Meaningful Connections

A SUPERLATIVE REVIEW of OUR JUST RELEASED E GUIDE: ATTITUDE SHIFTING

NOTHING LIKE A POSITIVE REVIEW TO REDUCE STRESS

After two years in the making we launched an e guide called Attitude Shifting two days ago. We have had over 200 downloads. Additionally we received a positive review from REVIEW DAILY.NET  http://reviewdaily.net/attitude-shifting-review-scam-or-legit/.

We have no reason to doubt their claim that they provide in depth "Unbiased Digital Product Reviews "  SCAM or LEGIT? of E- products. We received an overall editor's rating of excellent and a user's rating of excellent as well.

Among the highly complimentary comments was the following:

"After reading what Attitude Shifting does, I couldn’t believe. It was just what I was wanted for so long. At first I was a little bit skeptical. I have seen several products saying the same things but this is different. From the moment I saw, I knew it was a real deal not a scam like others. So without wasting time I started to use it. And results are incredible. Much more than I dreamed of. It’s almost impossible to find an alternative to Attitude Shifting. It undoubtedly recommend it."

We invite you to take a look for yourself. Press:

http://www.attitudeshifting.com

You can hear the author if you press the player underneath the photo on the left hand side of the page. You can also view the newly published Kindle edition by pressing the tab. If you look at the Kindle edition put your cursor on top of the book cover and you will be able to read the first pages of the e guide.

We sincerely believe we have published a true breakthrough in the field of crises intervention. Our e guide is for any caring lay or professional who wishes to help a person who wishes to be helped effectively cope with what is initially experienced as overwhelming anxiety, frustration, depression, and stress without the use of medication.

We invite your comments: good, bad or indifferent.

Additionally we offer webinars and workshops.

We also have an extremely generous affiliate program which you can access on the following link: attitudeshifting.com.

 

 

A TIME of TRIAL and TRIBULATIONS for the HOUSE TEA PARTIERS

COMPROMISE or CIVIL WAR ?

Developmental psychology indicates that the attainment of an integrated identity necessitates a significant shift in consciousness. Everyone starts out as a baby dominated by the pleasure principle. This principle is expressed as I want what I want when I want it and I won't tolerate any opposition. In other words: what I desire is absolutely right therefore I will accept nothing less than one hundred percent of whatever ... this means no compromise. This principle characterizes the normal consciousness of children until the age of 12. It also dominates the consciousness of the united House of Representative identified with the Tea Party.

Adults with integrated identities share a different consciousness dominated by the reality principle. This principle is expressed as I too what what I want when I want it and don't like any opposition but I am aware that everyone feels this way and differences in wants and beliefs is often the case. Thus, in the service of preventing all out war: an attitude of  compromise - is the most reasonable and fair attitude to uphold. The reality principle, respecting individual and collective differences between and among individuals, affirms a deference to the inevitability of realistic limitations.

Of course, it might be argued, that to compromise both sides of a given difference must share a similar perspective concerning impasses, namely that both accept the superiority of the the reality principle.  Wars often start because pleasure principled child conscious peoples ruled by pleasure principled child conscious fanatic leaders refuse to bend forcing more fair minded people to either submit to their fanatic will or push back with all of their might.

Such appears to me (and the majority of the American People) with respect to the current standoff re the debt ceiling, spending reduction, and revenue increase impasse.

Illustrative of the Republican House fanaticism are the words of Representative Ryan. To paraphrase: We will hold with spending cuts only. No tax hikes at all. "The White House is our adversary; the senate are our enemy."  So much for the Republican mantra that their party is truly representative of all of the American people. Their position results in grid lock - a seemingly intractable impasse.

To break an impasse between those who are reasonably fair and reasonable versus those who insist on being right with no concern about consequences extra forces must be introduced into the picture to be a catalyst for potentially significant change.

Fortunately,  just today,  there are signs of just such forces which may be just enough to break this impasse. 1 Polls today indicate that the majority of just Republican party voters are in favor of compromise. 2 All of the major economic experts predict economic disaster if the debt ceiling is not raised. 3 Wall street is most likely applying pressure on the House to compromise. 4 The President is daily rallying the independents to see the light which the polls indicate is what is happening.

5 Most importantly there are cracks in the unity of the Republicans which suggest all is far from a united stand. Four of the gang of seven are sensitive Republicans that are forcefully on record for a reasonable compromise.

6 Most importantly Representative Boehner is caught between a rock and a hard place. If he can't effect a compromise in the House in his own party he will finally have to choose between compromising with the White House or actually holding out for the House's no compromise position thereby risking the likelihood of an actual economic disaster.

If it appears that the House Republicans will hold out to the bitter end the markets are likely to plunge and with it increased interest rates and a return of a severe recession. (depression?) I would like to believe that good sense will prevail and the Republican Tea Party fanatics will finally realize they may get drunk on their victorious win but will no doubt suffer the biggest political hangover in American history thereby bending thus really making a truly wise choice for the benefit of the American People.

 

 

UPDATE: ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of MY FIRST PUBLISHED BOOK on COINCIDENCES

FANTASIES and REALITY

The following are some observations concerning my expectations and realizations associated with the publication of my first published book: DEMYSTIFYING MEANINGFUL COINCIDENCES: (SYNCHRONICITIES): The Evolving Self, The Personal Unconscious, and The Creative Process.

FANTASIES:

• Although the cover price of $70.00 is high - my book will achieve notable success. In a years time I would expect to sell at least 500 copies.
• The publisher will be so impressed with sales and critical reviews that they will  make a second paper back edition after after the first year.
• I will have at least one major event a month for the first year of publication.
• Local book stores will hound me to speak at book events.
• I will achieve a high ranking in Amazon re books about synchronicities.

REALITY:

• The official sales figures to date released by the publisher are 158 copies sold.  Since the average number of books sold are 200 this is not too disappointing.
• The publisher is unimpressed by the sales figures to date ... and would need to have at least 250 hard copes sold to consider a paper edition. This seems absolutely absurd to me as a reduced price of about $17.00 for a hot issue like coincidences in my 'non business mind' would likely generate a huge market. Or so my next set of fantasies strongly suggests.
• I did have about 6 events but keeping up with planning and executing them along with a full time job is daunting.
• Local book stores want to make a profit. My book is too expensive thus too little profit, hence no speaking engagements.
• Out of 600 plus books categorized as synchronicity for most of the year I was ranked between #15 and 52. However in the last week my book for reasons which I don't understand has been ranked #2.

All in all - while I have not attained the fame and fortune of which I have dreamed - I also have not been a dismal failure. The facts of the matter have spurred me on to most likely self publish a memoir I call: MY ODYSSEY: Turbulent Beginnings Treating Drug Addicts in the Late Sixties.

Self publishing allows me to retain rights, be published in the next few months, price the book so it will likely sell to more people, and have the belief (perhaps unjustified) that I am controlling my fate as an author.

On to a New Year.....

 

REFLECTIONS ON MY ODYSSEY in CONTINUING to PUBLISH MY ODYSSEY - A MEMOIR

 Longest Way Around is the Shortest Way Home" - James Joyce: Ulysses

It has been over a year since I last posted an update on my continuing attempts to publish my memoir on treating heroin addicts in the sixties. No contract yet but I am optimistic about the future. Why so?

• Writers write. In this connection having suffered a bitter disappointment with an agent I have persevered and have continued editing and re- editing.
• I put MY ODYSSEY on hold while I completed another book called: DEMYSTIFYING MEANINGFUL COINCIDENCES (SYNCHRONICITIES): The Evolving Self, The Personal Unconscious, and The Creative Process which was published by Jacob Aronson in February 2010.
• Once the excitement publishing my book died down I experienced a resurgence of interest in continuing to publish my memoir.
• Stung by an unpleasant and expensive association with my agent I seriously considered the pathway of self publishing.
• Have you aspiring authors noted that E books via the kindle etc. are the rage of the publishing world? There are many compelling reasons to go this way. Among them are more control by the author, potentially more money, less time to publish, and so forth.
• After doing a great deal of research looking for the best publish on your own format I was almost ready to commit but was unable to deny the force of a nagging doubt.
• I have always followed the principle of be where they are not. This principle was reinforced when I spoke to an editor friend of mine who has read my memoir. He said "don't go the self publishing route. You have a timely and well written manuscript and credibility from your published book. Get a good agent."
• His advice sounded right to me.
• I plugged the following key words on the internet: finding the right agent.
• Within five minutes I chanced upon a company that acts as a middleman between an aspiring author and whatever and whoever else it takes to get a book published.
• I spoke to the head of the company giving her a five minute pitch. She responded with personal interest but bluntly indicated that my subject matter would probably not sell.
• Having learned from my experience her rapid rejection was experienced by me as a challenge to be overcome not as a reason to take an anti depressant.
• I said: "Let me tell you why you think the way you do." My subject matter - treating heroin addicts forty years ago is presumably untimely seemingly irrelevant. However I can assure you that it is as relevant today as it was 40 years ago. " I know I am right as I am expert in this field. I have also told a powerful story from both the outside in as well as the inside out." She agreed to read my proposal.
• A half hour after reading my e mailed proposal she called back and excitedly said  [paraphrase] I think you really have a great story here. Further I would like to suggest you let me send your manuscript to an editor who has had a number of New York Times best sellers on his list of successfully edited books. She also set a fair price for their service.
• So once again I found myself staring into an unchartered future. Is this the right course for me? Can I afford it? Recalling the wise words of  my psychoanalyst "if you want to predict the future - predict the past." He also said "trust your instincts." There is always a certain degree of risk but to paraphrase Kierkeggard: "To venture is to cause anxiety, .... (but not to venture) is not to find oneself."
• Having waited, survived and learned from upsetting experiences, become a published and more self confident author, certain I am finally in the mainstream with relevant content - I expectantly await the first response from my editor.
• I now know that nothing can stop me from publishing My Odyssey. If he happens not to like it then I will go the self publishing route. However, at this moment in time, my pathway seems perfectly right.
• My optimism is bolstered by the remarkable events happening in the Arab world. My Odyssey is an in depth analysis of vicissitudes of struggling with the complicated issue of one's final authority - projection on to a cause, a parent, a dictator, or assuming  the responsibility of electing oneself as one's own final authority.
• ???????   To be continued ........
• The tentative title of my memoir is: MY ODYSSEY: Turbulent Beginnings Working With Drug Addicts in the Late Sixties.

 

An Invitation to an Interactive Book Discussion re Demystifying Meaningful Coincidences

A MONTHLY
SALON
DEDICATED
TO AN
EXCHANGE OF
IDEAS AMONG
FRIENDS
THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010
The Nature and
Use of Meaningful
Coincidences
(Synchronicity)

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion with
psychoanalyst Dr. Gibbs Williams who has been
researching these fascinating events for 50 years.
Dr. Gibbs poses a new alternative that, although
it examines the work of Freud and Jung in explaining
their nature, takes a fresh look at the profound
meaning and practical use of synchronicities in our
personal lives and development.

Liz read his new book, Demystifying Meaningful
Coincidences and Synchronicity, subsequently
met with him for an engaging and down-to-earth
conversation, and wanted to share this experience.
NEW FORMAT: Our guest speaker will have a 5 or
10 minute set-up and then will lead a discussion.
Please be prepared to share your own meaningful
synchronicities!

Gibbs A. Williams. Ph.D. has a practice in New York City.
His professional outlook is an outgrowth of interests in
philosophy, depth psychology, and spirituality. He holds
a B.A. in philosophy from Columbia University; an M.S.
in psychology from Yeshiva University; and a Ph.D. in
vocational rehabilitation counseling from New York
University.

AT THE HOME OF
MICHAEL LEBRON AND ELIZABETH VEGA
VILLAGE VOI CE BUILDI NG
36 COO PER SQUARE
SUI TE 7F, NYC
— SPACE IS LIMITED. RSVP TO
[email protected]
— PLEASE CONTRIBUTE A REFRESHMENT

MY SECOND AMAZON BOOK REVIEW

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellently Developed Theory, May 15, 2010

By Alan S. Haas "Author "The Interconnectedn... (Waltham, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Demystifying Meaningful Coincidences (Synchronicities): The Evolving Self, the Personal Unconscious, and the Creative Process (Hardcover)

This book represents one of the best explications currently available on the problem of "synchronicity." I am qualified to say this because I am doing my own scientific research projects on the subject and I know the existing literature well enough that I am confident to say very few other authors have put forward a viable psychoanalytically based model. The first part of this book is about the best explanation and definition of the issues surrounding synchronicity that one will find. Williams clarifies the distinctions between Freud's deterministic views on these types of "coincidences" and Jung's occult/numinous interpretations. He pinpoints that there must be a flaw with Jung's "a-causal" model if the synchronistic events have meaning in the context of personal growth and development. He begins where others have left off at the purely psychopathological level (i.e. regressive theories) and adds an important piece to the puzzle by interpreting the synchronicities as attempts to make new connections to construct a solid reality of the world from a fragmented "self."

The second part of the book is basically a journal or diary and contains some perhaps extraneous personal anecdotes that were a little too detailed for my own tastes. But then again, it is not uncommon to present a personal story to show how one developed a new belief or view of the world. It is also important to note that Williams' argument is more convincing because he admits he began with a less rational view of the world and eventually, through hard experience and knowledge, grew to become confident about a fully rational psychodynamic approach.

The third part of the book is a summary of the formulated theory, and the fourth part discusses some therapeutic applications. I am currently fully "digesting" this material and will be referencing Williams in my own research next year, because I also strongly believe in this type of a fully rational scientific approach to Jung's concept. In my opinion, there are too many other books out there right now invoking "spooky action at a distance" quantum mechanical mechanisms etc. (an issue that Williams skillfully avoids but has properly identified as the "parapsychological" approach to synchronicity). I fully agree with Williams that the real mechanisms are most likely to be based on aspects of an individual's subjective experience and personal growth, whatever that ultimately means. Whatever the case and whatever relatively minor issues there might be with this book, I believe it represents a rather important piece of progress in the ongoing struggle to understand synchronicity.

A POST PUBLICATION UPDATE - The GREAT VALUE of the INTERNET

SHYNESS IS NOT A VIRTUE

OK - I actually got my book published. So I have accompished half of my objective of  changing the world for the better. This half is organizing my content and making it public. The next half is connecting with increasing numbers of interested readers.  This task has been daunting and challenging to say the least.

As my book - DEMYSTIFYING MEANINGFUL COINCIDENCES (SYNCHRONICITIES): The Evolving Self, The Personal Unconscious, and The Careative Process is 'officially' slotted as an "academic" book it is not sold in the book stores. Instead it is only sold online (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and the publisher: Jacob Aronson.) This means no paid book tours (a thing of the past unless your last name is spelled Palin). It also means it is only printed as a hard cover with a hefty price of $70.00 (discounted to $56.00) until a year or so goes by. Then it will probably be printed as a soft cover edition as well. This means I have to do all the work to get 'it' out there.

In this connection I have had a number of events including a book release event in an art gallery in New York coincidentally named Synchronicity. I also have appeared on the Laurie Nadel radio show twice. Additionally I was invited to be a panelist on a conference called Introspective Truth in Bloomington, Indiana at Indiana University. Next Thursday night I am scheduled to be interviewed by Connie (Gather) from Thursday April 22nd at 9PM ET. [I LOVE BOOKS]

In two weeks I am going to be in another event at which I am going to be on a panel discussing alternative synchronicity theories and their clinical applications. I am very much looking forward to this event as it will be the first time that my alternative natural non Jungian - non mystical/magical theory will be critiqued by some Jungian proponents.

All in all I am quite pleased and excited by my new found sense of purpose and direction. My aim is to find a way to be tapped into the circle of 'experts' who are invited to travel all over the world to make speaking engagments to various conferences and the likes.

I see that this process is slow and steady - like planting a seed, with the aim of initiating a root system, which if properly nurtured should enventually flower. I am throroughly dedicated to obtaining my objective and spurred on by the fact that if Ms. Palin can do it why not me.

MY FIRST BOOK REVIEW

GOLDEN WORDS

Because my recently released book is slotted as an academic book instead of a crossover it means that 95 percent of the marketing and publicity is up to me. Obviously objective reviews are important. It is with this fact in mind that I am extremely gratified that some reviewer who I do not know liked my work enough to write a review on Amazon. I couldn't have written a more favorable review.

I hope the following words inspire all those gatherers who have taken note of my recent postings but have not been sufficiently motivated to at least call you rlocal library and request they buy a copy.

If you do get around to reading my book I hope I can stir you to write a review on Amazon, Barnes, Noble and or Gather. I would be happy to hear your responses: good, bad, or indifferent.

The name of my book is:

Demystifying Meaningful Coincidences (Synchronicities): The Evolving Self, The Personal Unconscious, and the Creative Process, March 4, 2010

*****Amazon Verified Purchase (What's this?) McKinley: Reviewer

Yes, this book is a breakthrough in looking at synchronicities systematically and rationally and . . . .
See I have to keep reading, but I am finding the book very interesting and am enjoying it very much.

Most interesting to me is the value of synchronicities in the creative process, and finding ones way to a goal or destination with the aid of these until now, seemingly unexplainable experiences.

I, without actually knowing it, have been waiting for a book that looks at these very real and significant synchronicities and coincidences we all experience, as something other than a spiritual message from outside our own consciousness and thinking.


This book is providing more information and understanding than I have thought possible for synchronicities and reflects the result of years of collecting and analyzing information by Gibbs Williams.

[ASIN:0765707020 Demystifying Meaningful Coincidences (Synchronicities): The Evolving Self, the Personal Unconscious, and the Creative Process]

FOLLOWING UP MY RADIO APPEARANCE

  TIME PASSES QUICKLY WHEN YOU'RE HAVING FUN

 

The time flew by. It was an altogether enjoyable experience. After it was over I received the following e mail from the shows' hostess: Dr. Laurie Nadel:

 

You were terrific!

 

A deep bow,

Laurie

 

For those who might wish to listen to a pod cast go to www.gcnlive.com. Scroll to the top and click on "LISTEN -  Then scroll down to the Dr Laurie show. Then press the two mp3 links: 0306101.mp3 - 0306102.mp3- to hear pod casts of the two hour show.

OK SO I GOT MY BOOK PUBLISHED. NOW, HOW DO I GET PEOPLE TO READ IT?

THE RED SEA HAS NOT PARTED FOR ME - YET

I appreciate the fact that anyone who has read this heading is apt to say this guy is really silly, stupid, full of himself, kidding around, trying to be clever, and or understandably grounded in reality.

Universally the response to my announcing to everyone in sight that my book was finally released from the publisher was "you must be very excited." I would have been in full agreement about 6 months ago, just at the onset of my actual commitment to completing the 9 additional chapters after the first one had been accepted by my publisher. But soon after I began the process of seriously authoring my book,  my initial excitement unexpectedly turned into a decidedly less pleasurable mix of feelings. Among them were dread, fear, tension, anxiety, inadequacy, ennui, blankness, torpor, drudgery, all of which were occasionally punctuated by infrequent insights, and bursts of pure unadulterated joy.

Then when I finally felt the actual book in my hands I was surprised to feel what is most accurately described as quintessential nothingness. After pumping away for the last 8 months, sequentially tackling the next to do on my seemingly endless to do list - finally holding the byproduct of my intense labor - was experienced by me as anti climatic.

Now I am certain that all you authors out there are quite likely to be saying we know that - there is nothing original coming out of this guys mouth. I agree - but it is all new to me. So I dare continue....

Now what to do?

Actually I have been planning exactly what to do for the last 6 months ever since I absorbed the disappointing truth about today's world of publishing. That is -  that unless my last name is spelled something like PALIN - as a new author with a book published by an academic press - aside from the 6 free copies I get from the publisher and all the flyers I want for each new event I arrange - getting out the word for possible sales or simply readership - is strictly up to me.

In this connection - always one to be motivated by a formidable challenge - I purchased 12 of the most popular books on marketing and publicity and culled their pages for virtually every idea that made the slightest sense to me. In so doing I am convinced there is no one else in the world that could possibly have a more extensive array of sources to whom I can - if I wish -  make meaningful connections - than me.

God bless the internet - I am only keystrokes away from thousands of potential positive connections. Now I find myself surrounded by an atmospheric  avalanche of marketing and publicity categories including "the media, " speaking engagements, imaginative events, book signings, social networking, book clubs, inducing people who read my book to post reviews on Amazon, and or Barnes, and Noble, flyers, press releases, authors who write about my subject matter, associated web sites, blogs, discussion groups, on and on and on and on the list seems endless ....

You see I really do know what to do and how to do it... and I am ready willing and able - but I am disappointed that the literary red sea has not instantly parted for me. The truth is I am utterly convinced I have written a true breakthrough serious non fiction book, that - because it is only considered to be an academic book - is treated as though it is little more notable than an independent short film made by an inspired and talented but obscure  film student from the NYU film making school.

These are the real facts of the publishing world today - this very day - March, 4th, 2010. I have no difficultly paying my dues and will continue to do so. But it seems to me that there is something absurdly wrong with our value system. Why have I not been afforded a review at the release of my book rather than waiting for it or them to occur somewhere in the unforseeable future? Why has the New York Times book review section not seen fit to call me for an interview? Yet -

These and other related questions nag at me - but if there is one thing I have learned since I have become a serious author - it is pick a goal and focus - allowing little time for distraction and wasteful fantasies - keep advancing step by step - incremental by incremental - connection by connection and predictably the goal is likely to be realized. Of course it may be 50 years after my death.

I am certain that my creme will eventually rise to the top and I will relish the joy of deserved recognition for work well done. So until that time inevitably comes into being - I will choose the next resonant ideas from my sea of possibilities - serving as my incremental bridge to inevitable marketing glory. Now this is what I call an exciting fantasy to wrap my consciousness around upon going to sleep tonight.

 

 The name of my book is: DEMYSTIFYING MEANINGFUL COINCIDENCES (SYNCHRONICITIES): The Evolving Self, The Personal Unconscious, and The Creative Process.