March 2008
     Sent 3/17/2008

Sharing Creative Energy Newsletter
By Darla Arni

Sharing Creative Energy Newsletter is a free monthly, or whenever Darla can get it out, publication for clients, friends and subscribers who want to be more creative, energetic and productive in their life and work. © 2008 Darla Arni

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In This Issue:
     The Art of Being Still - Part 2
     Being Still-The Campaign
     Quote of the Month
     Mensa Moment

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The Art of Being Still - Part 2

I have officially declared 2008 the Year of Being Still! Why, because we all chatter too much. Some of what we say is good, some of it should never be said out loud and some of it is unnecessary and hurtful. Just because we think it, doesn’t mean it has to be heard by others. The world media constantly bombards us with words, repetition of words, and glorifying the words of others with little or no regard to purpose. We have become a society that believes we have the right to say whatever we want, at anytime, no matter what the consequences and we like the attention we get from speaking up. This is not freedom of speech; this is abuse of freedom of speech.

A good part of last weeks media focused on what political candidates said, what they said about what they had said in the past, what they say they are going to do in the future, what their supporters said, how pundits felt about what was said by the candidates supporters, what the spouses of candidates said and what do the pundits think will be said next. Sandwich that between a few reality shows and celebrity interviews and you have enough to push anyone over the edge!

What I want is quiet. I want quiet so I can think or not think. I want quiet so I can concentrate on what I’m doing and do a good job at whatever I choose to do. I want quiet so I don’t have to respond to anyone or anything every waking moment of the day. Don’t get me wrong, I am guilty of this too, I’m not just ranting away at others. There are many times a comment leaves my lips and I wish I could take it back or it is, if not damaging, self-serving and superfluous.

Here are some ways to start Being Still:

Be still in movie theatres. There is no need to talk on the phone or make comments out loud to what someone says on the screen. Whispering to your colleague is OK; seeking attention from strangers is not.

Be still while driving. This means no talking, no radio or mp3 players to distract you. Instead give your full attention to the task of driving. You will be a better driver and arrive at your destination less harried and more peaceful. Sometimes this is the only time I am alone and I treasure the solitude.

Be still while you work. I do my best work when I turn off or physically block out the background of TV, music, and chatter. It might take some getting used to but you will adapt. If you can’t turn off the noise or close your door, keep earplugs or earphones handy to block the noise. Just because you have earphones in your ears doesn’t mean you have to be listening to anything!

Be still out of respect. When someone you care about is trying to talk to you, give them your full attention. You will understand each other better and eliminate the need for “Huh, what did you say?”

Be still before you speak. Give your brain time to engage before your mouth automatically begins spewing forth words. It is not a race to see who can speak the fastest or first.

Last month I left you by issuing the challenge of being quiet five minutes a day for at least a week. While no one emailed me their results, that doesn’t mean they didn't try it. If you did not, I urge you to give it a try. The benefits I receive from quiet time are clarity, improved attitude and the ability to play well with others without conflict, how about you?

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BEING STILL - THE CAMPAIGN (No, it doesn’t involve running for office!)
As part of 2008 The Year of Being Still I am producing Being Still artwork and other objects to keep myself and others on track. I envision two and three dimensional art, t-shirts, paper goods, and who knows, maybe billboards, (OK maybe that is going to far) to remind us, motivate us, and compel us to BE STILL. Why? Because it’s time! Watch your email for the unveiling of my shopping cart and BE STILL items. Can being still for 5 minutes a day actually change your life? Yes, because every positive action we take makes a difference.

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QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“If your moments have purpose, so will your life”

                      -Darla A

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MENSA MOMENT (This one is long but I thought it was fun!)

John Cash saw his face on a poster nailed to a tree. As he approached, he saw “WANTED, DEAD OR ALIVE.” Under his picture, it read “REWARD:____DOLLARS.” There was a three-digit figure on the poster. John drew his Colt and shot at the first number (in the hundreds column). He had just reduced the price on his head by five times. “Good Lord!” said the doctor’s daughter, who was sitting on the other side of the tree doing her math homework. John blushed, and shot again at another number (in the tens column). He had just reduced the price on his head by another five times. “Nice shooting!” said the young girl. “Thank you, miss,” said John. He spurred his horse and never returned. What was the initial reward offered on John’s head?

E-mail your answer to Darla. The first 15 correct answers will be entered in our prize drawing. Good luck!

Last Month’s Answer:

By placing it diagonally in a 30-by-30-inch package.

I received a plethora of correct answers; what smart readers you are! Since the questions didn’t specify giving the exact dimensions, anyone who answered with packaging it diagonally was eligible.

Congratulations to Judy Powell for being drawn as our winner! Please contact me Judy with your mailing address to receive your prize!

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Darla Arni is a Professional Speaker, Artist and Author of:
30 Ways to Share Creative Energy at Home and the Sharing Creative Energy Newsletter.
Co-Author: Life Compass for Women
Co-Author: 66 Secrets to Less Stress

Sharing Creative Energy
e-mail Darla
660.529.2969 voice
660.815.7262 cell

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