Just received a copy of “The Aging Myth” by Dr. Joe Chang

Just received a copy of The Aging Myth by Joseph Chang, PhD, an exciting book for all of us
who want to “live better longer”. You can get your own copy at major booksellers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Enjoy!

Dr. Ben

France – Paris & Lyon – May 2011

I recently returned from visiting my business team in Paris & Lyon (for the first time!),
where I experienced the privilege and the power of a business based on developing people
and relationships. Below is a “montage” of the people and experience which I put together
for myself and my family, and for my partners and friends in Europe.

(For more on partnering together, visit An Invitation To Partner )

Enjoy!

How Much “Good” Can You Handle?

Reading a fun little book The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
that gives a powerful, potentially life-changing perspective
on something we probably all have experienced, even if we’re
already thriving and living an abundant life.

What is it?

It’s the tendency — when we’re feeling really good or things
are going really well — the tendency at some point to experience
something -– either a thought or apparent circumstance…or
something we ourselves do -– that suddenly “pinches off” the
good feelings and essentially sabotages us from moving beyond a
certain internal and unconscious pre-programmed “thermostat” that
won’t allow more than a certain amount of good…or of good feelings…
…into our life.

Sound bizarre? 

Well think about it for a moment.

How many times have you had a moment when you’re feeling really good,
and then remember something that suddenly deflates your balloon?

Or how many times do you find yourself circling around a certain weight,
health problem, level of income, or arguments with a loved one, no matter
how good your intentions to change?

In shining a light on this phenomon and making us aware of it, Gay
empowers us to no longer be unconscious victims of our own patterns.
Gay calls this the “Upper Limit Problem” and he goes on to give many
examples and later in the book gives some specific ways to
change it –- but already by simply shining a light on this phenomenon,
he’s triggered a whole other level of awareness in me as I watch my own
patterns –- and catch myself about to “pinch off” my good — and therefore
I’m now able to make a different choice…sometimes simply by chuckling
at myself and taking a deep breath…or by saying “Yes!” before a knee-jerk
“no” –- that can now open up new vistas of possibility and experience…and
allow in more good…

How about you?

How much “good” can you handle?

Ever encounter the “Upper Limit Problem” in your own life, business, health,
or relationships?

Perhaps this moment of reflection will trigger a chain reaction that can blow
the lid off for you as it has for me, and you can begin increasing your
capacity for allowing and receiving good.

Look forward to hearing your own experiences, feedback, and questions in the
comments below!

Dr. Ben

Subconscious “Programming” – 5 Key Ways to Change Yours

ben-lo-tsf-slider1I recently saw a video (I’ll give you the link below)  that speaks profoundly to
how our mind works – and how much influence it has on what we experience
– in our health, our money, and virtually all areas of our lives – and in particular,
why it’s so hard to change our results
with positive thinking or affirmations alone.

The video was part of an educational series leading up to a virtual “summit”
on a specific mind-body technique called “EFT”. I’m mentioning it here
because this particular talk from
cellular biologist Dr. Bruce Lipton is so impactful in its own right.
(just fast-forward through the intro if that becomes distracting.  The actual discussion with Dr. Lipton is fascinating.)

Whether the idea that your health and your life may be being
run by subconscious programs you’re generally not aware of is
a new one for you, or you have long experience with this idea,
Dr. Lipton’s particular discussion, insights, and analogies create
particularly powerful connections that will get your mind going
and potentially open new doors of possibility for you.

Because the video is so provocative, I’m going to briefly list
several steps you can take right away to “change the programming”
or “tape” that Dr. Lipton discussess.  You’ll realize you already
know or have access to most or all of these, but may not be
practicing them at the level you could be.

But before I give you the list, take a moment now to mark on
your calendar a specific time to view the 30 minute video –
ideally within the next 24 hours.  If you at least write down
a specific time to watch it, you’re more likely to actually do
it.  I’ve
already watched it twice – the second time with my wife & two
oldest kids, and we still talk about it.

OK.  Here’s the list.

5 ways to “change the tape” or the “programs” your subconscious
is running:

1)  The first step is Awareness.  The video of Dr. Bruce Lipton will
definitely heighten your awareness of the unconscious programs,
or patterns, that may be running your health and your life – and
the fact that you can change them. The power of no longer feeling
a victim to what “happens” to you…and to what others say and do,
or don’t do, is a BIG first step.

2)  Practice different thoughts.  What does this mean?  We all
have patterns, habitual ways, of thinking about and reacting to
people, situations, and even ourselves, and many of these may no
longer be serving us and the results we now desire to create in
our health, our money, our relationships, or some other area
of our lives.

How do you pick more empowering thoughts? (ones that serve you
better now)?

The first step here is to pay attention to how you feel when
you’re on a particular train of thought – if you’re feeling
constricted, depressed, angry, or powerless – in other words,
feeling “bad” – pick a different “train”!

How do you do that?

20151031_101706One of the best ways is to ask yourself a question – what I
call a “door-opening” question.

Even one as simple as “what’s a thought that feels better?”

“How could I look at this in a more empowered way?”

In other words, you’re asking yourself a question that you
may not yet have an answer to, but it opens a door for you,
rather than closing a door with a question such as “why do
I always do that?”

Feel the difference?

Asking yourself a door-opening question puts your mind
to work looking for new answers and connections, and is
a powerful technique.

3)  Meditation – some may call this meditative or listening “prayer”.
Sitting quietly even for just 15 min’s/day is enough for most people
to “pause” the “busy-ness” of their lives and their recurring,
automatic thought-patterns — to begin to “listen” inwardly and
to become more aware, conscious, and purposeful about the thoughts
they’re choosing and what they’re choosing to focus on in their
lives.  This can even be a great way to get back in touch with
what’s really important to you and to make key decisions that
alter the course of your relationships and your life.  But it
won’t happen if you’re constantly consumed with the “busy-ness”
of your day and the automatic habits that currently run your life.

Note:  my wife reminded me this morning that she enters a very
creative state when playing the piano – and many have described
a meditative-like state while engaged in music, art, running, or
sports…which leads to the next step…

Get your body involved.

The next 2 steps include physical action on your part:

4)  *Move daily* — get your body, your heart rate, and your breathing
going at a higher level at least 10 and ideally 20 min’s day,
preferably early in your day.  This sets your physiology on a course
that can continue to benefit you throughout your day, and one
recent personal development program has wisely pointed out that this
practice can raise your “vibration” and enhance the effectiveness
of everything else you do!  The general rate for this level of
aerobic exercise is to move at a pace that increases your heart rate
and breathing, but at which you could still hold a conversation. For
many a brisk walk, jumping on a rebounder, riding a bike, or even
marching vigorously around the house is sufficient.

5) EFT – or “Emotional Freedom Technique” – this is a technique that
involves both your mind and your body – with physical action on your
part that’s related to accupressure points – that can quickly
“rewrite” the “tapes”, or programs, that you’re currently running
unconsciously.  I continue to use this technique to rapidly shift
how I feel and the direction of my own mind-body patterns, and this
is the technique that the Dr. Bruce Lipton video refers to and you can
get more info through that link.

So there you have it – 5 ways to “change the tape” or the “programs”
your subconscious is running.

And lastly, remember the power of compounding simple but effective
steps done daily over time.

Now if you haven’t seen the video, set a time to watch it here:
Dr. Bruce Lipton video.

Then choose one or more of the above steps to start practicing
this week.

And if you’ve already been using one or more – let me know what
you’ve personally found most effective and what results you’ve
experienced in the comments below.

Have another technique that’s worked for you?

I look forward to hearing from you!

Dr. Ben

What are you “affirming” today?

image

By now we’ve pretty much all heard about using “affirmations”
to attempt to change ourselves and our lives.

But how many of us realize we’re actually affirming things
to ourselves, to others, to God, to the universe all the time?

“I don’t feel good.”

“I never have enough money.”

“Something was bound to happen.”

“You’re going to drive your mother crazy.”

“I shouldn’t eat this.”

“This will make me fat.”

“You never listen to me.”

Are you starting to realize some things you may be “affirming”
daily without realizing it?

Here’s an intriguing thought from Carol Tuttle on money –

“Money obeys us in that whatever we believe about money is
what we will receive in our experience with money.”

Not the way most of us usually think about money.

But what if it’s true?

What if this were also true of your body and your health?

Of your relationships with others?

This doesn’t have to contradict your belief in God or your
particular religious faith, but rather points to the power
you have — the power God has given you — to allow or
disallow something to be true in your own experience.

So what are you affirming…what are you choosing…today?

Here’s to some door-opening “discoveries” & new, purposefully
chosen experiences for you in the coming year!

Dr. Ben

Want 2011 to be different than 2010?

Here’s a quick tho’t on changing your experience…

and your results…

This week and into 2011 and beyond.

Most of the time we react – in our thought patterns, words,
feelings, and actions – in a habitually conditioned way.

But here’s a key to change your experience:

Choose a different response. Open a new door of possibility.

Set yourself on a new path.

For example, as you read this brief post – before clicking on
to something else, take a moment to anchor a thought or idea
that may be coming to you.

Maybe it’s choosing and writing down an area you want to change
in your business or your life.

Write down what you want.

Write down what your usual experience – and better yet, your
usual “reaction” is to that thought, situation, person, or
experience.

Now ask yourself, what’s a different response you could begin
to practice?

Perhaps it’s simply writing down this question and asking
yourself this of yourself the next time you’re in a situation
that you want to change.

In fact, take a moment now to picture yourself in that
situation…and then pausing a moment to ask yourself this
question.

It might be changing what you’re thinking and saying to
yourself as your head hits the pillow tonight…

or as you’re paying your bills…

or as you’re talking to a key person in your life.

And here’s a piece of encouragement for you –

You don’t have to change everything overnight.

Just start becoming aware of your usual response in an area
that’s important to you, and ask yourself how you could
respond differently this time…

Consciously…

Purposefully…

And thereby open up a new path…a new pattern…a new
possibility of experience for you and those around you…

I look forward to hearing your own comments and feedback
below, and have a blessed and prosperous week, and a
wonderful New Year!

Dr. Ben

Epigenetics, Gene Expression, & Why Your DNA Is No Longer Your Destiny

Just returned a couple days ago from a trip out-of-state, and
one of the things I’m noticing with the solution I’ll share
below is a definite increase in alertness, focus, energy, and
flow even after the end of a trip, long days, and changing time
zones.

While away, I got to hear a biochemist speak on the emerging
field of “epigenetics”, and then I just picked up a U.S. News
& World Report special edition on “How To Live to 100” at Barnes
& Noble – and one of the feature articles is “Our DNA Is Not
Necessarily Our Destiny” with a subtitle on epigenetics. Time
Magazine had a very similar article earlier this year featured
on its cover.

So what’s all this about and what does it mean for you and me?

It’s about gene expression – every cell in your body has the
same DNA…but not every cell does the same thing or looks the
same way (just think of your brain, your liver, and your skin
for example).

So what creates this difference?  It’s differences in which
genes are “turned on” and “off” and how high a “signal”
they’re putting out – in other words, how your genes are
expressing themselves.

And you know what?

Your genes are changing expression all the time – based on
what you eat, stresses and changes in the environment, and
more.

This means your gene expression can be influenced…

Now we’ve all generally known some healthy steps that can
have a beneficial effect on our health and how we feel – good
nutrition, more fruits and vegetables & antioxidants,
exercise and staying active, and a healthy attitude & mindset.

But what if you could see the expression of your genes
themselves and thereby screen for the best blend of what
nature has to offer to optimize your gene signals and maximize
the health and function of your cells?

Well that’s what years of research and collaboration between
leading scientists around the world has led us to – the ability
to identify, target, and reset specific clusters of genes to a
more youthful, vibrant pattern – in a natural and balanced way.

This approach is already available for the skin, and just
recently has been applied to brain, heart, and muscle function –
restoring youthful energy and vitality in 3 key areas – mental,
physical, and sexual.

Imagine looking and feeling the way you did years ago…
with the experience and wisdom you have today…

And setting yourself on a very different path of “aging” than
you were on before…

If you’re not already familiar with this approach and would
like to know more, you can click here:  a new approach to gene expression
or contact me at drbenlo7@gmail.com

In the meantime, take a healthy step today – get up and move
and take some deep refreshing breaths, eat an apple or handful
of blueberries or some dark leafy greens, and remember to find
something you enjoy each day.

And finally, may you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a
blessed and vibrant holiday season!

Dr. Ben

P.S. You also may enjoy this simple yet powerful guide on
how to maximize your health in just minutes a day.

Four steps to refocus, re-energize, & move forward now

imageIn the midst of a busy week – ever had one of those? – I quickly jotted down four steps (as a reminder to myself and others) to refocus, re-energize, & move forward now, and here they are:

1)  Step back for a moment from what you’re doing – stand up, take a few deep breaths, go for a walk – often simply interrupting your pattern, particularly with movement, can bring fresh energy and a renewed perspective and re-alignment of priorities

2)  Focus on what you CAN do.  Often we get so overwhelmed by what we’re not doing that a part of us just shuts down…whereas if we simply take the next step we CAN take – the process of simply moving forward feels good and “unlocks” the feeling of being stuck, thus turning into feel-good, forward-moving momentum.

3)  Give thanks – find something to appreciate.  You’ll immediately feel better and have fresh energy for re-engaging with life.

4)  Re-focus with intentional questions – what do you really want? What are three things you can choose to put in place right now to move toward what you want?  If you’re feeling badly about something that’s not getting done – or perhaps a relationship or area of your life or business that’s not getting attention right now – rather than continuing to feel badly, simply ask yourself, “is this important to me?” and if so, “what’s a step I can take to start sowing in this area this week?
(For more on this, see The Power of 10 Minutes a Day)

Now to really anchor and apply what you just read, how about choosing one of the four and practicing it for a moment right now?

Here’s to a prosperous and wonderful week!

Dr. Ben

Is Your “Identity” Holding You Back?

IDENTITY One of the things I often encounter when interviewing someone who wants to create income in a new arena (such as network marketing), is a fear of moving beyond their current identity and status. This fear, or dilemma if you will, is one that anyone can encounter who’s being called beyond where they are now, especially if they’ve spent years developing skills, a reputation, and achievement in a certain arena, or even if they’ve simply gotten comfortable with what’s already familiar and what they already know how to do.

So today regardless of your background – whether you’re an at-home mom or dad; a student, a teacher, or an employee; an author speaker, or coach; an athlete or artist; or a business owner or professional; or something else – here’s my question for you:

Are you being called – do you have a desire – to create and contribute beyond the current professional or personal identity and role that you’re in?

And if so, do you have the courage to step beyond where you are now?

Whether or not it actually manifests as you doing something different,PURPOSE there is a new level of freedom when you’re no longer attached to being seen, appreciated, or needed in a certain way. (Or conversely, no longer limiting yourself with such statements as “I’m just a…” or “I’m not…” These are statements of identity that unconsciously put a lid on how you see yourself, who you could become, and what you could do.)

I remember when being a home-birthing doctor gave me a special relationship within my particular church community – drawing to me relationships, respect, and people seeking advice – and it was a very rich and fulfilling experience. I even remember the wonderful feeling of being appreciated as the “hero” at some difficult births.

Yet there came a point when to expand our practice and serve more people, we began stepping into a partnership with midwives, moving more into a supportive role rather than being the “primary practitioner” at a birth.

At first I felt like something was missing, but I eventually reached an internal place where serving the outcome – a wonderful birth experience for the couple and family – and serving people – was more important than my actual role and recognition in the process.

That became an incredibly freeing transition, and opened up new doors of exploration, creativity, and contribution in life that have eventually led to where I am today.

Some may wonder – what about their degree and years of schooling, or what they’ve invested in their current career or role – and what I’ve discovered for myself is that rather than that being “wasted” or tossed aside – that’s all part of the “ingredient mix” that have gone into who I am today, and that I bring to the table with every interaction in life and business.

Much like a mom or dad who may walk away from years of schooling or professional achievement to be at home for a time, or someone who may choose to go to the mission field or develop another part of themselves and the gifts they can bring to the world – nothing’s ever wasted…it’s all still part of who you are…you’re just no longer letting any of what you’ve already done or achieved define or limit who you are and what you can do.

Two examples of professionals –- who also happen to be a mom, and a dad — that have continued to create beyond the identity and roles they had previously, are Dr. Valencia Ray, a fellow MD and ophthalmologist (“eye doctor”) — who now shows women and professionals how to see beyond their “blind spots”; and Tanveer Naseer, who has a rich technical, business, artistic, and leadership background that he integrates into the coaching and writing he brings forward today.

Another key example is Dr. Fern Kazlow, a holistic practitioner and business coach –- and also a home-schooling mom — who continues to bring forward her gifts in wider and wider arenas.

“Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to what is before…” (Philippians 3:13) — though given with a deeply spiritual context, this quote conveys a principle that has broad application to all areas of our human experience.

And realize, I’m not necessarily talking about doing something different than you’re doing now, but rather coming from a different place – a place of freedom from attachment to being seen in a certain role or identity – that may open up fresh perspective and possibilities — either within your current work and relationships — or it may indeed lead to new outward forms as well, just as it did for me.

POSSIBILITY

So in closing, let me ask you again – is your identity holding you back, or is it something malleable that you can use as a springboard to greater and greater levels of exploration, development, and contribution?

If you’re willing to create beyond your current identity and step into the exciting “unknown,” it could become a deeply fulfilling – and freeing – journey.

So here’s to the freedom and exhilaration of creating beyond where you are now, and how you see yourself today.

Enjoy the journey!

Dr. Ben

P.S. Are you currently in transition or looking to expand your income or your impact beyond what you’re doing now?
Explore further at Work with Dr. Ben.