Judge Jeanine Pirro: Fighting For Justice By Not Remaining Silent

by Cyrus Webb

Sometimes the worst thing we can do is refuse to speak up when we know something is wrong or when we have a feeling that justice is not being served. Our silence is sometimes the same as agreeing with the wrong that is being done or said, and that makes us a part of the project instead of an advocate for the truth and what is right.

It's easier said than done, but things work out for the good when we do what we know to be the right thing. A perfect example of someone who lives by this motto is Judge Jeanine Pirro.

I have been a fan of Judge Jeanine for some time. She is a person who is not afraid to speak her mind and fight for what she believes in. I first got to know her through her appearances on television programs offering her professional opinions on legal issues of the day. Then when she began her weekly show on Fox News Channel I was able to see her not just share her legal perspective but shine a light on injustices and causes that mattered to her.

This year I discovered her ability to tell a great story through her Fox series starring Dani Fox. Her book CLEVER FOX allows us to see how even people on the side of right are sometimes handed situations that are not easy to figure out. I had the opportunity to talk with Judge Jeanine about her journey that has led her to writing and what it is that keeps her fighting day after day.

JUDGE JEANINE ON LIFE AND WRITING:
"Writing fiction has given me the opportunity to talk about something that I love and have devoted my professional life to: crime and law enforcement. I've been a prosecutor, a Judge and a Disctirc Attorney for 30 years. For me Clever Fox and the ability to write books gives me the opportunity to tell the public what it's like in the Criminal Justice System. The prosecution of crime is so much more sophisticated than what people see on television shows. It's also quite political when it comes to what cases are prosecuted and get attention. I'm having a great time doing it."

JUDGE JEANINE ON ART IMITATING LIFE:
Fiction allows us to see the truth about ourselves as well as qualities in people that we like and don't like. "The first book (SLY FOX) is about the beginning of my career. I was an Asst. D.A. at a time when I was the only woman, and as I look back I think about how incredibly different it is today and how far women have come. It was very therapeutic and had me look at things a little differently."

JUDGE JEANINE AND SOURCE OF HER PASSION FOR JUSTICE:
"Without a doubt it came from my mother. She taught me a long time ago never to remain silent. Ultimately in my life that was translated into my work with crime victims. I was taught to be kind and to take care of people. I knew at a young age that I wanted to be a lawyer and that led me to protecting the victim. That is the best job in the world."

No matter what platform she uses Judge Jeanine Pirro is committed to her passion for life and justice, setting the example for us all. Stay connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/judgejeaninepirro and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/judgejeanine. Get her new book CLEVER FOX on Amazon.com or wherever your favorite books are sold.

Listen to her interview on Conversations LIVE at www.tinyurl.com/judgejeanineinterview.

PROFILE: Recording Artist Matthew Schultz

by Cyrus Webb

Recording artist Matthew Schultz has a reason to smile. Not only has he been able to work with individuals that are well-respected in the world of music but he has found fans literally around the world. His single "Money or Me" featuring Jim Jones has been featured on countless sites across the Internet, spawning profiles for him in The Source Magazine, on MTV, Hype Magazine, Social Magazine, This is 50 and more.

Through it all Matthew remains focused on what is important: the music itself. "I am so blessed and thankful to see the way that people are responding to it."

In describing his style of music the artist does it this way: "All of my music is built around the Hip Hop base but has that rock feel." It was the combination of the two genres that he believes got people's attention. "The single ("Money or Me") took off because a lot of people can relate. When you get a certain age you never really know after a certain point whether someone is with you for true love or because of your situation." Matthew says the song really is about discovering what their true love is."

"Money or Me" is just one example of why Matthew Schultz is able to live his dream. For me creating music is more than just about the beat. It really is about the words and the message. "I see it as a privilege to get to perform my music," he told me With all that he has done, it's hard to believe that he really got back into music this year. Since that time his career has taken off.  It has all been a process. He sees success as 'that carrot dangling in front' of him, pushing him further and further. It all begins with the decision to act. "Once you start picking up a buzz and people start to appreciate your music things just fall in line," he says.

For those artists out there who are wondering if they can take advantage of the same opportunities that Matthew has, he shares one of his secrets. "Most of my success has come from Reverbnation," he admits. "It allows you to get fans and listeners and be among millions of other artists. It's like a mini label and perfect for independent artists. When you go to the site and see who's there then you know you're in good company." He says that places like Reverbnation "give you a great ability to reach out to the world."

Matthew Schultz is a success not just because of who he works with, but how he works. That sets the example for all of us, regardless of who we are and what our passion is. His experience is proof that good things come to those who aren't afraid to go after them.

Stay in touch with Matthew online at www.twitter.com/mschultz33, www.facebook.com/matthewbschultz and on Reverbnation at www.reverbnation.com/matthewschultzofficial.

Sebastian Mikael: Appreciating the Gift of Music

by Cyrus Webb

Whether we realize it or now we all have been given amazing gifts. The challenge for us is to do what it takes to see those gifts nurtured. For recording artist and musician Sebastian Mikael it's not so much about recognizing the gifts he's been given. He is using them to their full potential everyday and the world is responding to his talent in a big way.

Originally from Sweden, Sebastian made the decision that if he was going to be able to take his gift all the way he had to make a change. That change led him to America in 2008 and just 3 years later he released his first mixtape called J'Adore.

With his video single "Beautiful Life", which debuted in September 2011, Sebastian was able to showcase his lyrical ability and the ability to bring people in through words. At the time we were going to press that video had over 150k views on Youtube alone. "My lyrical content is not always about love, but what we go through and feel in life,” he says. “I like to put hope in my music. Stuff that makes you feel good musically and lyrically.”

Fast forward two more years and his single "Last Night" featuring Wale has become one of the biggest singles of 2013, with the Youtube video grabbing over 530k in less than 3 months. While he is enjoying it's success, Sebastian is not taking it for granted. "It's incredible to see how people are embracing the single. People are looking for something that's real, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share that with them. I've always been creative (painting,etc), but I think that doing music has always been a passion and something I enjoyed doing."

Now with the support of his label Slip-N-Slide he has taken to the road, sharing not just the music but the message that is his life: Nothing is impossible. "Whatever your passion is you have to do what it takes to pursue it," Sebastian told me. "It's definitely a blessing to be able to do this. All of the ups and downs that come in the industry...this is one of the amazing things about it. There's not a lot of people from Sweden coming here and doing what I'm able to do. Everything is possible. Nothing is impossible."

He's been spotted on BET, MTV, VH1 and Centric as well as visiting radio stations while he is on the road. This, coupled with the tour stops, has allowed individuals around the world to not just see his talent but to get a first-hand look at what it means to appreciate the gift.

Sebastian's message to his fans? "Thank you for the support. This couldn't be possible without you. I also want to tell you that when it comes to your own dreams it's a lot of hard work, and you have to really put in more than what's required. It's going to be worth it in the end. You just have to have faith and put in as much work as you can."

Listen to Sebastian's interview with Conversations LIVE at www.tinyurl.com/sebastianmikaelinterview. To stay abreast of all of Sebastian's upcoming projects visit his website www.sebastianmikael.com. You can also follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sebastianmikael.

(Photo Credit: Faye Nightingale Photography)

(Self Help) 3 Steps to Heart-Based Living

by Ronna Prince

Creator, Executive Producer, Songwriterof the Film "Sacred Journey of the Heart"

DIVE in, TUNE in, LIGHTEN up!

It seems that now we are inundated with messages about living in the heart. It's the latest catch-phrase. But really, what does it all mean? It means living in balance with emotions and thoughts. It means allowing one's heart to lead the way in decision making and actions. It does not mean letting unchecked feelings rule your life. But it also means, not letting unexpressed feelings limit your interaction and connection with others.

Most of us have been brought up to be logical and rational. To hide our emotions and just "get over it". The problem with this is that we really can't solve today's problems that were created by analytical and mind-based approaches. I'm convinced that the analytical approach is what got us to where we are today, in many of the distressing situations we see in our own lives, communities and on a global scale.

So the question is: how do we really embrace heart-based living and be effective as leaders and decision makers in these times of change?   I believe we can do this by using a heart-based approach which has been distilled down to 3 simple steps: Dive In, Tune In, and Lighten up. It really is a simple process. It starts with a choice to go into the heart-based feelings and explore what is there. If you can't or won't do that, I've found that you're putting a veneer over the truth of your existence. Mastering our emotions through the heart is the key to this time of intense transition. When we check into our hearts, we tend to make wiser and more compassionate choices. And with that, live more peaceful and connected lives.     

STEP 1: The first step is to have the willingness to dive in to the emotions locked inside the heart. This does not mean re-experiencing the traumas of the past. Rather it is to acknowledge that your heart had to shut down in the past as a way of dealing with the hurts all humans experience to one extent or another. In diving in to the heart (step 1), we are really just allowing the awareness of feelings and emotions to surface. In this step, we dive in to touch what's been locked inside. We follow the breath into our hearts and listen. We can ask "what's in my heart?" Usually it's a two or three word message that bubbles up, like: "I'm afraid", or "be careful", or "go for it!"

STEP 2: The next step is to tune into the feelings behind these initial pearls of heart-wisdom. "What is my heart telling me?" If you hear: "I'm afraid" or "be careful", that's informing you that you need to spend some time allowing the associated emotional imprints to emerge. We do that by feeling whatever is there and accepting the feeling no matter what it is: Fear, anger, sadness, depression, happiness, joy. Tune into it, and allow it to move and flow.

As we allow ourselves to tune into these emotional states, we move the energy. When energy moves, there is room for heart-wisdom to emerge. Tuning in to the heart is what takes practice, because we're used to turning to the mind to find our answers. But the truth is, our hearts know. Our minds will rationalize or justify. But the authentic tuned-in feelings of our hearts, will always lead us to compassionate and wise choices.

The FINAL STEP in this 3 part formula is: Lighten up! This is an essential part of the 3 step process. It means that after we do some intense emotional healing, we consciously choose to relax, enjoy and embrace the gifts in life. At first, we have to really focus on this and make it a priority. Because in dealing with emotions, we can easily get stuck in a state of perpetual healing and forget to enjoy each day.

So in this final step, we commit to looking around us and seeing beauty and joy, even if it's just a small thing, like a flower or a bird's song or the smile of a loved one. Living in the heart is a balanced place, and in that balance, we make room for more joy and peace, not by ignoring, but by embracing the wisdom of the heart.

Ronna Prince is the filmmaker behind the new extraordinary new film "Sacred Journey of the Heart." An Official Selection at the LA Femme Film Festival and featured at Sedona International and Awareness Fest Film Festivals, "Sacred Journey of the Heart" is a powerful and inspiring documentary that traces the role of the heart in connecting us to our higher selves, our spiritual essence, each other, the planet and the cosmic design. The heart is the single organ that not only creates a unified field among all people, but also creates a harmonic field with the earth itself. The compelling film reveals how modern science is proving what ancient peoples have known all along: we are all connected - and that connection is the human heart. Featuring such luminaries and bestselling authors as Greg Braden, Joe Dispenza, Mary Morrissey, Colin Tipping, Sarah McLean, plus Dr. Rollin McCraty and Dr. Deborah Rozman of HeartMath, along with an array of other spiritual leaders, indigenous elders, and scientists, the film is designed to give people new tools to achieve a state of "heart centered balance," so they can create a peaceful state of connection in their own lives. For more information, go to www.sacredjourneyoftheheart.com

(Self-Help) How to Awaken the Zentrepreneur in You

Whatever it is we do, whether we run a household, our own business, or work for a company, we often feel imprisoned by fear, doubt, and insecurity. By resisting change and uncertainty, we stem our innate flow of creativity and innovation - what award-winning author and global business consultant John Murphy refers to as the "Zentrepreneur" in us. In this article, Murphy reflects on the secret to getting past this fear - how to tap into our "zentrepreneur" by applying four fundamental steps to inspiration and success. The opinions and observations offered in this article are based on Murphy's diverse experiences as a holistic business consultant (to companies like GE, BMW, Target, Kraft, the CIA and currently ADP, to name a few), corporate director, Notre Dame Quarterback, spiritual mystic and management coach. The author of 16 books, including Sage Leadership and Beyond Doubt, Murphy's newest title is Zentrepreneur.

4 Steps to Manifest Fearlessness and Peak Productivity in your Work and Relationships

by John J. Murphy

Whatever it is we do, whether we run a household, our own business, or work for a company, there is a "zentrepreneur" within us all- a soul seeking release and a creative idea seeking expression and manifestation. This is the heart and soul of our being - our human being! It is our innate desire to grow, to explore, and to be creative. Zentrepreneurs know this as nirvana, here and now, heaven on earth. We know that we are meant to be free and flow fearlessly. We came to this earth to express ourselves, to interact with one another, to learn, and to make this world a better place. Yet many souls have become trapped - imprisoned by fear and doubt and insecurity. Rather than embrace change and uncertainty with poise and confidence, the timid allow it to hold them back. Indeed, we can be our own enemy. We can get in our own way. The secret to getting past this fear is in tapping our inner zentreprenuer and applying four fundamental steps to inspiration and success - the ring of peace.

The first step to freedom is "Let Be." Zentrepreneurs know that we cannot change what already exists. We have to accept it - like it or not. We have to learn from it. Why? Because it already is. It happened. This includes people, problems, circumstances, weather, long lines, slow computers, traffic, difficult bosses, and painful losses. There is no value in complaining about it or getting upset. There is no undoing it. There is no wisdom in letting it bring us down. Stress only makes things worse. The Law of Attraction delivers to us manifestations that match our emotional vibration. Complaining, stressing and being anxious only call more into our lives to complain and stress about. How wise is that?

The sage zentrepreneur within us offers us an alternative - the capacity to transcend these emotional temptations. We just have to recognize them when we see them and avoid the trap. Rather than becoming anxious and fearful, we can choose to think differently. We can learn to see what "is" as simply a blessing in disguise, a lesson to be learned. For example, the people who challenge us or annoy us most might be among our greatest teachers. They give us an opportunity to learn patience, wisdom and spiritual presence.

The second step in the Ring of Peace is "Let Go." Rather than resist what is, we accept it, feel it, examine it, learn from it, and then let it go. Resistance only makes that which we are resisting stronger. Why strengthen the enemy? Push back invites push back. Force meets force. Try dancing with the problem instead. Embrace it and then let it go. Admit there is a problem and then release it. Denial will get you nowhere. Rationalization and defensiveness obstruct flow and attach you to the problem. Learn to let it go. There are many proven techniques to assist with this, including EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), Meditation, TRE (Trauma and Tension Release Exercises), yoga, tai chi, and healing sounds. Identify and choose a practice that resonates with you - and then practice it! The only obstacle to releasing fears, phobias and limiting beliefs is you!

When we accept what is and learn to let go any emotional distress drawing destructive drama into our lives, we experience step three: "Let See." This step involves a shift in our perception. We see the world very differently. The people who used to annoy us now appear differently. We feel compassion for them. We recognize their suffering or ignorance. We forgive them "for they know not what they do." We offer a helping hand. We reach out from a higher place - a higher frequency and vibration - knowing that this is really the only way we can be of any true assistance. Misery may love company, but zentrepreneurs know that this match in frequencies does not solve problems. It compounds them. The only way to really help someone in pain is to help them change the channel and see things differently.

The fourth step in the Ring of Peace often results in experiencing a sense of awe and wonder. When we let be, let go, let see and experience "Let Flow," it is as if we are living a dream come true. We are "in the zone" as some athletes like to put it. We experience a sense of fearlessness, timelessness and peak productivity. We make ourselves available to a much higher frequency of spiritual energy and we channel this into our work and relationships. We literally light up the room. People feel our presence. They are inspired by our energy - or zenergy! In return, we reap what we sow. By giving unto others, we are given more to give. We become an instrument of peace, a fountain of love, a beacon of light. By emptying our bowl, we receive more. We channel spiritual wisdom, sacred joy and emotional intelligence. This powerful inner peace then reveals itself to the rest of the world as "good ideas" resulting in positive changes. We make the world a better place. Have you awakened the zentrepreneur in you?

About John J. Murphy

A mystic of management and sensei of strategy, John J. Murphy has focused on teaching his corporate clients conscious business practices while improving their bottom lines for the past 30 years (GE, BMW, Target, Kraft, the CIA and currently ADP, to name a few). Murphy has drawn on his diverse experiences as a corporate director, Notre Dame Quarterback, spiritual mystic and management coach to author 15 books, including Sage Leadership and Beyond Doubt. He continues to counsel corporate America, yet with the upcoming release of his latest book, Zentrepreneur(Career Press, Set.23, 2013), he has taken to the streets as a national speaker at expos and seminars across the country to coach the zentrepreneur in all of us.For more information: www.venturemanagementconsultants.com

Tony Lindsay Presents... Etheridge Knight

‘The Essential Etheridge Knight’ is a compilation of poems from the poet’s first three works. These poems demonstrate Knight’s immense talent which stems from his ability to place the reader in the visions of the poet. What Knight sees . . . the reader experiences.

                                  AS YOU LEAVE ME

                Shiny record albums scattered over

                 the living room floor, reflecting light

                my eyes as I watch you, squatting among the platters,

                the beer foam making mustaches on your lips.

                              

And, too,

                                the shadows on your cheeks from your long lashes

                                fascinate me-almost as much as the dimples

                                in your cheeks, your arms, and your legs.

                              

                                You

                                hum along with Mathis-how you Mathis!

                                 with his burnished hair and quicksilver voice that dances

                                among the stars and whirls through canyons

                                like windblown snow, sometimes I think that Mathis

                                could take you from me if you could be complete

                                without me. I glance at my watch. It is now time.

                                You rise,

                                silently, and to the bedroom and the paint;

                                on the lips red, on the eyes black,

                                and I lean in the doorway and smoke, and see you

grow old before my eyes, and smoke, why do you

chatter while you dress? and smile when you grab

your large leather purse? Don’t you know when you

leave me I walk to the window and watch you? And light

a reefer as I watch you? and I die as I watch you

disappear in the dark streets

to whistle and smile at the johns.

                 The ethos of a reader’s mind and heart are manipulated while reading Etheridge Knight. The poet shares dark pain and light joy evenly in the collection. Perhaps, a life lived as Knight lived his (imprisonment, addiction, divorce, homelessness) had no choice but to produce art of the heart and mind.

Tony Lindsay is an award-winning author and adjunct professor at Chicago State University. His book ONE DEAD DOCTOR was chosen by Conversations Book Club as one of its Top 100 Books of 2012. Lindsay was named Conversations Author of the Year 2012-2013.  His new book EMOTIONAL DRIPPINGS is available now on Amazon.com. He can be reached at tonylinsay7045@sbcglobal.net or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tony.linssay2.

Mary's Motivational Message: Miss Rowe

Recently, a friend and I were engaged in intriguing conversation surrounding our years in grade school. Enthusiastically, I shared sweet memories regarding one of my favorite teachers Miss. Rowe.

I shared how Miss. Rowe was beyond beautiful.  I recall her being 25-years of age. She had long blond hair, green eyes (I think they were green), a body like Beyonce and skin the color of bronze. And if that wasn’t enough, our classroom was scented with her favorite perfumes; she had this sweet southern drawl similar to Delta Burkes on the television show, “designing women.”

I would like to note: I’m not suggesting that being blond made her beautiful…the fact of the matter is Miss. Rowe was simply a beautiful woman.

Anyways, like most grade school classrooms there were challenging students but Miss. Rowe had a way about her that was very non-traditional. She utilized a lot of positive re enforcement techniques; never raising her voice or succumbing to the use of idle threats.

It was there in her classroom that I was introduced to my lifelong favorite book, “Where the Wild Things Are.”  She read that book to us every week and each time felt like the first. In addition, Miss. Rowe would bring in homemade cupcakes, pies and cookies just because. And we were rewarded with candy and gold stars for performing exceptionally well.

As I continued to reminisce about my season with Miss. Rowe, what stood out most was how one weekend per month she would bring me and three fellow class mates to her home for a weekend celebration. I believe this adventure started as a trip to the Circus or Disney on Ice; a reward for our good behavior.  All parents agreed to allow us to participate in the sleep over for added celebration.

Her life style was a reflection of her being a beautiful single woman in the 1970’s; a charming two bedroom condo with a view, a sexy car, a oversized swimming pool and plenty of space for us girls to have a ball. We would indulge in pizza, hamburgers, or tacos for dinner and snack on popcorn, candy and ice cream while watching The Brady Bunch, The Partridge Family and various other 70’s favorites. The very next morning, Miss. Rowe would make Pancakes, Waffles or French toast; no cold cereal or oatmeal for her girls.

After a hearty breakfast we would swim in her pool or go to the park. She devoted every moment to us (reading to us, board games, painting, coloring…etc). Miss. Rowe treated every one of us like PRINCESES. That scenario was played out one weekend each month for an entire year. Going to her home for me was equivalent to being at Disneyland.

As I grew into womanhood, I found myself asking, “Why did she give back on such a profound level?” I have pondered over numerous responses which have yielded no solid conclusion.

All four students were raised in the suburbs not the inner city; upper middle class families. All four girls represented various ethnicities. I don’t feel as though Miss. Rowe believed she was somehow saving us from deprivation or exposing us to experiences that were inaccessible. Perhaps, just perhaps, she did all that she could do and gave all that she could give simply because she loved her students!!!

It is my hope that one day in the near future to reconnect with Miss. Rowe and let her know that the gifts she extended to those four little girls had an impact far beyond what she could have imagined. The love she extended is stored in a special “safe” within my heart. I like so many others am forever grateful that GOD blessed our fourth grade class with an ANGEL.

Love, Peace and Endless Joy,                                                                                                                                                    Author-Mary E. Gilder

Mary E. Gilder is the author of the award winning novel, “A Misrepresentation of Myself.  And her soon to be sophomore release, “Even a Man Can Have a Broken Heart.”  In addition, Mary Gilder is available for speaking engagements. She can be contacted at bookclubs.maryegilder@yahoo.com or at meg@maryegilder.com. Also, visit her website at www.maryegilder.com.