Blog by Carlo Ami,  Review article by Chiwah

Published in The LIfe Connection Magazine, February, 2010 (formerly The Light Connection

Quick Inner Retreats to Calm CD

What is true empowerment, and how do we find it?  Who of us hasn't asked this question?  Man and woman have forever searched the stars, followed the paths of their ancestors and stepped onto new paths of their own intuiting, in search of answers.

Whatever your answer to this question, surely it involves going within, finding that calm space in which to listen inside.  Sometimes we find that this is not so easy, however: the mind insists on whirring, engaging us in thouights when we want to let go.  This CD and Carlo Ami’s website offer openings into the quiet within.

Carlo speaks, posing questions designed for entry into the moment—offering reflective statements that take us into feeling into our bodies, listening into the sounds of water and music to tune in to the still, silent voice that rests inside each of us.

This world is sorely lacking in calm.  The intent of this CD is to create openings into inner peace, and for that I bless Carlo.  You can sit and listen to the entire CD and take the time to “space in”  with each segment, or tune in when you have a minute or two.  Either way, you’ll be doing yourself good and creting one more spot of calm in this landscape of earthly chaos, and your soul will thank you.

As Carlo says on his website, “Going inside yourself takes guts, courage.  It’s certainly easier in the short term to distract yourself from what is truly important, to avoid yourself and keep on muddling through life, no matter how much you think that yourlife may suck.  I invite you to explore your deepest self, to uncover your deepest truths---in your own way.  It can be much easier than your mind thinks.  If you let your mind run your life, you will never be truly happy, never fully love or be loved.”

The rewards of going within are amazing.  I highly recommend this CD and the experiences offered on YourPauseButton.com.

Note: Many of the first questions in this FAQ are answered on the purple card that comes with the CD. I will be the first to fess up that for many products I have purchased, I skip the instructions and dive right in to figuring it out myself. This may not be the most productive way of approaching the CD!

How often should I listen to the CD?

It is suggested that you move though the CD in 35 to 45 days, taking only one track per day. You might listen to that track more than once, maybe even 5 or 6 times if it feels right to you. As you follow through on commitments, your power grows. So maybe you will commit to doing the practice daily, or maybe Monday through Friday. Choose what you know you can and will do. Following through builds your personal power.

How long should I pause when I hear the tones during a track?

However long feels right to you. It might be 10 seconds. It might be an hour. Trust yourself.

Are there other times that would be good to pause?

There are several times in some tracks where there is an audio quiet stretch of time. It is recommended that you hit your pause button whenever it feels right for you, for as long as you like. Some media players make it easy to pause by hitting your space bar. Please familiarize yourself with the options for that with the equipment that you have.

How do I know when a track is over?

The gong sound you will hear tells you that the track is complete.

I suggest that, if you have a programmable CD player or computer that lets you compile playlists, you tack on one or more of the last two tracks (music only) on the CD to complete your pause session. You might add three or more of those short ending tracks to ensure that you are complete. These music tracks help you to maintain your inner focus.

What's with all the "oomph" sounds on a couple of the tracks?

While these were not intended as part of the original production, they can be seen as gifts: you might see these as opportunities for patience. Since you can easily understand the spoken words, the "oomphs" can be experienced as non-consequential. If you make them important, then you will be distracted. Your choice. I have young children, so there is no time during the day when I can have uninterrupted quiet time.

What should I do?

This may take you a little longer. Some tracks can be completed in less than 10 minutes. Others may take an hour. Take advantages of opportunities to have a visiting friend or mate watch the kids for a little while as you move through a track. Be creative! If you make your spiritual empowerment a priority, you will find many benefits showing up in many areas of your life.