"War, death, the economy, I feel helpless David"

Before my weekly XM radio show this week, we received an email that started like this, "War, death, the economy, I feel helpless David".

The email went on to say that even though he has surrounded himself with positive thinking for 30 years, it's beginning to wear off.

"I told my wife today, that I do not think the world will recover. There's too much pain, David, am I alone? do your other listeners feel the same"

How about you? How do you handle a world filled with all of this tragedy?

Are you hopeful, negative?

What are you doing to try to stay positive? Is it working?

We need people to share what is working for them. Feel free to pass this blog on, to get people thinking, acting, in maybe a different way.

The callers to our show shared that they need to stay on top of their thoughts in order to make it through each day.

What would you recommend to help people who feel hopeless?

We need, the world needs, your input.

Love, david http://www.davidessel.com

Trying to understand, the Mystery of Death

A few years ago, while leading a funeral service for a very good friend of mine, I was asked to explain the mystery of death, the purpose of death. I think the answer to this question is a difficult one to fully know, even if you have walked in this profession for years and years.

I have looked to my mentors, my elders, to the teachings of those who have walked before me to try and decipher the answers to this question.

On this short video, we begin the quest, for some of the answers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUyDjws2WQE

Sending you, and your loved ones, blessings.

Love, David http://www.davidessel.com

"Thinking " your way through challenging times

The last few months have been filled with coaching sessions with clients who are facing a variety of challenges.

The loss of a beloved pet.

The loss of employment.

The loss of a relationship.

The loss of a parent.

The loss of a child.

Through all of these challenges a question that has arisen many many times is, "is it possible to think my way through these difficulties?"

The answer is yes, and no.

Yes, we can distract ourselves by thinking of solutions to our challenge, or by finding gratitude for what we DO have that is going well........

But no, this is not the only solution for us to look for.

The other key is to "Feel, deeply feel" the loss that we have recently experienced. Now this is the part of personal growth that a lot of us do not want to look at, for the simple reason that it is hard. It's uncomfortable, which is why it's such a valuable tool to use to help us to heal.

So, when faced with a loss, yes, look for solutions.

Also, go into the fire of the loss and feel the pain, the loneliness, the angst. If you chose, do this with a friend, coach, therapist or minister as well.

There is comfort in numbers.

Slow down to heal.

Love, peace, David Essel. http://www.talkdavid.com/