From the latest Kindle Newsletter:
KDP Author James Altucher:
| |
"I have a confession to make. When I was 21 years old I thought that writing a novel would help me meet women. Then I thought it would help me get a job. Then I thought it would help me make money so I wouldn't have to get a job. "Who wants to get a job? Why not write? "Four unpublished novels later and 500 rejections later I had to get a job. Then I hated my job so I started a business. Then I started 20 businesses and most of them failed. Then I wrote about it and now I had enough experience in life to actually say something. "I was published by traditional publishers for my first five books. Then I switched to self-publishing. I can go into publishing vs. self-publishing but I won't. I have many times on my blog and even gave details on advances, copies sold, etc. and why I made the switch to KDP, which has made me infinitely happy. "What I learned most was not Traditional versus Self, but Professional vs. Non-Professional publishing. With my latest book, Choose Yourself!, I finally decided to be as professional as possible in my publishing effort. Whether or not you use a traditional publisher or KDP, you could easily produce a non-professional book. "You might think: a traditional publisher would not put out a non-professional book. This is not true. And with KDP, the beauty and the beast of it is that you can upload anything and now you're published. This is what is great about KDP. "But I like to write. That is what I am most professional about. I don't like to design covers. So I hired one of the best cover designers in the world to design my book. "I like to write, but every writer needs a good editor. I found an editor by finding which authors I liked and who edited their books. Then I hired him. We went through 20 rewrites where he not only helped me with correcting grammar but helped me with the entire structure of the book. He helped me organize where chapters go, which sections needed to be stylized differently, which sections needed more material to flow more smoothly into the next chapter. And so on. Even long after he was paid the final installment he kept working with me on rewrites. "I've never done an audio book before. But I did one and used the same studio President Clinton and JK Rowling used for their books. Then uploaded through Audible, an Amazon company. It just looks good to have an audio and Kindle and print book all on the same page. "I find out who marketed some of my favorite best-selling books. I don't know how to market a book. So I used the best in the business to market my book. As part of my marketing I offered to do guest posts, speak at conferences, write for other publications, whatever I could do to help other people and get my name out there to their audiences. "My book is called "Choose Yourself!" because I feel in every way we have to choose ourselves for success and happiness. The rules we think are "normal" are all man made. If we are not the writer of our rules, then someone else will write them for us and the results will not be pleasant. I feel like Twitter is the new "choose yourself" media compared to the old traditional newspapers and other media outlets. So I asked (which was very difficult for me to do) Dick Costolo, CEO of Twitter, to write the foreword of my book. He did. Which also gave a feeling of professionalism to my book. "KDP is the "Choose Yourself" way to publish a book. You choose the book you want to publish. It's yours completely. Nobody can force you to do "this" or "that" when it goes against your entire gut. KDP is the First Amendment meets Technology. That's why I will always use KDP. "Self-publishing doesn't mean lack of professionalism. Professionalism comes from you, not your platform. I chose myself to be as professional as possible. "The first week Choose Yourself! was released, it was in the top 100 on Amazon all week. It was #1 for all of its categories. There were even two days in the first week that it was #1 for all of non-fiction on kindle. I'm even wondering if I'm the first person ever to be #1 for both "Religion & Spirituality" AND "Business & Investing" at the same time. The success has continued and it's been a blessing. "KDP helped me choose myself for publishing success. I'm really grateful, which at the end of the day, is the only thing you ever want to be." --James Altucher |
Monday, 23 September 2013
How KDP Let Me Choose Myself to be a Professional
Monday, 16 September 2013
How to walk and meditate
This website interested me. I never thought of walking and meditating at the same time.
Walking
meditation can be just as profound as sitting meditation, and has the
advantage of bringing the meditative experience into our activity. There
are a number of different walking meditations. Our variation is
informal and easy. It allows you to be more present in your body and in
the present moment. The simple experience of alternating steps with the
left and right foot naturally helps create a meditative state.
There is a tremendous richness of experience to become aware of as you walk. The body loves movement, and will reward you with pleasure if you pay attention to how it feels! So much of the time we are caught up in our mental worlds — thinking of the past or future, planning, imagining… Paying attention to the body as you walk will help you to enjoy simply being alive. (Although there are sitting meditations in which you pay attention to the body, it is easier to do so when the body is in motion. This is another advantage of walking meditation.)
Where and when. This meditation is best done outdoors. We recommend setting aside at least 20 minutes for your walking meditation, and not trying to combine it with anything else like going on errands or walking briskly for exercise. Let this be a walk just for meditation so that you can sink into the experience with your undivided attention!
How to start. Before starting to walk, spend a little time while still standing still. Allow your awareness to be with your body. Take some deep breaths, inhaling deep into the belly. Put your full attention on the sensation of breathing. Then allow the breath to return to normal and notice it going on its own for a little while. Now bring your awareness to your body, noticing how your body feels as you are standing, and becoming aware of all the sensations going on in your body.
Now begin walking. Walk at a relaxed, fairly slow but normal pace. Pay attention to the sensations in your body as you walk. It is natural to find your attention drawn to the sights around you as you walk, but keep bringing your attention to what is going on internally.
The idea is to have your attention on the physical experience of walking. If the mind starts getting caught up in thoughts, easily bring your attention back to the experience of walking. Notice how the body feels in great detail as you walk. The entire body is involved in the act of walking — from alternation of the left and right foot to the swinging of your arms and hips.
Notice how the soles of your feet feel — the contact they make with your socks or shoes, the textures of the fabrics touching them, the way they feel as they bear the weight of your body and the sensations in them as your walk along. Feel the entire foot, being aware of how it moves as the heel is placed on the ground, and then the movement rolls to the ball of the foot and toes. Notice how it feels as the foot lifts and moves forward. Allow your awareness to move up through every part of the body, noticing the sensations as you walk. Gradually scan all parts of your body as you bring your attention to the ankles, skins, calves, knees, thighs, hips, pelvis, back, chest, shoulders, arms, neck, head.
When you become aware of tension anywhere in the body, let it go. Allow that part of your body to relax. Allow your ankles, belly, shoulders, arms, neck — all of your body — to relax. Let your hips swing loose. As you do this, the walking will become more enjoyable.
You can scan your body randomly, moving your awareness from place to pace in your body, or you can systematically scan your whole body going from the soles of your feet to the top of your head noticing the sensations of walking. The most important thing is to keep you awareness on the sensations in your body, easily bringing it back when your mind has wandered.
XXX
Variation: Keep your attention on the rhythm of the walking — the alternation of left and right foot. Simply notice the experience of left-right-left-right motion. Keep bringing your awareness back to this experience when the mind wanders in thoughts or distractions of the environment.
- See more at: http://www.meditationoasis.com/how-to-meditate/simple-meditations/walking-meditation/#sthash.7qxlmlzI.dpuf
Walking
meditation can be just as profound as sitting meditation, and has the
advantage of bringing the meditative experience into our activity. There
are a number of different walking meditations. Our variation is
informal and easy. It allows you to be more present in your body and in
the present moment. The simple experience of alternating steps with the
left and right foot naturally helps create a meditative state.
There is a tremendous richness of experience to become aware of as you walk. The body loves movement, and will reward you with pleasure if you pay attention to how it feels! So much of the time we are caught up in our mental worlds — thinking of the past or future, planning, imagining… Paying attention to the body as you walk will help you to enjoy simply being alive. (Although there are sitting meditations in which you pay attention to the body, it is easier to do so when the body is in motion. This is another advantage of walking meditation.)
Where and when. This meditation is best done outdoors. We recommend setting aside at least 20 minutes for your walking meditation, and not trying to combine it with anything else like going on errands or walking briskly for exercise. Let this be a walk just for meditation so that you can sink into the experience with your undivided attention!
How to start. Before starting to walk, spend a little time while still standing still. Allow your awareness to be with your body. Take some deep breaths, inhaling deep into the belly. Put your full attention on the sensation of breathing. Then allow the breath to return to normal and notice it going on its own for a little while. Now bring your awareness to your body, noticing how your body feels as you are standing, and becoming aware of all the sensations going on in your body.
Now begin walking. Walk at a relaxed, fairly slow but normal pace. Pay attention to the sensations in your body as you walk. It is natural to find your attention drawn to the sights around you as you walk, but keep bringing your attention to what is going on internally.
The idea is to have your attention on the physical experience of walking. If the mind starts getting caught up in thoughts, easily bring your attention back to the experience of walking. Notice how the body feels in great detail as you walk. The entire body is involved in the act of walking — from alternation of the left and right foot to the swinging of your arms and hips.
Notice how the soles of your feet feel — the contact they make with your socks or shoes, the textures of the fabrics touching them, the way they feel as they bear the weight of your body and the sensations in them as your walk along. Feel the entire foot, being aware of how it moves as the heel is placed on the ground, and then the movement rolls to the ball of the foot and toes. Notice how it feels as the foot lifts and moves forward. Allow your awareness to move up through every part of the body, noticing the sensations as you walk. Gradually scan all parts of your body as you bring your attention to the ankles, skins, calves, knees, thighs, hips, pelvis, back, chest, shoulders, arms, neck, head.
When you become aware of tension anywhere in the body, let it go. Allow that part of your body to relax. Allow your ankles, belly, shoulders, arms, neck — all of your body — to relax. Let your hips swing loose. As you do this, the walking will become more enjoyable.
You can scan your body randomly, moving your awareness from place to pace in your body, or you can systematically scan your whole body going from the soles of your feet to the top of your head noticing the sensations of walking. The most important thing is to keep you awareness on the sensations in your body, easily bringing it back when your mind has wandered.
XXX
Variation: Keep your attention on the rhythm of the walking — the alternation of left and right foot. Simply notice the experience of left-right-left-right motion. Keep bringing your awareness back to this experience when the mind wanders in thoughts or distractions of the environment.
- See more at: http://www.meditationoasis.com/how-to-meditate/simple-meditations/walking-meditation/#sthash.7qxlmlzI.dpuf
Walking
meditation can be just as profound as sitting meditation, and has the advantage
of bringing the meditative experience into our activity. There are a number of
different walking meditations. Our variation is informal and easy. It allows
you to be more present in your body and in the present moment. The simple
experience of alternating steps with the left and right foot naturally helps
create a meditative state.
There is
a tremendous richness of experience to become aware of as you walk. The body
loves movement, and will reward you with pleasure if you pay attention to how
it feels! So much of the time we are caught up in our mental worlds — thinking
of the past or future, planning, imagining… Paying attention to the body as you
walk will help you to enjoy simply being alive. (Although there are sitting
meditations in which you pay attention to the body, it is easier to do so when
the body is in motion. This is another advantage of walking meditation.)
Where and
when. This
meditation is best done outdoors. We recommend setting aside at least 20
minutes for your walking meditation, and not trying to combine it with anything
else like going on errands or walking briskly for exercise. Let this be a walk
just for meditation so that you can sink into the experience with your
undivided attention!
How to
start. Before
starting to walk, spend a little time while still standing still. Allow your
awareness to be with your body. Take some deep breaths, inhaling deep into the
belly. Put your full attention on the sensation of breathing. Then allow the
breath to return to normal and notice it going on its own for a little while.
Now bring your awareness to your body, noticing how your body feels as you are
standing, and becoming aware of all the sensations going on in your body.
Now begin
walking. Walk at
a relaxed, fairly slow but normal pace. Pay attention to the sensations in your
body as you walk. It is natural to find your attention drawn to the sights
around you as you walk, but keep bringing your attention to what is going on
internally.
The idea
is to have your attention on the physical experience of walking. If the mind
starts getting caught up in thoughts, easily bring your attention back to the
experience of walking. Notice how the body feels in great detail as you walk.
The entire body is involved in the act of walking — from alternation of the
left and right foot to the swinging of your arms and hips.
Notice
how the soles of your feet feel — the contact they make with your socks or shoes,
the textures of the fabrics touching them, the way they feel as they bear the
weight of your body and the sensations in them as your walk along. Feel the
entire foot, being aware of how it moves as the heel is placed on the ground,
and then the movement rolls to the ball of the foot and toes. Notice how it
feels as the foot lifts and moves forward. Allow your awareness to move up
through every part of the body, noticing the sensations as you walk. Gradually
scan all parts of your body as you bring your attention to the ankles, skins,
calves, knees, thighs, hips, pelvis, back, chest, shoulders, arms, neck, head.
When you
become aware of tension anywhere in the body, let it go. Allow that part of
your body to relax. Allow your ankles, belly, shoulders, arms, neck — all of
your body — to relax. Let your hips swing loose. As you do this, the walking
will become more enjoyable.
You can
scan your body randomly, moving your awareness from place to pace in your body,
or you can systematically scan your whole body going from the soles of your
feet to the top of your head noticing the sensations of walking. The most
important thing is to keep you awareness on the sensations in your body, easily
bringing it back when your mind has wandered.
Variation: Keep your attention on the
rhythm of the walking — the alternation of left and right foot. Simply notice
the experience of left-right-left-right motion. Keep bringing your awareness
back to this experience when the mind wanders in thoughts or distractions of
the environment.
- See
more at:
http://www.meditationoasis.com/how-to-meditate/simple-meditations/walking-meditation/#sthash.7qxlmlzI.dpuf
Walking
meditation can be just as profound as sitting meditation, and has the
advantage of bringing the meditative experience into our activity. There
are a number of different walking meditations. Our variation is
informal and easy. It allows you to be more present in your body and in
the present moment. The simple experience of alternating steps with the
left and right foot naturally helps create a meditative state.
There is a tremendous richness of experience to become aware of as you walk. The body loves movement, and will reward you with pleasure if you pay attention to how it feels! So much of the time we are caught up in our mental worlds — thinking of the past or future, planning, imagining… Paying attention to the body as you walk will help you to enjoy simply being alive. (Although there are sitting meditations in which you pay attention to the body, it is easier to do so when the body is in motion. This is another advantage of walking meditation.)
Where and when. This meditation is best done outdoors. We recommend setting aside at least 20 minutes for your walking meditation, and not trying to combine it with anything else like going on errands or walking briskly for exercise. Let this be a walk just for meditation so that you can sink into the experience with your undivided attention!
How to start. Before starting to walk, spend a little time while still standing still. Allow your awareness to be with your body. Take some deep breaths, inhaling deep into the belly. Put your full attention on the sensation of breathing. Then allow the breath to return to normal and notice it going on its own for a little while. Now bring your awareness to your body, noticing how your body feels as you are standing, and becoming aware of all the sensations going on in your body.
Now begin walking. Walk at a relaxed, fairly slow but normal pace. Pay attention to the sensations in your body as you walk. It is natural to find your attention drawn to the sights around you as you walk, but keep bringing your attention to what is going on internally.
The idea is to have your attention on the physical experience of walking. If the mind starts getting caught up in thoughts, easily bring your attention back to the experience of walking. Notice how the body feels in great detail as you walk. The entire body is involved in the act of walking — from alternation of the left and right foot to the swinging of your arms and hips.
Notice how the soles of your feet feel — the contact they make with your socks or shoes, the textures of the fabrics touching them, the way they feel as they bear the weight of your body and the sensations in them as your walk along. Feel the entire foot, being aware of how it moves as the heel is placed on the ground, and then the movement rolls to the ball of the foot and toes. Notice how it feels as the foot lifts and moves forward. Allow your awareness to move up through every part of the body, noticing the sensations as you walk. Gradually scan all parts of your body as you bring your attention to the ankles, skins, calves, knees, thighs, hips, pelvis, back, chest, shoulders, arms, neck, head.
When you become aware of tension anywhere in the body, let it go. Allow that part of your body to relax. Allow your ankles, belly, shoulders, arms, neck — all of your body — to relax. Let your hips swing loose. As you do this, the walking will become more enjoyable.
You can scan your body randomly, moving your awareness from place to pace in your body, or you can systematically scan your whole body going from the soles of your feet to the top of your head noticing the sensations of walking. The most important thing is to keep you awareness on the sensations in your body, easily bringing it back when your mind has wandered.
XXX
Variation: Keep your attention on the rhythm of the walking — the alternation of left and right foot. Simply notice the experience of left-right-left-right motion. Keep bringing your awareness back to this experience when the mind wanders in thoughts or distractions of the environment.
- See more at: http://www.meditationoasis.com/how-to-meditate/simple-meditations/walking-meditation/#sthash.7qxlmlzI.dpuf
There is a tremendous richness of experience to become aware of as you walk. The body loves movement, and will reward you with pleasure if you pay attention to how it feels! So much of the time we are caught up in our mental worlds — thinking of the past or future, planning, imagining… Paying attention to the body as you walk will help you to enjoy simply being alive. (Although there are sitting meditations in which you pay attention to the body, it is easier to do so when the body is in motion. This is another advantage of walking meditation.)
Where and when. This meditation is best done outdoors. We recommend setting aside at least 20 minutes for your walking meditation, and not trying to combine it with anything else like going on errands or walking briskly for exercise. Let this be a walk just for meditation so that you can sink into the experience with your undivided attention!
How to start. Before starting to walk, spend a little time while still standing still. Allow your awareness to be with your body. Take some deep breaths, inhaling deep into the belly. Put your full attention on the sensation of breathing. Then allow the breath to return to normal and notice it going on its own for a little while. Now bring your awareness to your body, noticing how your body feels as you are standing, and becoming aware of all the sensations going on in your body.
Now begin walking. Walk at a relaxed, fairly slow but normal pace. Pay attention to the sensations in your body as you walk. It is natural to find your attention drawn to the sights around you as you walk, but keep bringing your attention to what is going on internally.
The idea is to have your attention on the physical experience of walking. If the mind starts getting caught up in thoughts, easily bring your attention back to the experience of walking. Notice how the body feels in great detail as you walk. The entire body is involved in the act of walking — from alternation of the left and right foot to the swinging of your arms and hips.
Notice how the soles of your feet feel — the contact they make with your socks or shoes, the textures of the fabrics touching them, the way they feel as they bear the weight of your body and the sensations in them as your walk along. Feel the entire foot, being aware of how it moves as the heel is placed on the ground, and then the movement rolls to the ball of the foot and toes. Notice how it feels as the foot lifts and moves forward. Allow your awareness to move up through every part of the body, noticing the sensations as you walk. Gradually scan all parts of your body as you bring your attention to the ankles, skins, calves, knees, thighs, hips, pelvis, back, chest, shoulders, arms, neck, head.
When you become aware of tension anywhere in the body, let it go. Allow that part of your body to relax. Allow your ankles, belly, shoulders, arms, neck — all of your body — to relax. Let your hips swing loose. As you do this, the walking will become more enjoyable.
You can scan your body randomly, moving your awareness from place to pace in your body, or you can systematically scan your whole body going from the soles of your feet to the top of your head noticing the sensations of walking. The most important thing is to keep you awareness on the sensations in your body, easily bringing it back when your mind has wandered.
XXXVariation: Keep your attention on the rhythm of the walking — the alternation of left and right foot. Simply notice the experience of left-right-left-right motion. Keep bringing your awareness back to this experience when the mind wanders in thoughts or distractions of the environment.
- See more at: http://www.meditationoasis.com/how-to-meditate/simple-meditations/walking-meditation/#sthash.7qxlmlzI.dpuf
Walking
meditation can be just as profound as sitting meditation, and has the
advantage of bringing the meditative experience into our activity. There
are a number of different walking meditations. Our variation is
informal and easy. It allows you to be more present in your body and in
the present moment. The simple experience of alternating steps with the
left and right foot naturally helps create a meditative state.
There is a tremendous richness of experience to become aware of as you walk. The body loves movement, and will reward you with pleasure if you pay attention to how it feels! So much of the time we are caught up in our mental worlds — thinking of the past or future, planning, imagining… Paying attention to the body as you walk will help you to enjoy simply being alive. (Although there are sitting meditations in which you pay attention to the body, it is easier to do so when the body is in motion. This is another advantage of walking meditation.)
Where and when. This meditation is best done outdoors. We recommend setting aside at least 20 minutes for your walking meditation, and not trying to combine it with anything else like going on errands or walking briskly for exercise. Let this be a walk just for meditation so that you can sink into the experience with your undivided attention!
How to start. Before starting to walk, spend a little time while still standing still. Allow your awareness to be with your body. Take some deep breaths, inhaling deep into the belly. Put your full attention on the sensation of breathing. Then allow the breath to return to normal and notice it going on its own for a little while. Now bring your awareness to your body, noticing how your body feels as you are standing, and becoming aware of all the sensations going on in your body.
Now begin walking. Walk at a relaxed, fairly slow but normal pace. Pay attention to the sensations in your body as you walk. It is natural to find your attention drawn to the sights around you as you walk, but keep bringing your attention to what is going on internally.
The idea is to have your attention on the physical experience of walking. If the mind starts getting caught up in thoughts, easily bring your attention back to the experience of walking. Notice how the body feels in great detail as you walk. The entire body is involved in the act of walking — from alternation of the left and right foot to the swinging of your arms and hips.
Notice how the soles of your feet feel — the contact they make with your socks or shoes, the textures of the fabrics touching them, the way they feel as they bear the weight of your body and the sensations in them as your walk along. Feel the entire foot, being aware of how it moves as the heel is placed on the ground, and then the movement rolls to the ball of the foot and toes. Notice how it feels as the foot lifts and moves forward. Allow your awareness to move up through every part of the body, noticing the sensations as you walk. Gradually scan all parts of your body as you bring your attention to the ankles, skins, calves, knees, thighs, hips, pelvis, back, chest, shoulders, arms, neck, head.
When you become aware of tension anywhere in the body, let it go. Allow that part of your body to relax. Allow your ankles, belly, shoulders, arms, neck — all of your body — to relax. Let your hips swing loose. As you do this, the walking will become more enjoyable.
You can scan your body randomly, moving your awareness from place to pace in your body, or you can systematically scan your whole body going from the soles of your feet to the top of your head noticing the sensations of walking. The most important thing is to keep you awareness on the sensations in your body, easily bringing it back when your mind has wandered.
XXX
Variation: Keep your attention on the rhythm of the walking — the alternation of left and right foot. Simply notice the experience of left-right-left-right motion. Keep bringing your awareness back to this experience when the mind wanders in thoughts or distractions of the environment.
- See more at: http://www.meditationoasis.com/how-to-meditate/simple-meditations/walking-meditation/#sthash.7qxlmlzI.dpuf
There is a tremendous richness of experience to become aware of as you walk. The body loves movement, and will reward you with pleasure if you pay attention to how it feels! So much of the time we are caught up in our mental worlds — thinking of the past or future, planning, imagining… Paying attention to the body as you walk will help you to enjoy simply being alive. (Although there are sitting meditations in which you pay attention to the body, it is easier to do so when the body is in motion. This is another advantage of walking meditation.)
Where and when. This meditation is best done outdoors. We recommend setting aside at least 20 minutes for your walking meditation, and not trying to combine it with anything else like going on errands or walking briskly for exercise. Let this be a walk just for meditation so that you can sink into the experience with your undivided attention!
How to start. Before starting to walk, spend a little time while still standing still. Allow your awareness to be with your body. Take some deep breaths, inhaling deep into the belly. Put your full attention on the sensation of breathing. Then allow the breath to return to normal and notice it going on its own for a little while. Now bring your awareness to your body, noticing how your body feels as you are standing, and becoming aware of all the sensations going on in your body.
Now begin walking. Walk at a relaxed, fairly slow but normal pace. Pay attention to the sensations in your body as you walk. It is natural to find your attention drawn to the sights around you as you walk, but keep bringing your attention to what is going on internally.
The idea is to have your attention on the physical experience of walking. If the mind starts getting caught up in thoughts, easily bring your attention back to the experience of walking. Notice how the body feels in great detail as you walk. The entire body is involved in the act of walking — from alternation of the left and right foot to the swinging of your arms and hips.
Notice how the soles of your feet feel — the contact they make with your socks or shoes, the textures of the fabrics touching them, the way they feel as they bear the weight of your body and the sensations in them as your walk along. Feel the entire foot, being aware of how it moves as the heel is placed on the ground, and then the movement rolls to the ball of the foot and toes. Notice how it feels as the foot lifts and moves forward. Allow your awareness to move up through every part of the body, noticing the sensations as you walk. Gradually scan all parts of your body as you bring your attention to the ankles, skins, calves, knees, thighs, hips, pelvis, back, chest, shoulders, arms, neck, head.
When you become aware of tension anywhere in the body, let it go. Allow that part of your body to relax. Allow your ankles, belly, shoulders, arms, neck — all of your body — to relax. Let your hips swing loose. As you do this, the walking will become more enjoyable.
You can scan your body randomly, moving your awareness from place to pace in your body, or you can systematically scan your whole body going from the soles of your feet to the top of your head noticing the sensations of walking. The most important thing is to keep you awareness on the sensations in your body, easily bringing it back when your mind has wandered.
XXXVariation: Keep your attention on the rhythm of the walking — the alternation of left and right foot. Simply notice the experience of left-right-left-right motion. Keep bringing your awareness back to this experience when the mind wanders in thoughts or distractions of the environment.
- See more at: http://www.meditationoasis.com/how-to-meditate/simple-meditations/walking-meditation/#sthash.7qxlmlzI.dpuf
How to meditate while walking
Walking
meditation can be just as profound as sitting meditation, and has the
advantage of bringing the meditative experience into our activity. There
are a number of different walking meditations. Our variation is
informal and easy. It allows you to be more present in your body and in
the present moment. The simple experience of alternating steps with the
left and right foot naturally helps create a meditative state.There is a tremendous richness of experience to become aware of as you walk. The body loves movement, and will reward you with pleasure if you pay attention to how it feels! So much of the time we are caught up in our mental worlds — thinking of the past or future, planning, imagining… Paying attention to the body as you walk will help you to enjoy simply being alive. (Although there are sitting meditations in which you pay attention to the body, it is easier to do so when the body is in motion. This is another advantage of walking meditation.)
Where and when. This meditation is best done outdoors. We recommend setting aside at least 20 minutes for your walking meditation, and not trying to combine it with anything else like going on errands or walking briskly for exercise. Let this be a walk just for meditation so that you can sink into the experience with your undivided attention!
How to start. Before starting to walk, spend a little time while still standing still. Allow your awareness to be with your body. Take some deep breaths, inhaling deep into the belly. Put your full attention on the sensation of breathing. Then allow the breath to return to normal and notice it going on its own for a little while. Now bring your awareness to your body, noticing how your body feels as you are standing, and becoming aware of all the sensations going on in your body.
Now begin walking. Walk at a relaxed, fairly slow but normal pace. Pay attention to the sensations in your body as you walk. It is natural to find your attention drawn to the sights around you as you walk, but keep bringing your attention to what is going on internally.
The idea is to have your attention on the physical experience of walking. If the mind starts getting caught up in thoughts, easily bring your attention back to the experience of walking. Notice how the body feels in great detail as you walk. The entire body is involved in the act of walking — from alternation of the left and right foot to the swinging of your arms and hips.
Notice how the soles of your feet feel — the contact they make with your socks or shoes, the textures of the fabrics touching them, the way they feel as they bear the weight of your body and the sensations in them as your walk along. Feel the entire foot, being aware of how it moves as the heel is placed on the ground, and then the movement rolls to the ball of the foot and toes. Notice how it feels as the foot lifts and moves forward. Allow your awareness to move up through every part of the body, noticing the sensations as you walk. Gradually scan all parts of your body as you bring your attention to the ankles, skins, calves, knees, thighs, hips, pelvis, back, chest, shoulders, arms, neck, head.
When you become aware of tension anywhere in the body, let it go. Allow that part of your body to relax. Allow your ankles, belly, shoulders, arms, neck — all of your body — to relax. Let your hips swing loose. As you do this, the walking will become more enjoyable.
You can scan your body randomly, moving your awareness from place to pace in your body, or you can systematically scan your whole body going from the soles of your feet to the top of your head noticing the sensations of walking. The most important thing is to keep you awareness on the sensations in your body, easily bringing it back when your mind has wandered.
XXXVariation: Keep your attention on the rhythm of the walking — the alternation of left and right foot. Simply notice the experience of left-right-left-right motion. Keep bringing your awareness back to this experience when the mind wanders in thoughts or distractions of the environment.
- See more at: http://www.meditationoasis.com/how-to-meditate/simple-meditations/walking-meditation/#sthash.7qxlmlzI.dpuf
How to meditate while walking
Walking
meditation can be just as profound as sitting meditation, and has the
advantage of bringing the meditative experience into our activity. There
are a number of different walking meditations. Our variation is
informal and easy. It allows you to be more present in your body and in
the present moment. The simple experience of alternating steps with the
left and right foot naturally helps create a meditative state.There is a tremendous richness of experience to become aware of as you walk. The body loves movement, and will reward you with pleasure if you pay attention to how it feels! So much of the time we are caught up in our mental worlds — thinking of the past or future, planning, imagining… Paying attention to the body as you walk will help you to enjoy simply being alive. (Although there are sitting meditations in which you pay attention to the body, it is easier to do so when the body is in motion. This is another advantage of walking meditation.)
Where and when. This meditation is best done outdoors. We recommend setting aside at least 20 minutes for your walking meditation, and not trying to combine it with anything else like going on errands or walking briskly for exercise. Let this be a walk just for meditation so that you can sink into the experience with your undivided attention!
How to start. Before starting to walk, spend a little time while still standing still. Allow your awareness to be with your body. Take some deep breaths, inhaling deep into the belly. Put your full attention on the sensation of breathing. Then allow the breath to return to normal and notice it going on its own for a little while. Now bring your awareness to your body, noticing how your body feels as you are standing, and becoming aware of all the sensations going on in your body.
Now begin walking. Walk at a relaxed, fairly slow but normal pace. Pay attention to the sensations in your body as you walk. It is natural to find your attention drawn to the sights around you as you walk, but keep bringing your attention to what is going on internally.
The idea is to have your attention on the physical experience of walking. If the mind starts getting caught up in thoughts, easily bring your attention back to the experience of walking. Notice how the body feels in great detail as you walk. The entire body is involved in the act of walking — from alternation of the left and right foot to the swinging of your arms and hips.
Notice how the soles of your feet feel — the contact they make with your socks or shoes, the textures of the fabrics touching them, the way they feel as they bear the weight of your body and the sensations in them as your walk along. Feel the entire foot, being aware of how it moves as the heel is placed on the ground, and then the movement rolls to the ball of the foot and toes. Notice how it feels as the foot lifts and moves forward. Allow your awareness to move up through every part of the body, noticing the sensations as you walk. Gradually scan all parts of your body as you bring your attention to the ankles, skins, calves, knees, thighs, hips, pelvis, back, chest, shoulders, arms, neck, head.
When you become aware of tension anywhere in the body, let it go. Allow that part of your body to relax. Allow your ankles, belly, shoulders, arms, neck — all of your body — to relax. Let your hips swing loose. As you do this, the walking will become more enjoyable.
You can scan your body randomly, moving your awareness from place to pace in your body, or you can systematically scan your whole body going from the soles of your feet to the top of your head noticing the sensations of walking. The most important thing is to keep you awareness on the sensations in your body, easily bringing it back when your mind has wandered.
XXXVariation: Keep your attention on the rhythm of the walking — the alternation of left and right foot. Simply notice the experience of left-right-left-right motion. Keep bringing your awareness back to this experience when the mind wanders in thoughts or distractions of the environment.
- See more at: http://www.meditationoasis.com/how-to-meditate/simple-meditations/walking-meditation/#sthash.7qxlmlzI.dpuf
Friday, 13 September 2013
Hats off to Marc Charles
Small business writer Marc Charles continues to spin out some great stuff. Here is his latest newsletter:
Dear Friends:
Dear Friends:
I was shocked to learn how much money Karin made each month in this market.
But what really surprised me was how little she worked!
I was introduced to Karin M. at an after-hours meet-up with Internet entrepreneurs in Boston recently.
I’ll show you how Karin makes money online.
I’m fairly savvy when it comes to legitimate web-based business opportunities.
But sometimes I get blindsided by a new product, service, or market.
That's what happened this time!
But don’t worry, we haven’t missed the boat. This market is still taking baby steps, so there’s plenty of opportunity.
What’s more, there are four or five ways to make money in this market, so there a plenty of options for you.
I’ll show you how Karin is doing it.
I Couldn’t Believe My Eyes
I walked into a room full of woman, music playing, and gourmet food on a table with everyone drinking wine. They were laughing and having a blast.
They were scrapbooking.
I’m not kidding!
The woman were laughing and talking, pasting pictures, cutting stuff out, arranging mementos and putting stuff into beautiful albums.
This is one of the hottest trends in the country right now.
A trend within the market is called "mini-albums."
Mini-albums are popular because they're so easy to put together.
A full family scrapbook can take weeks, months, or even years to complete. One woman told me some books are never completed, just revised, updated and changed.
Mini-albums can be completed in one evening.
My friend Karin noticed this trend and figured out a way to make money from it, without going to an office, sacrificing time with her husband and kids, and it took almost nothing in startup cash.
Scrapbookers spend a lot of money on blank scrapbooks, mini-albums, and supplies. These supplies are typically purchased at craft or fabric stores. You can even buy supplies at your local supermarket now. This should tell you the “masses” are into this trend big time.
Anyway, the one thing scrapbookers have in common is shopping for supplies and they know where to get a deal.
Offering scrapbooking products online is a great way to tap into this $5 billion trend.
That’s what Karin does. She sells scrapbooking supplies online. But Karin has never carried one cent of inventory, she’s an affiliate.
An affiliate drives traffic and buyers to a website where they can make purchases. When purchases are made the affiliate earns a percentage or a commission on each sale.
There’s typically no cost to join an affiliate program.
Karin told me her key to success as a scrapbook affiliate is two-fold:
1. She only partners with a company which is already successful in the market and moving product, such as Walmart.com, Jo Anne Fabric, and Oriental Trading.
2. Getting paid accurately and on time is a big deal. Karin said the companies that mess around with affiliates typically don’t last.
As a scrapbook supplies affiliate your main focus will be on marketing.
When you join an affiliate program you'll receive a unique URL "link" or image (with the link embedded).
When someone "clicks" on this link or image, they’ll be redirected to a scrapbooking supplies retailer.
When a person makes a purchase by using the link you provided ... you earn a commission.
It’s really simple.
You're probably thinking it'll take you forever to make any money.
Not true!
Karin M. started making money her second full week as an affiliate. At first she used hundreds of cheap “text links” provided by TextLinkBrokers.com.
When she started making a couple of hundred dollars a week she added Google AdWords and Yahoo! ad word advertising. Karin said this is when her scrapbooking affiliate strategy kicked into high gear.
If you think that’s neat, you’ll love this….
Karin is an affiliate with several companies, including Walmart.com!
When you can partner with a company and brand like Walmart.com – it’s a very good thing.
Karin started selling actual scrapbooking supplies online this year. She sells on eBay, Amazon.com and Buy.com.
Karin buys scrapbooking supplies from national wholesale companies at deep discounts.
But when I told Karin about my new book and course called China Wholesale Trader she almost kissed me.
China Wholesale Trader shows how to import products easily, quickly and safely from reputable Chinese manufactures and exporters.
In many cases you can import scrapbooking supplies for pennies or dimes on the dollar.
Two sites I recommend in my book are Alibaba.com and AliExpress.com.
Two Search Engine Marketing Tips
If you become an affiliate, or if you sell on a website or on eBay, here’s an insider tip.
The top search engines (like Google) rank the relevancy of the content on each web page.
So, don’t just list hundreds of scrapbooking products on a website. Add a simple description, review or comments from scrapbookers by each listing.
Think of Amazon.com. They don’t just list products with a picture and a price. Amazon provides comments, reviews, feedback and more.
Granted, it takes time to write reviews and comments. But you’ll only have to do it once for each product.
You can do this on any website which is selling products too!
A site with comments and reviews will ALWAYS rank higher in the search results.
If your site appears in the first or second page of the Google search results you'll have more traffic and business than you can handle!
What's more, don't forget about selling scrapbook supplies on eBay, Half.com, Amazon.com, Yahoo! Marketplace, and AOL Marketplace.
These are monster traffic sites.
Tip #2 – Thrust Relevant Websites near the Top of Google Search Results
An SEO tactic I learned three or four years ago is still paying off today. It’s super simple and won’t cost you a dime.
You can post websites and blogs on the Internet for next to nothing today. You can host them for free at places like DotEasy.com.
But having a website or blog no one sees is worthless. So….here’s a trick I use to get websites and blog at or near the top of Google search results (and it’ll work in the other engines too).
Put your domain name in the “title page” meta tag. Put your “title page” name in the meta tag keywords FIRST, and put your “title page” name in your “site description” meta tag.
If you don’t know what any of this means, just give the instructions to you webmaster. Don’t ask for your webmaster’s opinion or advice, just tell him or her to follow directions.
Like this:
Domain name: BestScrapbookSupplies.com
Title Page Name: BestScrapbookSupplies.com – Scrapbook Supplies
Keywords: BestScrapbookSupplies.com, scrapbook supplies, etc.
Description: BestScrapbookSupplies.com offers the best scrapbook supplies at the best price – period.
When this is done submit your URL into the Google database here
Make sure you have relevant scrapbook content, articles, links to relevant sites and product reviews.
In two to three weeks you’ll notice your site at or near the top of the Google search results….and you should start seeing some nice traffic.
Scrapbooking and craft supplies are a multi-billion-dollar market. You can easily profit from this rising trend!
Regards,
Marc Charles
Marc Charles
“The King of Business Opportunities”
Thursday, 12 September 2013
In the news..........
Some news stories which have recently caught my eye:
"I own my business but I've never met my staff" http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/smallbusiness/article-2339476/Freelance-entrepreneur-I-business-Ive-met-staff.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
Short feature on a guy who uses People per hour and Skype to manage a digital SME. Nice 4HWW case study.
"Is weight affecting your employment chances" http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2385658/Is-weight-real-reason-youre-unemployed-How-body-size-plays-bigger-role-resume-job-interviews.html
The conclusion is that fat folk are 27% less likely to get a job offer than a fit person with the same qualifications. I think there is a bit of truth here. I am a rotund gentleman and I think I'm sometimes not taken seriously because of my belly.
"Named and shamed: Government reveals first-ever rogue's gallery of UK's benefit cheats" http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2396289/Benefits-cheats-named-shamed-Government-reveals-rogues-gallery-UKs-10.html
This articles was in response to Iain Duncan Smith releasing details on the biggest benefit cheats in the UK. Look at this section here: "He was ordered to pay back £1,031,943 or face five years in prison after being found guilty of 12 charges of benefit fraud. He claimed the dole and housing benefit, despite owning nine properties and running a string of companies." I don't really understand how this works. Even if you claimed the dole and London-strength housing benefit for 10 years it would be hard to run up a £100,000 bill never mind a million one. I think there is more to this story than meets the eye.
"Bullied into buying something you didn't want? Now you have 90 days to get your money back" http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/news/article-2385287/Bullied-buying-didnt-want-Now-90-days-money-new-crackdown-cowboy-traders.html
As well as the change in legislation mentioned in the headline, the article also mentioned that people now have 14 days to return an item that has been bought online. I wonder if this covers Ebay, and in particular the Motors section? If so, if you were an infrequent driver, you could "buy" a car on Ebay, do your journey, and then return the car within the legislated period. Any thoughts?
"Nurse rents out her breasts to gay parents who want their babies to be fed naturally" http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2385262/Woman-offers-breast-feed-gay-parents-want-babies-naturally-fed.html
How times have changed? Fair play to the nurse for thinking of this idea in the first place. The interesting thing is that the lady is only charging £17 per hour for the service. Surely she is underselling herself? For such a niche thing I think £50 an hour would be more reasonable.
"Plans to recycle silt taken from Scotland's canals" http://www.scotsman.com/news/environment/plan-to-recycle-silt-taken-from-scotland-s-canals-1-3029552
The articles states that bodies believe the dredging of the Scottish canal network could be self-financing through sales of the silt as a garden material. I'd be interested to see if this ever comes to fruition.
"Rocker turned entrepreneur brews exotic soda range" http://www.scotsman.com/news/scotland/top-stories/rocker-turned-entrepreneur-brews-exotic-soda-range-1-3008311
Fair play to this guy. Everything is going "Micro" nowadays and I personally think that's a good thing.
"A wearable gym? Discreet armband uses the power of magnets to provide the same workout as a 24kg dumbbell" http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2385496/O2-Magnetic-Dumbbell-Armband-uses-MAGNETS-provide-workout-24kg-dumbbell.html
I'm dubious about these. I'd like to see some positive reviews before proceeding.
"I own my business but I've never met my staff" http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/smallbusiness/article-2339476/Freelance-entrepreneur-I-business-Ive-met-staff.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
Short feature on a guy who uses People per hour and Skype to manage a digital SME. Nice 4HWW case study.
"Is weight affecting your employment chances" http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2385658/Is-weight-real-reason-youre-unemployed-How-body-size-plays-bigger-role-resume-job-interviews.html
The conclusion is that fat folk are 27% less likely to get a job offer than a fit person with the same qualifications. I think there is a bit of truth here. I am a rotund gentleman and I think I'm sometimes not taken seriously because of my belly.
"Named and shamed: Government reveals first-ever rogue's gallery of UK's benefit cheats" http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2396289/Benefits-cheats-named-shamed-Government-reveals-rogues-gallery-UKs-10.html
This articles was in response to Iain Duncan Smith releasing details on the biggest benefit cheats in the UK. Look at this section here: "He was ordered to pay back £1,031,943 or face five years in prison after being found guilty of 12 charges of benefit fraud. He claimed the dole and housing benefit, despite owning nine properties and running a string of companies." I don't really understand how this works. Even if you claimed the dole and London-strength housing benefit for 10 years it would be hard to run up a £100,000 bill never mind a million one. I think there is more to this story than meets the eye.
"Bullied into buying something you didn't want? Now you have 90 days to get your money back" http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/news/article-2385287/Bullied-buying-didnt-want-Now-90-days-money-new-crackdown-cowboy-traders.html
As well as the change in legislation mentioned in the headline, the article also mentioned that people now have 14 days to return an item that has been bought online. I wonder if this covers Ebay, and in particular the Motors section? If so, if you were an infrequent driver, you could "buy" a car on Ebay, do your journey, and then return the car within the legislated period. Any thoughts?
"Nurse rents out her breasts to gay parents who want their babies to be fed naturally" http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2385262/Woman-offers-breast-feed-gay-parents-want-babies-naturally-fed.html
How times have changed? Fair play to the nurse for thinking of this idea in the first place. The interesting thing is that the lady is only charging £17 per hour for the service. Surely she is underselling herself? For such a niche thing I think £50 an hour would be more reasonable.
"Plans to recycle silt taken from Scotland's canals" http://www.scotsman.com/news/environment/plan-to-recycle-silt-taken-from-scotland-s-canals-1-3029552
The articles states that bodies believe the dredging of the Scottish canal network could be self-financing through sales of the silt as a garden material. I'd be interested to see if this ever comes to fruition.
"Rocker turned entrepreneur brews exotic soda range" http://www.scotsman.com/news/scotland/top-stories/rocker-turned-entrepreneur-brews-exotic-soda-range-1-3008311
Fair play to this guy. Everything is going "Micro" nowadays and I personally think that's a good thing.
"A wearable gym? Discreet armband uses the power of magnets to provide the same workout as a 24kg dumbbell" http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2385496/O2-Magnetic-Dumbbell-Armband-uses-MAGNETS-provide-workout-24kg-dumbbell.html
I'm dubious about these. I'd like to see some positive reviews before proceeding.
More crap Scottish Businesses
Last year I ranted about how local Gardeners never got back to me when I left them voicemail. In the last week I have a couple more examples of Scottish businesses not responding. This time it is regarding emails to their website.
Last week I read a very interesting article online regarding a man who was going to run a "How to Run a Pub Quiz" course at the Wester Hailes Education Centre. This interested me greatly, and knowing the school well I thought it would be something I could get to easily and enjoy. I wrote two emails to the WHEC without a reply. Shit, Shit service.
Then I saw a deal on Groupon for one-on-one Photography lessons in Glasgow. I thought these would make an excellent joint Christmas present for my Son and my Step-Father who both enjoy Digital Photography. I was worried about the minimum age for the experience though so I emailed the Photography company via their own website. Once again I have had no replay whatsoever.
Is it any wonder that companies go bust when simple things like replying to enquiries on your website aren't being fulfilled?
Last week I read a very interesting article online regarding a man who was going to run a "How to Run a Pub Quiz" course at the Wester Hailes Education Centre. This interested me greatly, and knowing the school well I thought it would be something I could get to easily and enjoy. I wrote two emails to the WHEC without a reply. Shit, Shit service.
Then I saw a deal on Groupon for one-on-one Photography lessons in Glasgow. I thought these would make an excellent joint Christmas present for my Son and my Step-Father who both enjoy Digital Photography. I was worried about the minimum age for the experience though so I emailed the Photography company via their own website. Once again I have had no replay whatsoever.
Is it any wonder that companies go bust when simple things like replying to enquiries on your website aren't being fulfilled?
Tuesday, 10 September 2013
45 Fiverr Gig Ideas
After being an ardent customer of Fiverr for around a year I've decided it is now time for me to make my way around to the other side of the counter and start taking money from the gullible.
I'm thinking I am going to style myself as "Taylor Services" or "Keir Services" perhaps. Bright blue writing on a bright yellow background to try and catch the eye. Here are the sort of things I thinking of offering:
I'm thinking I am going to style myself as "Taylor Services" or "Keir Services" perhaps. Bright blue writing on a bright yellow background to try and catch the eye. Here are the sort of things I thinking of offering:
- Advice to teenagers.
- Heartfelt testimonials.
- Dream interpretation.
- Scottish Accent narration.
- Create a Goals Spreadsheet.
- Betting Systems
- Custom made Crossword Puzzles.
- I will answer 3 questions
- I will meditate for 45 mins on your behalf
- I will write quiz questions for 3 children's books
- I will design a treasure hunt for your Scottish town
- Business Plan review
- Lie check
- I will find a leyline and pray for your well being.
- Postcards from famous Scottish sites.
- Script review
- Screenplay review
- I will critique the first five pages of your novel, script or short story.
- Alibi backup
- I will send your boss/ ex-spouse an email.
- Anonymous text message
- Remail letters from Scotland
- Send someone 2 condoms anonymously
- Positive pregnancy tests
- Clean urine
- Budgeting help
- Wordsearch puzzle on any theme
- Very hard Sudoku
- Business coaching
- I can name your child
- I will donate your money to charity
- Review your gambling system
- I will give you an 8 week plan to run your first 5k
- I will send you a lucky rock from Scotland.
- I will make you a list of 10 ideas on any subject of your choice
- I will accept a tip
- I will make you a 50 question quiz
- I will write a joke or humorous description of someone
- I will insult you
- I will take a screenshot of any website.
- I will show you how to massively increase your reading speed
- I will review your book on my blog
- 20 things you can do in the UK without planning permission
- I will ask any question you'd like on the Ouija board
- I will provide you with 10 money making ideas given your circumstances
Monday, 9 September 2013
Make money by holding seances
Not one for the faint-hearted but I think you could make money by holding séance evenings. Advertise via a website and hold them once you've got 6 skulls paying £50 a pop.
Lay on the cheese and wine for the guests, get the spooky music on. Bob's your uncle. An hour later you can kick them out and bank your cash.
Lay on the cheese and wine for the guests, get the spooky music on. Bob's your uncle. An hour later you can kick them out and bank your cash.
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