By identifying notions that create feelings, it is much easier to analyze. Reduce these rules down to bare minimum and identify foundation on which these rules are based. You might find that, as you meander through your own thought processes, that many of your ideas might be based on parental voices or misconceptions. Replace parental voices with your own commands and expectations. Analyze and research your misconceptions to identify realities behind knowledge. Is it realistic to think this way or should you modify your belief systems to accommodate a new, realistic foundation?

--- Feedback and Processing ---

Once we're able to open our minds to new ways of thought and reduce our preconceived notions, we are then open to myriad new ideas and information that we never thought possible. Not only will we be able to accept and process new information, but we will be able to grow.

In reality, our brain is merely a processing portal for information. Put together, we are all but a massive distributed processing system. I remember that SETI had this distributed processing model for managing and processing vast amounts of data. It allowed computer users around globe to download their software, which processed plethora of data from their deep-space listening posts. The data was downloaded to users' machines, processed, and sent back to central site for consolidation and analysis.

The human brain takes in information through our senses and processes it based on rules and cognitive maps we've created over years. It then pushes results back up into Grid, Universe, for storage and access --- our long-term, "collective" memory. The brain is not an isolated device and cannot live as such. It requires input and information exchange --- sensory and psi input is essential for healthy mental and physical processing.

--- What's next? ---

Intelligence is not what you know, but what you're able to do with what you learn. The ability to apply information successfully is a factor of one's ability to process information efficiently. The ability to process information efficiently comes with ability to analyze results and adjust one's systems to intake new information and use it productively. This is called "feedback". Such feedback comes from within and from our environment and is essential to growth as an individual and evolution as a species.

When we isolate our minds, and ourselves, through complex rules, we begin to create our own answers based on previous answers. Over time, we deceive ourselves about ourselves and world around us. Stop self-deceit and grow toward a fulfilling life! By simplifying your belief systems and being open to new information in new ways, you will drop "excess baggage" that weighs you down and blurs your vision while gaining access a vast amount of information and resources that you never thought possible. --- About Author ---

Edward B. Toupin is an author, publisher, life-strategy coach, counselor, Reiki Master, technical writer, and PhD Candidate living in Las Vegas, NV. Among other things, he authors books, articles, and screenplays on topics ranging from career success through life organization and fulfillment. Check out some of his recent print and electronic books as well as his articles covering various life-changing topics!

For more information, and to find out about his upcoming title on book publishing, e-mail Edward at etoupin@toupin.com or visit his site at http://www.toupin.com!

Today, take time to acknowledge what it is that you have filled your life with. Is there any room for you? I don’t mean is there time for you to go out and play sport or shop, I mean is there any time for you to sit, relax and take stock of your life and where it is headed. Are you able to recall feeling inside when you encounter something of beauty? Perhaps you resonate with a beautiful sunset, fresh morning dew on bright green grass, or smell of freshly baked bread? Do you remember that feeling?

Today, do something that makes your soul sing, just for once take time for you.

ÓAlison Hall 2004