multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank questions. Most questions include notes to help the author understand publishing terminology and book marketing concepts.

At the end of the app, the user saves and prints out their book platform, which they can then use to help attract an agent or acquire a publisher. Authors intending to do their own book marketing can execute the platform themselves.

 DIY Book Platform was a year and a half in the making and especially crafted for debut authors. It was the brainchild of a book publicist seeking a way to help writers who could not afford her services. The user interface is patterned after Oprah’s new website.

A 45-day pass is available from the DIY Book Platform web or mobile site for $99. Follow DIY Book Platform Follow the app at:
 http://www.twitter.com/DIYBookPlatform
http://www.facebook.com/DIYBookPlatform
https://www.linkedin.com/company/diy-book-platform
https://www.pinterest.com/StephanieBarko/diy-book-platform

For Further Information www.DIYBookPlatform.com email: customercare@DIYBookPlatform.com

The Cleanse at Angel Farms

This Cleanse helps your body catch up to your consciousness. Angel Farms offers you the Cleanse and transformational Process you have been looking for all your life! At Angel Farms, we have combined many age old processes and techniques to offer you one of the most comprehensive and amazing Premiere Cleanses there is in the world. Due to Cindy Mahealani Sellers  extensive experience, this Program is like none other in the world!


When I came here there was a little voice in my head everyday saying “You’re dying,” and it was right!! I was! WAS. And now I’m not! I hated myself so bad and was in sooo much pain that Death seemed like it would be relief. I know for a fact that shit had a a hold of my brain, my decisions in everything what I ate, what I did, and when I did it. I can honestly say I have NEVER felt this good. The big relief came the first day and it got better and better everyday. I can’t believe it. I love everyone and everything now especially myself, and God and you!! Mahalo Nui. — Mateo, 46, Tree Climber

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“I am now in a place of knowing in regards to how much body and spirit are one. As someone who has been more focused  on spirit it is powerful to have my body be more in my field of attention. I am now much more dedicated to devoting loving care to all of it. True integration.  I feel a lot lighter and clearer inside. On day 9 I experienced quite a bit of emotional intensity and I liked having the feeling that all of that is just part of the Cleanse process and I wasn’t doing anything wrong. It was more energy that was on its way out. Trusting the process is amazing! Trust provides useful context. Before my Cleanse I somehow felt that judgment and thinking a lot was just part of life. Now I feel that I can be much more at choice about all of that. Flowing from love is more natural and feels so much better.  This Cleanse is the real deal. I was very impressed by how thorough and comprehensive it was. Many many different bases are covered. It is a launch into a whole new way of living.  My session with Larry was powerful. I got some strong references of what it is like to be deeply, deeply relaxed. He also helped me get the power of slowing down and being more present in the moment. I also got much more range in the movement of my neck. After my session with Cindy I had the thought that “This is the crown jewel of my Cleanse experience.” I enjoyed the opportunity to tune into and deeply feel the unique gifts my parents gave me. This was a powerful experience of the ever present reality of love and light!” — Bruce, 62, Breakthrough Coach

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“I came here with a lot of stress and anxiety. I’ve gained some peace and know that my only purpose is to love. As a graduate, I encourage any and all grads to return sooner rather that later. It’s worth it. Part of my journey was having a hip replacement but now I know I’ll never have to do that again. We’re getting all of those buggers out of there! YEAH. The Cleanse has transformed me on all levels. You learn to be in the moment and love your whole life and everyone in it.  The transformative process is awesome.  My session with Larry helped open me to trust my visions, which before I doubted. I was full of anxiety that day and I left with a very light and fun heart.  Cindy’s session was so beautiful and full of Angelic (of course) energy. She helped me see that my journey was not to be judged, but honored as a work of the creator. My only purpose is to LOVE.” — Marissa, 70,  Retired

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Messaging for Money by Kris Keppler

Today is #FreelanceIsntFree day.  I’m lucky.   I usually get paid for my freelancing work.  I do get most of the work through freelancing sites which generally assure you get paid.   I also find jobs outside of those sites and once I spent over a year chasing down $30 from a client.  I managed to collect in about 15 months, which totally surprised me.  My first foray into collecting payment for my voice over work paid off.

Voice over is a different way to get paid.  There are many weirder ways.   I searched on “funny ways to make money” and “funny ways to get paid” on Google.  Selling your bits, like your hair or plasma, will net you baubles at Wal-Mart.  Unless you have extremely soft, luxurious, virgin locks and those will net you an entire designer outfit.

There are smart phone apps which pay you for shopping.  I fail to see the advantages of this, unless you’re being rewarded for buying cheap stuff.  You can tell I’m not a shopping addict, can’t you?  Other apps pay you for gathering marketing or inventory information.    Still seems like spending money to make money to me.

You can RentAFriend.com.  I’m not kidding; there is a site where you sell your companionship.    Its legit, platonic purposes only and there are pictures of your possible friends.   If your renter has some bucks, and lots of time, those designer shoes are looking possible.

The winner, in my book, of the most unusual way to make money is sending text messages.  Yes, as a ChaCha guide with a hankering for knowing how to remove cats from dryer hoses and fast fingers, you can cover your grocery bill for a week.

A Surprising Lesson from Downton Abbey

 

From the very first episode, I was hooked.

I loved the sets, the costumes and the characters. It made me laugh out loud, it even made me cry. I remember when I got hold of the entire first series on a disc. I sat down one evening to watch a single episode, it was already late and I had a some meetings the following day, but I reckoned one episode would do no harm. Five hours later, and 3 in the morning, I dragged myself from the couch and reluctantly when to bed. I was totally hooked. The following few nights, despite myself, I worked through the rest of the first series and then the second and third.  I just loved it!

And I wondered what was the magic.

Now, like I mentioned already, it’s a very high quality production. And the characters really are well developed. But in truth it’s more than that.

You see we love to get drawn into an imaginary world, we love to get emotionally moved and involved with a fictional existence. It’s human nature. In truth we just love to feel and whether it’s fiction or fact, we crave those emotions, we are reminded of how we feel about places and people. These emotions bring us home to ourselves, actually the story brings us home.

And why is this important for our business?

Well, if your business tells a good story and you learn to use great stories, then you too can get your clients hooked; remind them of the places, people and things that are important in their lives, you get to bring them home.

You see, the job of the storyteller is to take your listener on a great story, an adventure to a faraway place, where anything can happen, where there is great possibility. And the more important job of the storyteller is to bring them home safely.

Here’s what happens when you use storytelling in your business.

When you talk about what you do, you create amazing possibility about the impact of your work (program or service). You describe a world where your client can have exactly what they want (could be happiness, great relationships, end of pain…you fill in the blank). When you tell a good story, that world feels possible.

And then you get to bring them home safely. That means that you describe the story of where they are now and how they can begin the journey (hopefully with you) to achieving all they want to achieve. They get to be ‘at home’ in the reality of their situation, but inspired to take the journey to their desires.

It’s incredibly powerful. When you tell a powerful story, your client will be magnetized. And they’ll be hooked.

So, think about it. Are you telling a story in your business?

What magic can you create as you describe how you can support your client.

Where do you need a more powerful story?

Leave a comment here:
http://story-coach.com/a-surprising-lesson-from-downton-abbey/

And I’m off to watch an episode of Downton Abbey... just one!

Lisa Bloom, founder of Story Coach, supports organizations, entrepreneurs & coaches to use storytelling as a powerful approach to impact their clients and grow their business. She is a professional Storyteller & Speaker, accredited Coach, Author, Mentor and Leadership expert. Lisa is the author of the Amazon best-seller "Cinderella and the Coach-the Power of Storytelling for Coaching Success!" and the creator of the Business Story Mastery & Certified Story Coach Programs. She is delighted to offer you the FREE ebook "Using Stories to Get Great Clients" at http://www.story-coach.com 
 

Press Release Based Marketing Revealed

Julia Widdop will be guiding eight lucky participants of her workshop, Press Release Based Marketing Revealed, through the process of writing, designing and effectively using a press release as a powerful social media marketing tool. Learn how to use your press release with twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and many other social media platforms.

This class is offered once per month and is limited to eight participants to provide personalized instruction.  You will be shown not only how to write the most effective release, but how to insure the widest distribution and most versatile design for your press release. Upon registration at the Talk Story Media website you will be sent advance instruction to complete ahead of the workshop.

Talk Story Media produces radio and TV shows and webinars featuring writers, artists and healers. For promotional opportunities and access to educational marketing webinars subscribe to Talk Story Radio chooses guests from subscriber profiles at: TalkStory.Media.

Mind Body and Soul = Holistic Health

Health is wealth as the popular saying goes, but how many people actually take their wellness into consideration as well? Wellness encompasses not only physical health but also mental health. Talking about spiritual products these are products aimed at helping you relax, release pent up tension and restoring balance to your body. These could be anything from bath salts, vitamins to anointing oils. It is now easier to get these products right from the comfort of your home by simply shopping online.

Natural Wellness Products

The body gets beat down by the numerous processed substances it is subjected to. To restore balance to the body it helps to take natural and herbal supplements. Imagine if you could avoid a wealth of medical complications that come about from not taking good care of the body, simply by incorporating a few natural supplements to your diet. The best thing about these products is that buying them in bulk is a possibility and this greatly cuts down on the overall cost. Think about it in the long run, you will have saved a lot on medical costs just by simply incorporating wellness products to your lifestyle.

Spiritual Products

One of the other ways the body gets beaten down is mentally and spiritually. Life gets tough and it wears down on the mind and body. Not many people take the time to stop and restore balance to the body and mind. It is easy to restore spiritual wellness by incorporating a few spiritual items into your life. Anointing oil has been used since time immemorial during ordination of priests and later on kings and prophets. Christians now use anointed oils as part of their devotional practices. What of other spiritual products that give you a piece of mind about your spiritual safety? The All Seeing Eye Pentagram is one of the spiritual amulets that most people incorporate into their lives as a means of safeguarding their spiritual safety.

Healthy Dietary Products

Living a healthy lifestyle also includes adapting a healthy diet. Again, life can get in the way of being mindful of what you choose to eat. You can make eating healthy easy by stocking up on healthy foods. It is easy to do the shopping online and have it delivered to you so that you do not have any excuses such as ‘not being able to go to the grocery, but the drive through is right on your way home.’ It is simple steps like this that can help you adopt a healthy lifestyle. Now most people have busy lives, with 8 to 5 jobs and having to battle with traffic to get back home. At the end of the day all most people want to do is get home take a shower and get to bed. Weekends are a time to catch up with the family and this leaves little time to just take stock of your mental and physical health. Websites like Healthy Absolutely allow you to conveniently shop for all the wellness products you need during your free time. You can get these products shipped to you right at home, giving you access to all the wellness products you need to restore balance to your life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LM9VxpVRn8

Submit Your Book Proposal for Free Review by John Riddle

Creating a book proposal is an exciting and often times a challenging journey, especially for new authors. Before you send your book proposal to a publisher or an agent, you can have it reviewed at NO COST by an author and ghostwriter of 34 books.

 “The book proposal needs to be perfect,” said John Riddle, author, ghostwriter and Founder of I Love To Write Day. “It never hurts to have a second set of professional eyes review your project before you submit it.”

 I Love To Write Day was launched as a grassroots campaign by Delaware author and ghostwriter John Riddle to have people of all ages practice writing every Nov. 15. Last year over 30,000 schools all across the U.S. held special ILTWD events and activities. Bookstores, libraries, writing groups, community centers and even a few malls joined in the fun. The Governors of 9 states have officially recognized Nov. 15 as I Love To Write Day, and urge their residents to celebrate the day by writing. Learn more about I Love To Write Day at www.ilovetowriteday.org

 Please contact johnriddle@sprintmail.com for information on how to submit your book proposal for a NO COST review.

The Frugal Publicist hosts book marketing webinar for self-published authors

Jennifer Vanderslice, author of "The Frugal Publicist: How to promote your self-published book on the cheap!", is excited to announced that she will be doing a live webinar on August 18th at 5 p.m. (ET). The program is called Frugal Publicity and will help self-published authors learn how to promote their books.

 This one hour webinar will teach self-published authors how to get the exposure that your masterpiece deserves. Topics will include: how to write a successful press release, get interviews, hold a profitable book-signing, networking with ease, and so much more. Registered participants in this webinar will also receive the following: ·Copies of Jennifer’s book, The Frugal Publicist: How to promote your self-published book on the cheap! will be available as a free eBook on Amazon on August 17-18 as a study guide and course companion. ·

 Every registered participant of this webinar will receive a free press release written by Jennifer Vanderslice about their book and posted on PRLog. · Those participants signing up for a free Basic membership in www.AuthorsSchool.support will get a 50% discount on tickets. For more information and registration, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/frugal-publicity-with-jennifer-vanderslice-tickets-16815340135

Jennifer Vanderslice is the owner of MoonGlow PR. She has successfully promoted self-published authors for over eight years. Jennifer is the author of two books: Journey Along the Abbey Road - the true story of her four day silent retreat at the Abbey of Gethsemani; and The Frugal Publicist: How to promote your self-published book on the cheap! She lives in southeastern Pennsylvania with her husband Craig. Follow her on Twitter @FrugalPublicist and www.Facebook.com/TheFrugalPublicist.

Ivan Figueroa-Otero, MD - Spirituality 101

Bestselling author Ivan Figueroa-Otero, MD surprises us with an updated version of his very successful first book, Spirituality 101. Relying again on his unique insight as a scientist and a spiritual researcher with a heavy religious upbringing, he developed a guide to help our understanding of concepts like self-identity, our origins and our purpose in life. With “Spirituality 1.2; For The Disconnected From The School Of Life – A Tekkie Guide”, he now explains it all using a technological approach that bridges the “tekkie” world with the world of spiritual research with an eclectic and original delivery. Figueroa-Otero will appear the Authors School Show on TalkStoryTV.com on April 30th at 11am MT.

After the success of his first book, Dr. Figueroa-Otero wanted to ensure that his message could reach young readers and those who immerse themselves in the world of computers and internet. He incorporated technological words and concepts into his philosophical guide for understanding our spiritual nature. The result, Spirituality 1.2; For The Disconnected From The School Of Life, is a deliciously funny, tongue-in-cheek version of his work, where every concept, idea, image and advice is carefully defined with technological elements like virtual domains, bits, and RAM. Like its predecessor, this book includes graphs, caricatures, exercises and even a final test. The author plans to continue the series until it reaches seven guides altogether.

The original book, Spirituality 101: For the Dropouts of the School of Life, was a long time dream of Dr. Ivan Figueroa-Otero, a retired Pediatric Surgeon. A year after self-publishing his book, Dr. Figueroa-Otero reaps the rewards in the public recognition awarded by three prestigious international organizations:

 a finalist at the 2014 National Indie Excellence Awards for self-published books, one of the only two awardees in the Religion/Philosophy Non-Fiction category of the 2014 Reader's Favorites, and a finalist at the USA Best Book Awards 2014. Its cover won the Inspirational Book Cover Poll by Storyfinds. It was favorably reviewed by Focus on Women magazine and Kirkus Book Review, among others. The book is still a bestseller in local bookstores, remaining among the 10 best sellers in the category of Spirituality.

“In the School Of Life there are no grades or organized curriculum. Everyone comes to learn and progress in specific areas, and your lessons are structured by your daily life. It’s as if the curriculum were created while you learn. Imagine our Universe as a big computer, where the quality of its computation is directly proportional to the quality of the input data. And where every programming error is reversible and re-programmable, with a little bit of patience!” says Dr. Figueroa-Otero.

Dr. Figueroa-Otero is a self-publishing author. Spirituality 101 was published and distributed worldwide as of January, 2014, and is available in print and electronic formats. Spirituality 1.2 will be published in May, 2015.

About the Author: Retired from the practice of pediatric surgery, Dr. Figueroa Otero is currently engaged in his private practice in San Juan, Puerto Rico and continues in his role as an educator, trying to achieve full integration of traditional Chinese acupuncture courses in the curriculum of medical schools and to incorporate meditation techniques in preventive and therapeutic medicine.

THE NEW AGE AND SPIRITUAL CONTENTMENT ©Norman W. Wilson, PhD

With the entrance of "New Age" in the late 1960s and early 70s and the plethora of rambings, rumblings, and ruminations of what is and what ought to be more questions were raised than answered. What exactly was this New Age? Was it communicating with a yucca plant, or laying bare-assed with an erection on a rock in an Arizona desert attempting to soak up mother earth's energy and crying out "I am Man?" Or was it getting stoned on pot, LSD, or crack cocaine, or blown out of one's skull with hallucinogenic mushrooms. Was it wearing long hair, beads, faded jeans with the knees cut out, a hole just below the right rear cheek to show you were naked underneath? Did it mean being bearded and spouting esoteric poetry? Is it the philosophy of "if it feels good, do it?" Ah yes, it is said to have been an effort to return to a more natural world. Okay, but why all the trappings? Why all the pretense? Why not just be? Just be? Didn't I say take from each dogma that which helps you feel spiritual? You got me there; I did. So, why am I so critical of the New Agers? Aren't they seeking the spiritual? Remember I said there was a catch. I have even repeated it. So, what's the catch? Their quest is self-centered, ego based and primarily communal. From one viewpoint, man is advised to love his neighbor as himself. Not bad. In fact, it's pretty good. The Hippies of the 60s and 70s preached "Love." Unfortunately it degenerated into irresponsible sex and drug use, both of which have continued into the 21st Century. Love your neighbor has been interpreted to mean don't be selfish. You know, give it all away. Such an attitude relies upon the notion that Self and selfish are one and the same. And there in lies the rub. They are not! To love your neighbor as yourself means you FIRST must LOVE your SELF. Now you have it! The ultimate secret of secrets. You have to love your Self, that inner being, that which transcends all other identifying attributes. Any demand that negates the value of Self denies Selfhood. Recognizing the value of Self is essential for Self Love. If Self Love is not present how then can you possible say you love God (any name you choose to call the Divine), let alone love your neighbor. Without Self Love there can be no spiritual contentment. If you accept the tenant that you were created in the image of the Divine, how can you negate that which IT created by demanding that you love your Self less. You can't and remain spiritually whole, that is, spiritually content. Suppose these concepts of individuation of the spiritual experience were to catch on what might the logical projection be? It would become organized, with specific procedures, ceremonies, and demands. Traditionalism would rear its ugly head and again threaten the individual experience. What has to be understood is that all spiritual experience is personal. the late Ayn Rand's statement regarding a collective stomach eating the same meal is appropriate here. There is such a thing as a collective stomach; likewise there isn't such a thing as a collective experience. You may participate in a group that claims such experience, but the GROUP did not have the experience: Individuals within the group did and that extent it is individual—always.

Retrieving the Soul: The Way of the Shaman by Norman W Wilson, PhD

For 40,000 years or more the fundamental belief in the shamanic world has been and still is the soul or part of that soul may leave the body because of disease, being stolen, or even given away. The departure of the soul from the body causes the body to be ill and ultimately die. The idea here is a simple one, yet seldom voiced. The soul has a body in which it temporarily lives. It is fluid, and it is this fluidity that creates problems for the shaman. If the soul or its parts are missing; it is up to the shaman to locate and begin a retrieval of the soul.

     To do this, the shaman must travel to the Spirit World; there seeks out the soul or its missing part(s). He takes with him his Spirit Animal or Spirit Guide who knows where the soul or its parts are located. Negotiating for the soul or its parts is an endeavor fought with danger for both the patient and the shaman. As a cautionary measure, the shaman does not use his own powers to retrieve the soul. Any such attempt could result in suffering, a serious depletion of his powers, skills, energy, and even his death.

A patient is surrounded with healing herbs, crystals, stones, and smudged with healing herbal smoke. The shaman may begin to chant, have a drum beat, or dance around the patient. During this stage of the procedure, the shaman alters his state of consciousness. 

     Altering his state of consciousness is necessary to journey to the Spirit World. The shaman may sit down in a trance state or may remain standing in a suspended state of movement. Once the shaman is in the Spirit World his Guide will lead him to where the soul or its part is located. There, whatever entity has it must be confronted. 

     If he is successful in retrieving the soul, the shaman returns to the present world and then literally blows the soul back into his patient's body. Is this procedure always successful? No, success is not guaranteed. Sometimes, the patient is so ill or broken hearted that any shamanic effort fails. 

     Today, much is being written about shamanic soul retrieval as psychological counseling. The shift from real shamanic soul retrieval to considerations for psychological disassociation, depression, anxiety, sadness, low self-esteem, and or anger is a disservice. Caution needs to be the operative in such cases. A shaman is so much more than an early psychologist and to name modern psychological practices as shamanic are wrong. A psychologist does not treat his patient with herbs and or herbals, he does  not uses sound to change the body's vibrational patterns, nor does he travel to the spiritual world for help in healing his patient. And all of that does not lessen the value of what a psychologist does; mainly guiding his or her patient through their issues to find the answers for themselves. 

Dr. Wilson was introduced to his first shaman at the age of seven. For him, visiting The First People of Canada, actually seeing real "Indians" was a little boy's dream come true. After all, the only Indians he had seen were in the Tom Mix, Roy Rogers, and the Lone Ranger movies. That delight and interest in shamanic ways resulted in a life-time pursuit. He brings his knowledge and understanding of shamanic ways together in Shamanism What It's All About in which he answers the questions of what a shaman is, what a shaman does, and what a shaman believes.

©Norman W Wilson, PhD