April Fool's Day is thought to have begun in the 1500s when the Gregorian calendar changed the New Year from April 1 to January 1. Those who erroneously continued to celebrate the New Year on April 1 were labeled "fools," ridiculed and in general played upon by other folk. You were either "with it" or not, which was "foolish."



In the article "Showroom Sizzle, The Most Desirable Cars On The Planet," Road and Track magazine (3/2008) speaks about the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider as "a sexy Italian," describing it as "slinky" and mentions another car "will provide hours of smoky burnouts."

We are all subject to this type of positioning. Madison Avenue, one of the global capitals of advertising, knows how to tempt, torture and tease us into finally buying that new something. When you have what they advertise you are supposed to feel better. Having less of it makes you a "fool."

This is not a criticism of our advertising industry, but rather an accolade to their cleverness and acknowledgement of its pervasive nature throughout our economy. Without Madison Avenue our economy would slow down. So let's thank them for that.

But it is important to realize there is a difference in satisfaction from owning the latest luxury car to being loved by your mother. In order to truly feel good about yourself, angelically peaceful, centered, whole and I shall dare to say, charismatic, you need to feel complete. The way to feel complete is to connect to the "source" of everything.

As trite as that sounds, people report when they meditate, pray or simply commune with nature; they feel connected to a spiritual presence. This is what the "Celestine Prophecy" calls energy. You can either have it holistically from its true source, or you can fleetingly steal it with a new luxury car or some other false icon before you.

Here are some suggestions to begin your own process towards a more peaceful, content and charismatic life.

1. Commune with nature. If it is the beach that comforts and sooths you, live there or get there often. If you like sunsets, enjoy more of them. If babies bring you joy, go to a shopping mall and say hello to each one as it goes by. The list of ways to add the healing and beauty only nature can provide is endless.

2. Meditate. I was taught to meditate when I was going through a stressful time in my life. The results were nothing less than spectacular. I was more peaceful, centered and found less need to let off stress with addictive, destructive behaviors. Start each day with a quiet meditation.

3. Worship. For some people worship is going to church, others a twelve step program, still others attending a spiritual message service. Whatever works for you, find a way to feel the presence of spirit and routinely connect with it.

4. Art. Appreciate or make your own art. Watch, hear and experience the works of masters channeling the energy of our creator through their expression. Experience symmetry, balance and expression pulse through your veins as you create your own art.

5. Discover and live Your Life Purpose. Edgar Cayce says living your life purpose will provide a deep sense of being at peace with yourself and all of life. Hire an intuitive coach to help you define and reach this dream. A coach can help you see yourself differently and keep you on track towards reaching your goal.

These are just a sampling of some ideas which can help you commune with the divine. The more you do this, the greater your ability to generate your own peace, sense of well-being and charisma. Soon you will be living a more balanced, harmonious and satisfying life. Don't be a fool. Connect with source.