PSYCHOLOGICAL WISDOM - In A Nutshell A Collection Of Uplifting Thoughts, Ideas & Perspectives For Personal Development, Peak Performance & Well-Being This book is a multi-volume work of five previously published programs - including Success Over Personal Development Pitfalls, Success Over Stress & Burnout, Success Over Stinkin' Thinkin', Emotional Intelligence - Successful Personality, and Real-Life Intelligence - The Edge For Successful Living. It is a collection of powerful tools and skills for personal growth & development, peak performance and well-being - with uplifting thoughts, ideas and perspectives for success in life & living. The sections can be read individually as desired, or together as a collective series. The addendum contains three essence essays addressing the topics of Personal Effectiveness, Golden Guidelines for Life & Living and Mindfulness. KeyWords: self help, self improvement, personal growth, personal development, emotional intelligence, EQ, psychology, stress management, stress relief, www.UpliftingPerspectives.net
ON LIFE'S UNSPOKEN QUESTIONS & CONCERNSUltimate Matters Of Personal Meaning This book explores life's unspoken questions and concerns - matters which individuals seldom express to friends or family, and which are not commonly addressed in contemporary psychology, philosophy or religion. These are fundamental questions and concerns which humans have wrestled with throughout all of recorded history, related to Aloneness & Separateness, Choices & Commitments, Meaning & Purpose, and Changes & Endings. Facing and coming to terms with these issues has very liberating and empowering benefits, greatly increasing one's ability to function effectively in personal and professional endeavors. Dealing with these concerns can be rather disquieting. Ultimately, however, recognizing and resolving these matters can free a person to find peace and joy in life. Unspoken Questions & Concerns Addressed in this Program: Why do I feel so alone and apart from things at times? How can I cope with loneliness and separation in life? Why is it so difficult to make choices & commitments? How can I effectively deal with freedom & responsibility? Why do I feel so uncomfortable with changes? How can I more effectively cope with endings in life? Why do I feel like life is meaningless and without purpose at times? How can I find meaning & purpose in my life? Why do I feel so much anxiety & tension at times? How can I more effectively deal with stress in life? Table Of Contents: Acknowledgements Disclaimer Preface/Introduction On Aloneness & Separateness On Choices & Commitments On Changes & Endings On Life Meaning & Purpose On Anxiety, Tension & Stress Summary Addendum KeyWords: psychology, philosophy, existential issues, ultimate concerns, self help, self improvement, emotional intelligence, EQ, www.UpliftingPerspectives.net
WINGS FOR SOARING: Taking It To The Next Level - Beyond Jonathan Livingston Seagull An uplifting story inspired by the spirit of Jonathan Livingston Seagull and the songs of John Denver. Historical Note: This delightful yet thought-provoking novella was originally written as a sequel to Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach. However, the publisher and author would not sanction a sequel, and forbid the use of the character names. To avoid copyright infringement and litigation, the names of the characters and parts of the story line were changed in the present version. POPULAR EXCERPTS: "Life is a gift, Elliot. Take it, unwrap it, appreciate it, use it, and enjoy it." 'Analysis leads to paralysis'. If we are very busy analyzing life, asking all sorts of 'Why' or 'What for' questions, we tend to get paralyzed. We are impaired. Our ability to engage in life, to fully participate, is blocked." "Here and now's the place to be, this is it, all you see " "He wondered if we could love, if ecstasy would be possible at all, if we knew we would never die." "An eagle who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, and is nothing." "If I have the freedom to choose what I shall do, then I am accountable for whatever I choose to do, or choose not to do." "Uncertainty exists in life, Elliot. There are no guarantees. Each of us needs to learn to co-exist with this uncertainty, to tolerate ambiguity, instead of frantically attempting to avoid or control these conditions." "This Is It - Here & Now," he thought, "Far Out "
STRESS SURVIVAL SKILLS For "The New Normal"Tough Tactics For Tough Times Powerful "How To" Tips & Techniques For Stress Management & Stress Relief Over the past several years major changes in the world economy have impacted the finances of business and individuals in countless ways... resulting in a reduction in the standard of living - which has come to be referred to as "the new normal". These changes have placed a high level of stress on society and individuals. The following information offers some practical insights and ideas which can be useful for surviving these demanding times. This book explores powerful tips and techniques for successfully dealing with tough times and stressful situations. These fundamental pointers can make the difference between success and failure - giving one an edge to survive and thrive - and to prevent (and/or recover from) burnout. Table of Contents PrefaceIntroduction - Definition of TermsKeys to Survival & Success - Managing Demands & Stress: Be Selective - Say "Yes" to YourselfTake Action on Demands - Don't Stew, Do Take Care of Yourself - There's Only One of YouTake Time for Play - It's a Need, Not Just a NicetyDevelop Stress Awareness - Insight Reduces FlightDevelop Ways to Relax - Regroup to RecoupDevelop Expectation Awareness - Evaluate and UpdateConcluding Comments - The Terrible "Shoulds" AddendumOn Personal Effectiveness - Seven Powerful Pointers KeyWords: stress, stress management, stress relief, the new normal, burnout, self help, self improvement, personal growth, personal development, emotional intelligence, psychology
ZEN PSYCHOLOGY In A NutshellEnlightening Insights & Perspectives For Living Mindfully This book considers key insights and realizations found in the tradition and practice of Zen. These are timeless penetrating perspectives on the nature of being and reality... which have been discovered and re-discovered by great seminal thinkers, teachers and open-minded individuals in the East and the West, throughout all of recorded history. The work endeavors to distill the essence of Zen into succinct statements... which can "point the way" and be useful for living mindfully. TABLE OF CONTENTS AcknowledgementsDisclaimer A PrefaceOn The Nature of Zen Knowing Zen PsychologyInsights & Realizations Zen MindfulnessOn The Art &Technique OfLiving Mindfully A Zen OdeUplifting Perspectives Addendum Golden GuidelinesFor Life & Living EXCERPTS: ON THE NATURE OF ZEN KNOWING "For Those That Understand...No Explanation Is Necessary. For Those That Don't...None Is Possible." ZEN PSYCHOLOGY - Insights & Realizations "Much of our understanding, and many of our life experiences, are at a level which is beyond the intellect's abilities to explain or to communicate (ranging from simple experiences like riding a bike and swimming - to profound insight into the nature of being and reality). This deeply intuitive "knowing" is often overlooked, undervalued and doubted - yet it is far more crucial and powerful than our limited mental and verbal abilities." "Truth, beauty, joy and peace are immediately available in the real world. There is no special place to go, and nothing out of the ordinary to do - to acquire access to these merits - other than to "get real", "come to your senses" and "pay attention"." "Preoccupation and consumption by the past and the future (e.g. drivenness and hurry sickness) are human foibles that rob one of being fully present to savor and participate in life. Realization of the ultimate magnitude of the moment enhances enjoyment and effectiveness." ON THE ART & TECHNIQUE OF LIVING MINDFULLY "The following considers the art and technique of living mindfully and mindfulness - which can be described as a mental state of clear minded awareness that is unencumbered, unfettered and unhurried. The art of living mindfully entails being fully present to experience and savor being alive, awake and aware. The technique of mindfulness involves consciously focusing one's attention on thoughts, feelings, actions and experiences - many of which can at times be self-defeating and toxic." A ZEN ODE - Uplifting Perspectives "Let us joyfully stand in awe and wonder... Being mindful of the marvels and mysteries in life and nature... Finding peace and serenity in the power and wisdom of the universe... Gracefully accepting and courageously trustingThat which is beyond our understanding and comprehension... Allaying unfounded fears and speculations." (c) Copyright 2015 - 2nd Edition - "Dr. Dan" Matzke, Ph.D. KeyWords: Zen, enlightenment, awakening, satori, insights, mindfulness, psychology, self help, personal growth & development, emotional intelligence
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE In A NutshellPersonality Patterns For Personal Effectiveness What is "emotional intelligence"? Emotional intelligence refers to an awareness of and ability to manage emotions and create motivation. It is a set of personal and interpersonal skills (including the ability to apply knowledge & understanding) related to one's personality and behavior patterns, which results in a person being able to function more effectively in life. This book explores key elements of "effective personality" which promote emotional intelligence, personal effectiveness and well-being. The word "personality" refers to an individual's total make-up, including psychological and emotional characteristics, and behavior. The phrase "effective personality" refers to an individual who is highly functioning, who is well-adjusted, a person who is successful at living - thriving & prosperous. They would tend to have a high level of self-esteem and self-confidence, a sense of purpose and direction in life, and would feel that they are being productive, useful, and contributing to the world around them. Characteristics of effective personality tend to minimize stinkin' thinkin' and to maximize effective thinking. These traits of effective personality can be developed through study and practice, thereby increasing an individual's personal and professional success in life. Let's begin by stating that no one individual has all of theses characteristics all of the time, but we can all work toward developing them more in our lives. The key elements aren't presented in any particular order or priority - rather they tend to overlap and interact with each other, much like the strands of a rope. TABLE OF CONTENTS AcknowledgementsDisclaimerIntroduction Effective Personality Patterns: OpennessAcceptanceSpontaneityAutonomyTrusting RelationshipsFellowship With HumanitySense Of HumorLiving Here & NowSense Of Awe & WonderTolerance For AmbiguitySense Of Balance & HarmonyAffirmative Life AttitudesSummary - Psyched to Succeed Seven Powerful Pointers For Personal Effectiveness Addendum: On Golden Guidelines For Life & LivingOn The Art & Technique Of Living Mindfully EXCERPTS: "Emotional intelligence entails facing difficult and unpleasant issues. These guideposts can also point to matters that one is ignoring or avoiding (due to fear, dread, etc.) which are road blocks and barriers towards the next step and/or the next level in one's endeavors and life journey. A good "rule of thumb" is that ten percent (10%) extra effort invested in using these powerful skills and tools results in a ninety percent (90%) difference." "While the following pointers are basic and primary, they are critical and essential for personal effectiveness. Being mindful of and practicing these effective actions can yield significant benefits - enabling one to "take a hold of life" and face challenges with courage and confidence." For information about Dr. Dan's other books visit www.UpliftingPerspectives.net KeyWords: emotional intelligence, EI, EQ, Daniel Goleman, personal growth, personal development, self help, self improvement, personal effectiveness, psychology (c) Copyright 2012 - "Dr. Dan" Matzke, Ph.D.
Mastering MINDLESS MomentsOn The Art & Technique Of Living More MindfullyBy Psychologist "Dr. Dan" Matzke, PhD This book explores keys to mastering mindless moments... and pointers for living life more mindfully. While this is not an "easy" endeavor... many find it to be very worthwhile and meaningful. Mindless moments often last for only a few seconds to a few minutes... during which one may "forget" something... such as where you put down your keys... or not remembering to lock your car... or having an anger outburst... or saying something you regret later... or having an emotional meltdown. Other times mindless moments can last for extended periods of time (hours, days, weeks or longer)... during which time one is not mindful of choices and commitments... such as new year's resolutions regarding diet & exercise... or personal goals & aspirations... or committing other acts of indiscretion. Some time later we "wake up" and come to our senses again... realizing that we have been operating in a "mindless mode"... totally oblivious to our previous intentions and plans... or well-being. Most of the time these mindless moments have minimal consequences. However, sometimes they result in serious problems... such as when driving a car and becoming distracted or not paying full attention to the situation... resulting in an accident... or health problems due to mindless eating habits. TABLE OF CONTENTS AcknowledgementsDisclaimer IntroductionMindlessness -vs- Mindfulness Some Practical PointersKeys to Mastering Mindless Moments Some Psychological PointersThe Art &Technique Of Living More Mindfully Some Philosophical PointersGreat Insights & Realizations Uplifting PerspectivesAn Ode for Living Mindfully Addendum On Personal EffectivenessSeven Powerful Pointers Golden GuidelinesFor Life & Living EpilogueThoughts To PonderOn The Art Of Living Mindfully ABOUT "Dr. Dan" Dan Matzke, a.k.a. "Dr. Dan", holds a Ph.D. in psychology. Dr. Dan worked as a licensed Psychologist and Marriage & Family Therapist for over 25 years. He taught psychology classes and did consulting work (testing & evaluations), prior to retiring from private practice in California and moving to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He now enjoys writing and mentoring, when not hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing or traveling. Dr. Dan has a commercial pilot's license, with flight instructor ratings for airplanes and gliders. He is a winner of the highly prized Barron Hilton Soaring Cup. Dr. Dan has been studying and practicing the principles of mindfulness for over 35 years. Key Words: mindfulness, living mindfully, mindlessness, memory problems, memory impairment, anger management, impulse control, aggression, forgetfulness, attention deficit, ADHD (C) 2015 "Dr. Dan" Matzke, PhD www.UpliftingPerspectives.net
