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With the current change in climate and sea level increase, it can be said that global warming is the next global warning. There has been lot of changes in the global climate because of global warming. Global warming did not occur overnight. It has happened over a period of time. Slowly and gradually with rise in power plants and other industries in world, more and more pollutants were released not just in air but in water too. With these pollutants out, a lot of reactions were and are taking place in our environment.

Global warming is the result of greenhouse effect. What is greenhouse effect? Well, it is heating up of the surface of any planet due to presence of gases in the atmosphere. These gases are called greenhouse gases. These gases when released in the atmosphere trap heat within the atmosphere. This results in rise in earth�s temperature. Generally, earth gets its light from Sun. Almost fifty percent of sun�s energy is absorbed by earth�s surface. Earth radiated this energy in form of infrared range. Greenhouse gases absorb this range and retain it. In fact, greenhouse gases can trap heat for years in them. Global warming is not just limited to increase in temperature. It also results in global climate change.

With change in climate and rise in earth�s temperature, glaciers around the world can be observed and it has been noticed that they are melting. Melting of glaciers at this high rate can be threatening. This is resulting in an increase in the sea levels. With expansion of water in sea, it will intrude in ground water. It can also result in scarcity of drinking water. With salty water mixing up with the ground water, we can face the problem of less drinking water in future. Hence, the risk of flood is more at coastal areas. If we look at it in future, this might result in earth merging under water as well.

Global warming can result in extreme weather situations. It also means a lot of natural calamities. These natural calamities can be floods, droughts, cyclones, volcanoes, heat strokes etc. Also, we cannot run away from the fact that with extreme changes in weather and climate conditions, human beings will also be affected. It is not sure whether we will be able to cope up with such extreme situations physically. With so many natural calamities and physical challenges around, it would be very difficult for the human race to maintain their existence on earth.

Due to rise in temperature, new diseases might multiply in new atmospheric conditions. This can lead to more medical and health issues with future generations. Countries across the world are pledging today to fight against global warming for a secure and healthy future for their citizens. It is imperative that we as individuals also start taking initiatives to stop global warming. It can be done by doing small things like carpool, using cloth bags for shopping and not wasting power.

 



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About the Author

Yachika Verma


Posted by sonic926 on Jun 6, 2010 9:50 AM CDT
Looking back through rear view mirror, you may often feel that you have got stuck in a maze. Sometimes you may regret some decisions, sometimes you may ponder about your uncertain future, sometimes you may seem to be lost, and not knowing what to do next, and sometimes you may feel very anxious. There are times in life when you may feel that you can live a better life than what you are living at present. You may seek answers to life�s questions. You may want to make your life free from struggles and troubles.
Do you want to feel more certain and confident about your future? Do you want to find a way to a healthier self esteem? Do you wish to see yourself happier and more fulfilled? Then, personal life coaching is what you need.

What Is Personal Life Coaching?

Personal life coaching is about living your life the way you want and achieving your goals. It is about getting the right guidance so that you can work towards a better life. It is through personal life coaching that you can discover different ways of learning, growing and changing.

A personal life coach can empower you to move on the path of development and success. You can steer your life in the right direction. Battling the problems of your life will be very easy if you go for personal life coaching.
Personal life coaching is becoming more and more popular which can be seen from the upsurge of the organisations that provide professional training for personal life coaching.

Spiritual Guidance

In these times, spirituality is fast becoming one of the best tools for one to overcome the troubles and obstacles in life. Spiritual guidance helps you focus on the inner workings of your mind, body, and soul. With spiritual guidance imbibed in your Personal Life Coaching program, you can learn to go beyond life�s limitations and find true peace and joy.

Spiritual guidance is essential for personal transformation. It leads you to spiritual enlightenment which is necessary to make your body, mind and soul living in harmony towards a common goal. You can fulfil your purpose in life if you are at peace with yourself. Spiritual enlightenment is reached when you know yourself, act on your goals, start doing something new, leave your bad habits and make a plan for achieving success in life.

Organisations providing professional training for personal life coaching emphasise on spiritual guidance to bring forth your capability to deal with your feelings and emotions. It is a process which enables you to listen to your inner voice and act according to it.

Come on...

Book your session for life coaching and end the gap between where you are where you want to be.

 



Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/profile/jinalife-19426.html

Jacqueline Pigdon offers unique life coaching courses. She has come up with various forms of coaching solutions for business such as business consulting and personal life coaching. Visit her site to also learn about how spiritual guidance.


Posted by sonic926 on May 30, 2010 9:58 AM CDT

Ways to help you achieve your goal with positive thinking. We have help thousands total weight loss and a healthier lifestyle.
In today's world, where everybody is getting conscious about looking good, it has become all the more necessary to keep oneself in shape.
If you have a high-quality figure, not only it enable you to flaunt your body, but also it helps in boosting your self-confidence level. For some populace obesity becomes a serious cause of concern, thus touching their mental fitness.
It is based strictly on universal sense and the simplest and healthiest way the human body was meant to lose weight. It is not base on fancy gimmicks and creation sales. The Lose Weight Diet is free of charge. There is naught to buy or sign up for ever. Every exacting piece of weight loss information you will need is here (free) for you to read, be thankful for and put into effect.
Given here are some easy and fast weight loss ideas:
� Make water your preferred drink. A person must have a smallest amount of 8 glasses of water in a day. Avoid attractive soft drinks or carbonated beverages; furthermore replace them with water. Water helps in reducing weight in the most effectual manner.

� Don't stuff yourself with food in a lone sitting; instead have 5 to 6 small meals or snacks in a day. Eating several diminutive meals helps the body to liberate less insulin, which keeps blood sugar steady and helps to manage hunger.

� Make a habit of walking. Instead of driving car to the close to market, prefer walking down. Walking is more very important for people in sedentary jobs. Walk for at least 45 minutes each day; it helps in blazing extra calories.
Home Remedies to Weight Loss

1. Cabbage is a negative calorie food that helps in on fire body fat. You can take cabbage as a salad or additional to other food. Try to replace one meal with a cabbage meal.

2. Green tea is one of the well-liked home remedies for weight loss. Drink three cups of green tea to deal with the additional weight. It is an ultimate fat burner.

3. Eat two red tomatoes every one morning in breakfast for a few months. This will help in restricting calorie intake.

4. Prepare a combination of 1/4 teaspoon crushed black pepper, 3 teaspoon lime juice, and 1 teaspoon honey in 1 cup water. Drinking this combination for 3-4 months to loss weight.

5. Drink a glass of lukewarm water mixed with emerald juice and a number of honey the first thing in the morning. This is also a ordinary home remedy for weight loss to soften the excess fats.

6. Eating 10-12 fully grown curry foliage every morning for 3 to 4 months may assist in weight loss for obese people.

7. Include fat on fire foods in your diet plan. This will lend a hand in weight loss for those who want to lose weight naturally.

8. reduce your carbohydrate intake. Avoid rice and potatoes. Wheat, barley and maize are ideal substitute for rice in people who has weight problems. Also do not eat oily and fatty substances like clarify butter, butter and sweet potato. http://www.ArticleStreet.com/profile/sarkozymikal-19221.html

About the Author

Read more on Weight Loss Cure and Weight Loss Techniques and Herbal Solution for Weight Loss


 

 


Posted by sonic926 on May 16, 2010 1:09 PM CDT

For thousands of years, the Aborigines have gathered rich native plants to produce carefully blended herbal teas. The collection of herbal tea products has proven to be effective natural remedies for many conditions and illnesses. More so, using all natural health choices, such as Australian herbal tea, guarantees a healthier life- style and you will enjoy a better quality of life.

The explicit herbal tea from the �Land Down Under� is unique in that it comes in many flavours, each created with its own ingredients. The herbal teas represent the warm spicy Queensland Tropics, cool earthy Tasmanian rainforests, zesty coastlines, and mystical Red Centre deserts. These natural solutions for healthcare are successful in that they provide a variety of healing agents. Most importantly, Australian herbal tea is free of side effects.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/profile/australian-trublue-19146.html

About the Author

For more information about herbal tea visit www.australiantrublue.com.au

Deriving from the Australia�s desert regions, the Wattle seed Native Australian Herbal Tea has a chocolaty hazelnut flavour with a hint of cinnamon. It is a great substitute for coffee without the caffeine. This especially blended tea is traditionally noted for healthy breathing. Another Australian herbal tea is the Forrest Berry Native Herbal Tea. With passion fruit undertones, the Forrest Berry Herbal Tea is a good source of Vitamin C and
Antioxidants. The Lemon Myrtle Native Australian Herbal Tea has a tantalizing lemon- lime flavour from an aromatic Australian leaf.

This herbal tea is a native of Australia�s rainforest and is grown pesticide and residue free. For many years, it has been used as an aromatherapy product by professional aromatherapists. The Peppermint Native Australian Herbal Tea originating from Queensland is also aromatic. It is an exciting blend of Australia�s Peppermint and the cooling blush flavours of Australian native mints. Yet, another Australian herbal tea is the Australian Breakfast Organic Tea. This blended tea is grown in World Heritage tropical wilderness of Australia. This robust, all natural plant blend is known for fighting harmful free radicals or toxins causing heart disease and cancer.

Herbal teas are natural; therefore safe and accepted by the immune system. These elite brands of herbal teas are designed to improve your health as your body subsequently flushes out toxins and builds up its immunity. Furthermore, the herbal teas promote an overall healthy respiratory system. Its aromatic component provides soothing comfort to combat anxiety and stress. It is also effective for weight management. Many Australians drink its herbal teas and the country continues to have a growing demand for the product.

Posted by sonic926 on May 2, 2010 9:57 AM CDT
Four Steps To Unleashing Your Compassion

We have been hearing for decades about the mind-body connection. Back in the '70s, when I was a young girl, it was something weird people thought about while the rest of the planet was following the well established rules of society. The adults around me were mocking the younger generation who talked about �finding� themselves.

Now, science has proven the connection. Our society has evolved to the point where study after study shows the correlation between our thoughts and our physical health. Scientists have proven that on a neurological and molecular level, we can dictate our physical state of being.

Step 1 is certainly the most important of all steps. Here is where you lay out your level of commitment. Make the choice to increase the compassion you extend to those in your orbit.

Step 2: Pay attention to your emotional blocks that prevent your compassion from flowing through you to those in need of your compassion. This can sometimes be quite difficult since those emotional blocks can be all consuming (such as anger or fear). Understanding these triggers to compassion blocking can help you overcome them.

Step 3: Understand the definition of compassion: the awareness of another's suffering and the desire to alleviate it. Compassion is an emotional state, not necessary an action. But compassion can compel action. Often, we cannot alleviate another's suffering but to be compassionate, we offer sympathy and understanding.

Step 4: Pay attention to the judgments you form that also block your compassion. The people who are in the most need of your compassion are the people you feel least compelled to extend it to.

Tip: It is much easier to start with judgments you hold for people more distant from you. Look at people in the news that have captured negative attention and assess how you are influenced by the judgments you hold for them. Can you let yourself feel compassion for someone who does not impact your own life? Start there.

By expressing the compassion within, you are replacing the negative emotional states that lead to chaotic mind and unhealthy body with a positive, loving mind that leads to a healthy body.

Commitment to becoming more compassionate is not a goal but a classroom in which you will learn about yourself and about the intricacies of life. Your interactions with others will improve. Your overall well-being will improve. But it does have its challenging moments. Be kind, loving and patient with yourself.


By expressing the compassion within, you are replacing the negative emotional states that lead to chaotic mind and unhealthy body with a positive, loving mind that leads to a healthy body. Commitment to becoming more compassionate is not a goal but a classroom in which you will learn about yourself and about the intricacies of life. Your interactions with others will improve. Your overall well-being will improve. But it does have its challenging moments.

 



Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/profile/reverendjay-17286.html

About the Author

My son James died on November 20, 2002. He was 15 years old. Anyone that knew him loved him. Even to this day, seven years later, there are those who knew him very briefly that grieve for the loss of a bright boy who was never in short supply of compassion. It is for James, the greatest role model for compassion and kindness I�ve ever known, that I begin my quest to change the world, one moment at a time, one step at a time, one act of kindness at a time. Learn more at http://www.contagionofcompassion.com and http://www.contagionofcompassion.blogspot.com



 

Posted by sonic926 on Apr 18, 2010 10:31 AM CDT
Starting from the beginning of human civilization women have been regarded as an inferior race among human beings. They have always been treated as slave by the men. They were never given the opportunity to rise up in the society. Those who tried to break this chain and rise up were exterminated. They were always kept suppressed by the men. This foul mentality is prevalent among human beings till today. Women are treated as slave in many countries. They do not get the same privilege as that of men. Women cannot move freely, talk to others freely; moreover, they were not given the permission to do that. Women were bound to listen to the orders of men and they could not deny that. Due to this malpractice prevalent for thousands of years, women forgot what they were. There mentality degenerated totally.

However, this situation is changing nowadays. Various women welfare organizations have come forward for the empowerment of women. They are trying to return back the self respect that women lost hundreds of years ago. Women have forgotten the essence of life; they cannot go out freely nor do any of their personal works freely. All they have to do is follow men�s order. These woman empowerment organizations enlighten women and help them to break free from all these bonding. The woman empowerment program is a huge success for the total mankind. It has brought a massive revolution in our social life. However, getting women back to their original form is not an easy or quick task; it will take a lot of time for doing that. Still the woman empowerment organizations are trying their best. They are trying their best to unleash women�s spirituality.

The main purpose of these organizations is to bring back to their track. For attaining their intended aim the woman empowerment organizations conducts various kinds of refreshment, physical fitness, self healing and self defense programs. Achieving success for changing the whole woman race will never be possible. Betterment of each single woman can be done. But, the problem will exist in the next generation and one after that and so on. Giving proper support to each individual woman and gaining success in that particular case is truly an excellent achievement.

One of the most important programs held in these woman empowerment organizations, is the women conference. During this conference, women can freely discuss their problems and feelings to other women. During, this session they are surrounded by full feminine energy, as a result of which they feel totally free and can reveal the best out of themselves. By attending the organized conferences and participating in the women�s events, women can discover what is buried in them; they can understand their power and qualities, about which they were completely unfamiliar. They can realize the potential and capability of doing any hard work hidden in them and also unleash them and utilize fully.

People often talk about changing the system all over the world. They want to help women from each and every corner of the globe. But, it is to inform them that it is not only hard, but also impossible. Since, it is a very slow process more and more woman empowerment organizations must grow up all over the world for the welfare of women.

 



Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/profile/frederick8787-19793.html

About the Author

The Women of Wisdom organisation conducts various Womens events for Woman empowerment and the relaxation of their Mind body and spirit.

Posted by sonic926 on Apr 10, 2010 4:19 PM CDT
Life is different for each individual and some times things can become challenging for each of him or her. The various experiences that an individual goes through at different times in his or her life will influence the way any particular individual will act and react alone and within relationships. It also influences the way any particular individual thinks, feels and acts. Perhaps, you are one of those who are searching for the means of making things better in your life. Perhaps, you are on your personal quest to gain self-confidence. To learn how to gain confidence naturally and enjoy life is essential when you want to begin making a difference in the way you think, feel and act.

Searching for Help to Gain Confidence is in You Best Interest

Since you are reading this article, you may already be aware that any negative thoughts, feelings or actions you may entertain only make your life worse off than not. There are various types of negativity in thoughts, feelings and deeds that will actually draw to you even more negativity. The incredible thoughts, feelings and actions associated with anxiety and depression can become terribly overwhelming. Various individuals even succumb to their suicidal thoughts and feelings. If you do not take the opportunity to learn how to gain self-confidence you may eventually wind up even worse off than you are, simply because of any negativity you allow to seed and grow inside you.

You are Not Alone

Many individuals suffer from the everyday effects of stress, anxiety and depression. Some of them may continue to suffer either by choice or because they are not aware that there is helpful resources available for him or her. However, once they find out that help is available and then understand that they can make a difference in his or her life, they can take the necessary steps to boost themselves up out of their depression. They can learn how to decrease their episodes of stress and learn how to handle their feelings of anxiety. Using such helpful resources can help anyone to gain confidence. Doing so will boost the way that individual thinks, feels and acts onto a higher and more positive level.

Positive Thinking can and will Change Your Life

Once you are able to focus on learning how to rethink or influence your subconscious mind to think positively about your life and your experiences, you are able to create the type of lifestyle you want and deserve. You do not have to continue suffering from your overwhelming sense of stress, anxiety or depression. Consider this, you learned to program your subconscious mind by the influences of those around you while you were young. You assimilated many of their reasoning and opinions into your thought patterns while young. What this means is that you eventually developed a habit of negative thinking that did and still does influence your life. However, you can also learn to program your subconscious mind in such a manner as to remove any type of negative thinking as soon as they try to enter your mind. You can learn the habit of positive thought patterns.

When you learn how to gain confidence naturally and enjoy life you will be able to make such a difference in your life.

About The Author

T S Gill is a researcher. His main object is to help people to gain their self confidence naturally.
For more information and guidence please visit:
http://www.gainyourconfidence.com/
Posted by sonic926 on Apr 4, 2010 12:51 PM CDT
When most people think of supporting charities, they think of money. This can be a problem for people who are struggling to support their own families. Even if your assets are limited, you can still help. Here are just a few ways to raise money for charities that won't cost you anything.

Recycle cell phones

Fast changing technology means people replace their cell phones more often than other possessions. However the phones have toxins that damage the environment if disposed in landfills. What's the alternative? Recycle! Cell phones can be donated to almost any charity.

Organizations such as American Cell Phone Drive partner with thousands of charities to recycle cell phones. The recycler then pays the charity cash for the phone. Any charity can raise money by joining a program to recycle cell phones.

There are more than just environmental benefits when you recycle cell phones. Many phones can be repaired and reused, and reuse is the best way to recycle. Cell phones can be donated to people in developing countries where it is not economical to install regular telephone service. Another reason to recycle cell phones is to provide emergency communications. Did you know almost any cell phone can connect to 911, even if the phone is not currently active with a carrier? Families who can't afford even basic telephone service can still have access to life-saving emergency assistance.

You can do even more to recycle cell phones by canvassing your friends and family. You might be surprised how many of them have an old cell phone in a drawer somewhere ready to raise cash for your favorite charity.

Join a "thon"

Charities have found that walk-a-thons, read-a-thons, and similar activities are very efficient methods of fundraising. They are inexpensive to setup and operate, generate good revenue, and are fun for the participants. Often people see beneficial side effects. For example, read-a-thons promote literacy and walk-a-thons encourage exercise and good health.

To participate in one of these activities, you collect pledges from family, friends, and neighbors. Then when the time comes, you read or walk your heart out. The more you do, the more the charity raises.

If that seems to tame for you, come up with your own idea. You might be surprised how much your friends will pay to pelt you with tomatoes or watch you shave your head.

Save money to make money

Find small ways to save yourself money and pass those savings on to charity. Use coupons at the grocery store. Buy a few store brand products instead of name brands. If you eat lunch out every day, start bringing lunch once a week instead. Rent a movie instead of going to the theatre. Each time you save money, put the savings into a charity jar and donate the proceeds once a month.

You can also choose brands that donate to charities. The Paul Newman brand donates huge portions of its profits to charity organizations. Ben and Jerry's does as well and also support local farmers and purchase products from developing countries to support economic growth.

There are many more ways to donate to charity without spending your own money. Most non-profit organizations are desperate for volunteers and even a couple hours of your time a week can make a tremendous difference in someone's life.

 



Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/profile/trycmcw-165.html

About the Author

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on raising money for charity, visit http://www.americancellphonedrive.org/


 

 

Posted by sonic926 on Mar 27, 2010 3:20 PM CDT
Eating is a favorite past time of many people. However, when eating habits become excessive or deficient then a red flag in health is raised. There are many factors influencing people on the formation of their eating habits. Some of these factors include food availability, family, cultural practices and mass media. People are persuaded to lose weight due to popular fashion trends, activities and occupations. People feeling extreme to body weight and shape often choose to not eat normally.

Studies related to eating disorder are discussing at what point does a person goes beyond controlling their eating behaviors. Eating disorder is not just a simple change in behavior but rather a medical illness which has underlying reasons. The two major types of eating disorder are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Another type called binge-eating nervosa has no formal psychiatric diagnosis yet. Symptoms of this disorders usually appear during early adulthood.

Oftentimes, eating disorders happen simultaneously with mental disorders such as depression, alcohol or dug abuse and anxiety disorder. Moreover, people suffering from eating disorder are more prone to other illnesses like heart problems and kidney failure. It is very important to diagnose eating disorder as early as possible.

Getting Thinner: Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa, or simply anorexia, is a combination of eating and mental disorder. A person suffering from anorexia goes way beyond just losing down the weight. As time passes, weight loss becomes the center of the person's life. The individual do things in extreme manner � over dieting and over exercising. In some cases, patients seek the use of diuretics or laxatives. This can be considered both an obsession and addiction to get thin.

A person is said to be anorexic when these symptoms are exhibited:
� Has increased interest in pieces of information about food.
� Always has an excuse not to eat.
� Feeling fat even though scales says otherwise.
� Obsesses with over-all appearance
� Frequently in denial of being too thin.
� Exercises without following any program.

The effects of anorexia nervosa cover the whole body system. It can result to complications of organs. Specific effects of anorexia in the body include missed menstrual periods, weakness, chills, dry and yellowish skin. A patient can also experience constipation, abdominal pain, insomnia and headaches.

There are three things to be achieved in treating anorexia: to restore the healthy weight of the person; resolve the psychological issues related to the eating disorder; and manage the behaviors that will bring back unhealthy eating habits.

Different types of therapy are available for a person suffering from anorexia. There are cognitive therapy, behavior therapy, family therapy and group therapy.

Purging: Bulimia Nervosa

According to statistics, at some point in their life, 3% of all the women in US will experience bulimia. Bulimia or bulimia nervosa is distinguish with series of binge eating occurring multiple times a day followed by extreme means control weight. Bulimia is considered a psychological disorder related to depression, stress and obsession to physical appearance. Binge eating brings patient short-lived happiness of not adding a pound to the current weight despite consuming tremendous amount of food.

In an episode of binge eating, a bulimic can consume 3,000 to 5,000 calories in an hour. After this, the person will turn to inappropriate ways to keep the weight off � induce vomiting, take laxative or do excessive exercise.

Bulimia is characterized with both psychological and physical symptoms. When a person shows the following symptoms, it is better to consult a physician right away:
� Uncontrollable and secretive eating habits.
� Goes to the washroom after meals to throw up.
� Takes laxative or diet pills after eating.
� Works out excessively.
� Has calluses in the hand caused by sticking the finger down the throat.
� Discoloration of teeth due to exposure to stomach acid.
� Experience weight gain and loss in matter of days.

One of the most dangerous effects of bulimia is dehydration due to purging. Also, the use of laxatives, diuretics and diet pills can lead to electrolyte imbalance in the body. Other consequences of bulimia to physical health include abdominal pain, swelling of hands and feet, sore throat, tooth decay, dizziness, ruptured stomach and chronic constipation.

Overcoming bulimia is possible through multidisciplinary approach including medical and psychological treatments. These treatments aims to restore good physical health and right eating patterns. The cognitive-behavioral therapy consists of two phases: breaking the binge-and-purge cycle and reducing the unhealthy thoughts and patterns.

To know more how you can manage the signs and symptoms of eating disorder, check out the
eft training manual or take part in the EFT training. Discover the healing power at your fingertips!


 



Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/profile/reiki-15144.html

About the Author

Bridgette Puckette is a supporter of alternative medicine.


 

Posted by sonic926 on Mar 20, 2010 2:14 PM CDT
I’ve talked recently about how emotions can amplify themselves, an effect called “mood congruity.” This phenomenon is like an overzealous lunchlady, who sees a spoonful of mushy peas on your plate and keeps serving you more and more on the assumption that you must obviously love peas. In that post, I talked about the way purposely bringing up thoughts and memories associated with a better mood can help stop the lunchlady, effectively moving us forward in the lunchline to the mashed potatoes or Jell-O.

Buddhist thought offers a more refined version of this idea, the equivalent of trading in our mushy peas for whatever is least like mushy peas on the entire menu. In a book called Destructive Emotions: A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama, this approach is called “emotional antidotes,” and it’s backed up by good science.

The idea behind emotional antidotes is that for each negative emotion, there is an opposite emotion that can be used to dissolve or extinguish the negative one. For instance, have you ever tried administering puppies to someone who’s in a bad mood (assuming they don’t hate puppies, in which case they may be a lost cause)? Science shows us that puppies are inimical to sour moods. This does not mean that the opposite of depression is puppies, although if you have to take away the wrong idea from this post, that’s at least a wrong idea that has some utility.

What specific emotions are antidotes to others? (I’ll depart in some details from the Buddhist model here, partly since emotions as seen through the lens of classical Buddhist thought are not quite the same ones we tend to think of in the West.)

As a prime example, love extinguishes anger–and don’t think I’m getting all touchy-feely on you here. Love is a specific emotion that I’d bet good money you can identify, and most of us can find something that, if we think about it a little, will give rise to feelings of love in us. (As an example, it’s very easy for me to conjure up feelings of love by remembering things about my son.) Anger is not compatible with love: we have only one brain, and that brain will be awash with a specific set of brain chemicals at a any given time. The chemicals that support anger (like adrenaline) are not the same as the chemicals that support love (like oxytocin). Summoning up feelings of love changes our brain chemistry and also harnesses mood congruity to increase those feelings of love, as thinking about one memory that inspires love tends to remind us of other memories that inspire love. Feeling angry and want to change it? Remind yourself of what you love.

Similarly, taking pleasure in things we admire about other people can help defeat jealousy; thinking about things that that excite us can help defeat depression; thinking of things that make us confident or at peace can help defeat anxiety; and so on.

There’s also a panacea of a sort, an antidote to all negative emotions, which is to recognize their emptiness. This is very much like the basic idea behind idea repair: negative emotions very often (though not always!) are based on ideas that are misleading or false, or that assume too much, such as “There’s no way I can learn all this” or “Everybody in the room must think I’m an idiot.” Since we can’t read minds, and since even if we could other people’s thoughts about us do not define us, any anxiety or distress or overindulgence in Doritos that may arise from believing everyone else in the room thinks one is a idiot is acting on an empty, fake, false idea. When we really examine what we’re telling ourselves about what happens to us, often negative feelings evaporate as we examine them in greater depth.

Either way, whether we use specific emotions as antidotes or poke the balloons of our negative emotions until they pop, greater self-understanding or positive feelings can be consciously used as a tool to break up bad moods and negative emotions. And if this doesn’t work, there are always puppies.


About The Author

Luc Reid is a writer living in Vermont with his 12-year-old son. he has been reading, researching, and writing about cognitive psychology, positive psychology, strengths psychology, nonviolent communication, cooperative living, consensus decision-making, and other topics having to do with personal and community growth for about ten years now. His practical articles on the psychology of self-motivation and willpower appear three times a week at http://www.willpowerengine.com . (c) 2009 by Luc Reid. Willpower Engine articles are free to copy under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Posted by sonic926 on Mar 13, 2010 2:17 PM CST
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