Recession-proof Reality

I just received the latest edition and wanted to compliment you on your great article – very realistic and extensive. ("Recession Strategies," by Bart Brodsky and Janet Geis.) I was in Spain during the initial meltdown and upon returning see that I'm still getting emails about millionaire mind and miracles, etc. No one wants to get real, do the real inner work. So it was great to see that you're adding a touch of reality.

Recession-proof Investment

Investment tip: Both real estate and the stock market are uncertain investments right now. What is certain? Investing in yourself! It's a sure thing! You can't lose and the upside potential is unlimited! Even in turbulent times, there are those who succeed and many who succeed wildly. I'm talking about those with ethics and integrity, NOT opportunists who lack integrity. Why do they succeed when others are struggling or sinking? Among the contributing factors: they know who they are, what their gifts and purpose are, they're motivated to offer these gifts and reap the rewards of doing so, and they've cleared the way by eliminating internal obstacles such as fear, limiting beliefs, doubt, procrastination, insecurity, unproductive habits and internal conflicts.

Recession-proof Bay Area & Tech

Personally, I'm optimistic about the Bay Area economy right now. With so much internet based technology innovation happening here in San Francisco and Silicon Valley, our local economy is actually quite strong. And as many businesses change, they move online, again strengthening our local tech companies. I say, go for it!

Recession-proof Education

That was a wonderful article.... I liked when you mentioned that schooling is something that people are continuing to freely purchase. I had that feeling, and it was good to see it corroborated.

Recession-proof Naturally

Many thanks for this sane and informative viewpoint. ("Recession Strategies," by Bart Brodsky and Janet Geis, online at www.openexchange.org.) Constant growth cannot continue ad infinitum.... This is a pattern which will run its course, in same way that the cycles of nature and the seasons bring change and new growth. So this is the time, like in nature, to descend to our roots, to release what is no longer needed, to the nurture the seeds of a new way of being with ourselves and the world.

Homeopathy Self-diagnosis?

Renita Herrmann's article ("Homeopathic Treatment," OPEN EXCHANGE, Oct.-Dec. 2008) is clear on the importance of correctly matching symptoms with the entire symptom list. But should a person who doesn't have a homeopathic physician diagnose and treat herself with remedies in the health food store? I'm still not sure how, without a symptom list for every remedy, the lay person treats herself.

We recommend a complementary approach. Obtain a medical diagnosis and discuss treatment options with a licensed M.D. before exploring alternative remedies.

Singing Is EVERYTHING!

Thank you for printing Ellen Robinson's article ("Get the World Singing, OPEN EXCHANGE, Oct.-Dec. 2008.) She is absolutely right: "Singing is EVERYTHING!" Singing brings people together, lightens our spirit, feeds the brain, nourishes the heart and brings immense joy to singers and listeners alike. I'm in a vocal quartet that Ellen Robinson is director of, as well as being guest director this season of the Berkeley Broadway Singers Chorus while our regular director Ellen Hoffman is on sabbatical (in addition to the many other groups she directs and students she teaches). You couldn't ask for a more skilled, knowledgeable, focused, fun and warm teacher, director, person. Ellen is also a great voice teacher and let us not overlook a DYNAMITE Jazz Singer. What a better world we would live in if EVERYONE took some time to sing EVERYDAY. Yes, ...singing IS everything.

Find Ellen Robinson's listing for the Anything Goes Chorus in our Music category.

Positive Singing

Ellen's positive attitude about life, and how singing centers us, has brought joy to those to whom she gives herself. That giving inspires others to give from their cores, stimulating the body and mind to find a wholesomeness in themselves and others. The cooperation, focus, alertness, involved in creating beautiful, stimulating, emotional sounds allows joy to dwell inside and express outside. It's a communication which links us to our spirit, to a power beyond us, that releases us from a lot of our stress, loneliness, anger. One's elevation through music links us to that bond which unites us as human beings.

You Can Sing!

Ellen Robinson ("Get the World Singing!" OPEN EXCHANGE, Oct.-Dec. 2008) lists clear and persuasive reasons why singing in a group is so beneficial and joyful and backs them up with years of teaching experience. She also, rightfully, believes anyone can sing. I think that if you can learn your native language, you can sing!

Voice Goes Everywhere!

I loved this article by Ellen Robinson! ("Get The World Singing!" OPEN EXCHANGE, Oct.-Dec. 2008.) I have written about her myself, but the feelings in this piece come directly from her heart and are much more powerful. She is so right about the voice being such an engaging instrument. Most musical instruments create notes or tones -- your voice allows you to deliver a message or express an emotion by using words as well. You can join your own voice with others to create not only volume, but harmony and cooperative spirit too. Listening to other voices and blending with them is a lesson in humanity. Best of all, your voice is part of you, you don't have to buy or rent or store it, and you can carry it easily wherever you go (unlike a piano!).

It's worth repeating: Find Ellen Robinson's Anything Goes Chorus listed in OPEN EXCHANGE's Music category, and start singing NOW!

Connecting and Connected

I wanted to thank you for all your help over the years and for producing a really nice magazine. I've used a lot of services and they have made a difference in my life. I save my issues because they are so helpful - really wonderful people advertise in them and interesting information. OPEN EXCHANGE is truly a blessing to the community to link us all together to grow.

Right on, Bonnie! Connecting people is why we're here!

Consciousness Raising

Mother Claire Watts' article ("Are You A Conscious Person?" OPEN EXCHANGE Oct.-Dec. 2008) raises much food for thought and change. As a therapist myself who has also been in therapy, I see one of the problems in psychotherapy being that the client has the option of free-associating or bringing to the session whatever he or she feels is the problem at that time. However, the presenting problem is often not the true underlying problem that causes the malaise. In spiritual growth under the guidance of a teacher, you do a sweep on your entire lifetime, particularly with reference to events that need forgiveness, to forgive or to be forgiven. This idea is now accepted credence in modern psychology, particularly Positive Psychology and in the works of psychiatrist Jerry Jampolski, MD. Both methods are valuable and in my opinion, they complement each other and lead to Wellness, which is what we all seek. Peace, love and light.

More Homeopathy

I found Renita Herrman's article on homeopathy very interesting. ("Homeopathic Treatment: Acute vs. Chronic," OPEN EXCHANGE, Oct.-Dec. 2008.) It sparked my interest in that healing system. Please print more articles on homeopathy in the future.

A Child Within

Susanne Babbel's article ("A Child Within Us Wants to Talk," OPEN EXCHANGE, Oct.-Dec. 2008) made me think about my own childhood and opened me to the possibility of more joy, confidence, power and connection. Well done.

Babbel Towers

I found Susanne Babbel's "A Child Within Us Wants to Talk" (OPEN EXCHANGE, Oct.-Dec. 2008) fascinating and helpful. Somehow the idea of visualizing this inner child seems to be a powerful tool for healing. Well written and clear-- I'd love to read more from Babbel!

Thank you, Meave, Chris, and Betsy. Letters like yours help guide future editorial direction! Be it bouquets or brickbats, do keep writing! That's the only way to have an "open exchange...."