The Writer's Comfort Levels ~ PART 2

The Writer's Comfort Levels

PART 2

BLOG SESSION

January 28th, 2018

We're back for another wonderful Blog Session dear Writers ~ Today's Session will be taking you on a journey into PART 2  of "The Writer's Comfort Levels".

If you were here for our last two Sessions, then you have your Journal Notes about our list of emotions that we are covering.  You may go back to look at any of our previous Blog Sessions by scrolling down past today's Session, or by looking over in the far right-hand column in our "Blog Archive".

For those Readers who are new to our Blog Sessions, be sure to Bookmark the Blog, and sign up to "Follow by Email" so that you will receive each Blog Session in your email box as soon as it is published.  You'll find the spot to sign up right below my eyeball in the far-right column.  Simply enter in your email address and then click the "Submit" button.

We use our Journals here so that we can refer back to our notes as we work on our writings.

Journal Notes

As an overview, in our last Session, we took the emotion of "sadness" (sorrow) and worked with it in our Journals.  The instructions were for all Writers here on the Blog to:  Take a moment to reflect on a time when you were sad.  If you can remember the date, jot that down.  If you can remember why you were sad, jot that down.  If you have no idea why you were sad, jot that down.  If there were people involved in your sadness, write their names down.  If there was a circumstance or situation that caused your sadness, write that down.

Here is what you are doing -- you are meeting up with this friend of yours called, "Sadness" who sometimes goes by the nickname "Sorrow".  You must learn not to be afraid of sadness/sorrow because you will learn valuable lessons from this friend.

Remember, you'll find that Sadness/Sorrow will help you to hone your writing craft.  And, don't worry at all, because Sadness/Sorrow won't charge you a dime.

If you completed the exercise on Sadness/Sorrow in your Journal, then you should be feeling really good about yourself.  You should now be ready for our next emotion.

True Intensity

Now onward to our next emotion . . .

2.  True intensity

True intensity involves the quality of being "intense".

True intensity may masquerade around as any of the following:  strength, power, potency, force, severity, ferocity, vehemence, fierceness, harshness, magnitude, greatness, acuteness, extremity, passion, ardor, fervor, fervency, zeal, fire, heat, eagerness, animation, spirit, vigor, energy, and/or fanaticism.  

There are some people who have an intensity level that is frightening.  Most of these type people are known as overbearing, toxic, deadly.  The vibrational level around them is like poison.  And, as we all know, poison is a substance that is capable of causing the illness or death of a living organism when introduced or absorbed.

What I'd like to turn your attention to today dear Writer ~ is the way in which you may learn how to harness your intensity level from the inside.

True intensity for the Writer is that which is mastered from within.  Once you have learned how to do this, then you will be unmoved by madness.  You will also be able to recognize false intensity ~ otherwise known as drama.

Those individuals who feed on drama find ways in which to increase their intensity level so as to stir those around them up into a frenzy.  If you are a person who has not learned how to fortify yourself, a person of this type will unnerve you.

You, dear Writer, must learn how to possess true intensity so that you may walk into a room that has an out-of-whack vibrational level ... and ... still the space you enter into.  What will happen is more of a calming effect.  A focused calmness so to speak.  Have you ever been in a room full of people and there is a lot of activity going on ~ loudness ~ talking ~ walking ~ movement of all types ~ and then....someone enters into the room, and every activity, sound, and motion stops.

hmmmmmmm ~ True intensity has arrived.

This is what happens when you are able to write a Novel that grabs your reader's attention and it has a profound effect upon them.

Make a note that True intensity will not only grab your Reader's attention, it will also grab your attention, and those who come around you....in a GOOD way.

You will get more insight on how to harness your True intensity in PART 2b of our Blog Session on "The Writer's Comfort Levels" . . .

See you back here tomorrow Writers!

OUR NEXT BLOG SESSION:

The Writer's Comfort Levels

PART 2b

Peace, Love & Light

By René Allen

©Copyright - René Allen - 2014-2018 - All Rights Reserved

California Wildfires ~ Devastation

California Wildfires ~ Devastation

BLOG SESSION

October 12th, 2017

Today is a new day, and we are looking at an image at the top of this Blog that is being seen in the state of California in more that one place, and in more than one city.  It is a grim scene in many areas, and in Sonoma County, authorities had to turn to dental records, fingerprints, tattoos and serial numbers on hip implants to identify victims.

I'm not sure if you have been following the news reports or not, or if you have been following along here on the Blog as we have been discussing the California wildfires, which don't seem to be going anywhere at the moment.

The question for all Blog Readers today is this:  Is this happening, along with devastating hurricanes, earthquakes, and general unrest in different Countries about political leadership because of incompetent leaders, global warming, dissatisfaction with life overall, or because of greed and evil?

As some people return to their homes, they are finding ashes -- for the most part, mainly ashes . . .

California Wildfires ~ Devastation

Fires are still raging on ~

California Firefighters are still working tirelessly

Air attempts to tackle the wildfires

The deadly fires have leveled thousands of homes and forced evacuations in Northern California's wine country.  In addition, the wildfires have produced unhealthy air quality in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Wildfires create worst air-quality in

San Francisco Bay Area (abc news)

The biggest fires in Northern California were far from contained.

There is the Atlas fire involving 48,000-plus acres in Napa and Solano counties ~ 27% contained.

The 44,000-acre Nuns fire in Sonoma County is an amalgamation of three recently merged fires north and west of Glen Ellen, and was listed as 5% contained.

Then, there is the 34,000-acre Tubbs fire in Napa and Sonoma counties which was 25% under control, and the 34,000-acre Redwood and Potter fires in Mendocino County which were 10% contained.

In terms of residential destruction, more than 2,800 homes have been destroyed by the wildfires in Santa Rosa, Mayor Chris Coursey told reporters on Thursday.  The number of destroyed structures in the state exceeds 3,500 Cal Fire has reported.

For your Journals and Diaries, on the California Wildfires, please make the following additional notes....

Journal/Diary Notes

History Notes for 2017:  List everything that has happened thus far this year that is making history.  In addition, make sure that you make a note of your frame of mind, your feelings about the environment, your thoughts about the leadership of your country, and your emotional as well as mental health at this time.

FOR YOUR RECORDS:

The California wildfires have burned more than 221,000 acres throughout California, and 17 fires remained as of Thursday, October 12th, 2017.

Winds are expected to be especially gusty Friday right through Saturday.  Those conditions, joined with low humidity, could spread the flames drastically, the National Weather Service warns.  No rain is expected for almost a week.

May everything that you put your hands to prosper, and may your mind, body and soul find peace in knowing that you are living your best life to the best of your abilities.

God bless ~

F R I E N D S

Until Our Next Blog Session ~

Peace, Love & Light

By René Allen

©Copyright - René Allen - 2014-2017 - All Rights Reserved

2017 California Fire Diary

2017 California Fire Diary

BLOG SESSION

October 11th, 2017

Welcome back Blog Readers, Followers & Visitors!

Good Afternoon everyone, we are welcoming all of the new Followers here to our Blog.  For those of you who are here for the first time, be sure to Bookmark the Blog, and sign up to follow by email over in the far right-hand column where it says, "Follow by Email".  Just add in your email address, and click the "Submit" button, and you will receive each Blog Session as it is published.  You'll be sure to stay up to date on what we are discussing here on the Blog if you follow by email.  And, you can best believe that each Blog Session will be something that will interest you!

Just a reminder that if you missed any past Blog Sessions, you can find all Sessions over in the far right-hand column in our "Blog Archive".  Simply click on any of the Sessions that you're interested in reading.  You may also just scroll down after reading any of our Blog Sessions online to see the previous few Sessions.

For those of you who are interested in keeping records of your life and of history, as we have discussed in previous Blog Sessions, it is of great benefit to Journal your life events, as well as keep a Daily Diary to record your life moments.  All Diary Writers, Journalists, and/or Historians, this Blog Session will be of special interest to you...

Record History in your Diary or Journal

Today's Blog Session will be a continuation of what we have been discussing in the past few Blog Sessions, which is the topic of the California wildfires, which are devastating the landscape and the lives of thousands of people, as well as ravaging homes and businesses.  The wildfires are unfortunately making natural disaster history in the state of California as the most devastating wildfires to date...

California Wildfires 2017

The firefighters are battling strong winds while trying to contain the fires.  Officials are making grim discoveries of bodies burnt beyond recognition as they search the blackened ruins left by wildfires scorching parts of Northern California.  "Some of them are merely ashes and bones," Sonoma County Sheriff Rob Giordano said at a Press Converence.  "And we may never truly get confirmative identification on ashes.  When you're cremated, you can't get an ID."

Thirty-one (31) people have been killed since the wildfires began last Sunday night, making this outbreak one of the deadliest in California state history, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Homeowners are coming back to their homes to find nothing more than ashes.  It is sad to see, and something that none of us would ever want to live through.

As you do your research on the California wildfires, write your diary entries, and save news clippings, also remember to add in all of the donations, assistance, good will, and prayers that have been contributed to those in need during this time inside your Diary or Journal.

Resources are limited, and firefighters are battling the fires with all their heart.  We again ask that you lift the firefighters up in prayer, as well as the people in the state of California.

F R I E N D S

We'll be back here on the Blog for more on the California wildfires in our next Blog Session.

California Wildfires ~ Devastation

Until we meet again here ~

Peace, Love & Light

By René Allen

©Copyright - René Allen - 2014-2017 - All Rights Reserved

Are you Paranoid?

Are you Paranoid?

BLOG SESSION

October 8th, 2017

Good Afternoon Blog Readers, Followers & Visitors.

It is a new day here on the Blog.  Today's Blog Session is going to involve a serious issue that we have covered here on the Blog in Sessions' past.  That serious issue is mental health.  Yes, mental health needs a spotlight shined on it.

If you would, please grab your Journal for today's Notes . . .

Journal Notes

Here is an overview about Mental Health . . .

Millions of Americans live with various types of mental illness and mental health problems, such as social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, drug addiction, and personality disorders.  Treatment options include medication and psychotherapy.

There is one particular mental health condition that I'd like to bring forth today, and that is "paranoia".

P A R A N O I A

...is a mental condition characterized by delusions of persecution, unwarranted jealousy, or exaggerated self-importance, typically elaborated into an organized system.  It may be an aspect of chronic personality disorder, of drug abuse, or of a serious condition such as schizophrenia in which the person loses touch with reality.

For this Blog Session, let us pay particular attention to the following aspects of "Paranoia" . . .

1)  Exaggerated self-importance;

2)  Chronic Personality Disorder; and

3)  Schizophrenia ~ in which the person loses touch with reality.

We all know people who have an exaggerated sense of self-importance.  Some are worse than others.  An exaggerated sense of self-importance involves a person who has an exaggerated sense of their own self worth, value, or importance.  The question is, do they know that they have the problem?

People like the type just described are usually arrogant, have self-conceit (are conceited), and display pompous behavior like a peacock, but not pretty.

Many people who have this problem have a narcissistic personality disorder.  They will have a need for constant attention.  They will exploit others for personal gain.  They will not care if the attention is negative attention or not, they will just continually seek attention so that they may be in the spotlight at all times.  The narcissistic person cares about no one but theirself and their own interests.  If fact, in times of trouble, the spotlight will always be turned back to them, because they can not stand for anyone else to have any attention.  Any problems that you encounter that the narcissist is responsible for will always be your fault -- not theirs.  [This kinda reminds me of the case of Hurricane Maria and the Puerto Rico encounter with the paper towel thrower ~ Seriously speaking, is aid there yet?]

MENTAL HEALTH JOURNAL NOTES:  People who are paranoid have a suspicion and mistrust of people or their actions without evidence or justification.

EXAMPLE:  The global paranoia about hackers and viruses ~ [Question for you:  Is the threat real or fake news?]

Paranoia is a mental disorder characterized by systematized delusions and the projection of personal conflicts, which are ascribed to the supposed hostility of others, sometimes progressing to disturbances of consciousness and aggressive acts believed to be performed in self-defense or as a mission.  Paranoia also includes baseless or excessive suspicion of the motives of others.  It is a serious issue, and can be helped with therapy.

Paranoia is an instinct or thought process believed to be heavily influenced by anxiety or fear, often to the point of delusion and irrationality.  Paranoid thinking typically includes persecutory, or beliefs of conspiracy concerning a perceived threat towards oneself.  Paranoia is distinct from phobias, which also involve irrational fear, but usually no blame.  Making false accusations and the general distrust of others also frequently accompany paranoia.  For example, an incident most people would view as an accident or coincidence, a paranoid person might believe was intentional.  Paranoia is a central symptom of psychosis.

If you know anyone who believes that objects or animals are out to get them, you may need to help them to get mental help as soon as possible.  We will talk about "psychosis" in an up-coming Blog Session.

F R I E N D S

Until Our Next Wonderful Blog Session ~

Peace, Love & Light

By René Allen

©Copyright - René Allen - 2014-2017 - All Rights Reserved

Puerto Rico ~ [Hurricane Maria Aftermath]

Puerto Rico

[Hurricane Maria Aftermath]

BLOG SESSION

October 7th, 2017

Welcome back to our wonderful Blog everyone!  We are going to be discussing a serious issue today ~ the aftermath of Hurricane Maria as it relates to Puerto Rico.  If you have been following the News reports, then you already know that Puerto Rico took a heavy blow.  The number of deaths was at 39 at last count.  However, that count could increase.  Here's why . . .

As of September 28th, 2017,  Leovigildo Cotté died after not receiving the oxygen he needed at the only shelter that exists in the town of Lajas on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, which has been without electricity since Hurricane Maria careened through Puerto Rico.  Not even his connections to the government could save him.

What's worse, “The generator never arrived,” said Lajas Mayor Marcos Turín Irizarry, who said he looked for oxygen for Cotté — father of the former mayor of that same town — “turning every stone” but could not find it.

Cotté is one of the unaccounted victims of Maria, the potent hurricane that devastated all of Puerto Rico with sustained winds and gusts of up to 200 miles per hour.

The Center for Investigative Journalism (CPI, for its initials in Spanish) has confirmed that there are dozens of hurricane-related deaths and the number could rise to the hundreds.

Hurricane Maria

Puerto Rico Aftermath

[Photo courtesy of Global NEWS]

The storm-related fatalities are mounting with each passing day, and official numbers are not counting patients who are not receiving dialysis, oxygen and other essential services.

Among those at risk are people such as Pedro Fontánez (79) who is bedridden at the Pavía Hospital in Santurce in San Juan and was due to be released even though he lacks electricity at home to support the oxygen and gastric tube-feeding he needs to keep him alive.  His daughter, Nilka Fontánez, went to the government’s Emergency Operations Center desperately seeking help, but was told they were not accepting patients.  “There’s no information,” said a frustrated Fontánez. [News Sources courtesy of the Miami Herald and Courtesy of CPI]

Puerto Rico - Hurricane Maria Aftermath

The story is sad, and the lives are real.  The dead are at the hospital morgues, which are at capacity and in remote places where the government has yet to go.  In many cases, families are unaware of the deaths.  The government’s Demographic Registry is responsible for certifying deaths so bodies can be removed by funeral homes, many of which are not operating because of lack of resources.  The agency began to certify some of the dead, Health Secretary Rafael Rodríguez-Mercado confirmed in an interview.

The continuing lack of communication has kept many people from knowing the whereabouts of their families.  Since the storm’s immediate aftermath, many people have gone daily to radio stations so the on-air personalities can announce the names of family members with whom they have been unable to communicate.

Puerto Rico - Hurricane Maria

The Aftermath

A week after Maria, the government of Puerto Rico was struggling to supply basic services, such as fuel, road access, and electricity.

This story is being shared with you today, because we discussed effective Leadership, (or the lack thereof) in a previous Blog Session here.  You may find all of our past Blog Sessions in our "Blog Archive" over in the far right column.

The commander in charge in the case of this disaster which affected Puerto Rico is the President of the United States.  What did he do when he arrived in Puerto Rico and held a News Conference?

President Donald Trump

...throws rolls of paper towels into a crowd of local residents

affected by Hurricane Maria as he visits

 Calgary Chapel in San Juan, Puerto Ricoon Oct. 3, 2017.

[Jonathan Ernst / Reuters]

I don't know about you, but if I had been one of the residents of Puerto Rico there in the room, I don't know if I would have any respect for a person who is in an Office as a World Leader who comes to throw paper towel ~ Really?  Puerto Ricans were missing, dying, without proper resources, without communication, some close to death because they could not get their medicine and/or medical supplies ~ and in his hand was paper towel.  And not only that, he threw it at hurricane victims.

And if that were not enough of an insult, the president also piled on more criticism of San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz, who has been a vocal critic of his administration’s response.  Trump said Cruz “really did not do a very good job in fact did a very poor job.”

San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz

Hugging a Hurricane Victim

The San Juan mayor made an impassioned call for increased federal aid late last month and criticized Trump’s response to the hurricane.

She had also taken issue with him throwing paper towels and provisions at Puerto Ricans.

“The terrible and abominable view of him throwing paper towels and throwing provisions at people, it does not embody the spirit of the American nation,” Cruz said in an MSNBC interview with Rachel Maddow last Tuesday, the day Trump visited Puerto Rico.

San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz

Let us all pray for the citizens of Puerto Rico, strength for San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz, and the citizens of Puerto Rico.  And let us pray deeply for timely aid and Godly Leadership in times of crisis.

Until Our Next Blog Session ~

Peace, Love & Light

By René Allen

©Copyright - René Allen - 2014-2017 - All Rights Reserved