Land of Oz Workshops Blog: The Wizard of Oz

Land of Oz Workshops Blog: The Wizard of Oz: "Contact: Ellen Green, Press Manager - PressManager@Strategic BookGroup.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Author Finds New Meaning on the Yellow ..."

The Wizard of Oz

Contact: Ellen Green, Press Manager - PressManager@Strategic BookGroup.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Author Finds New Meaning on the Yellow Brick Road as Andrew Lloyd Weber Brings to Stage

                                       

The Wizard of Oz, soon to be on stage at the London Palladium with famed composer Andrew Lloyd Weber at the helm, has been seen in some rendition by over 2 billion people world-wide and is the favorite family film of all time. Drawing upon the storyline and characters from this charming American fairytale, author John Tamiazzo takes the reader on a magical and transformative journey down the yellow brick road in his new book, Returning to the Land of Oz. If you loved the film, were enchanted by the book, and adored the play, you will be inspired by Dr. Tamiazzo’s book, which book reviewers have consistently described as, “A must read!”

Following in the footsteps of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion, Returning to the Land of Oz takes a fresh and deepened psychological look at the important lessons we can learn from each of the main characters as they make their way on the Yellow Brick Road. L. Frank Baum gave us one of the greatest resources for personal transformation ever written, and Dr. Tamiazzo tackles this creative project with aplomb.

Returning to the Land of Oz shows you why it is essential to open your heart and to creatively use your mind and imagination to handle life’s challenges. It teaches you the value of helping others in need and to respectfully work together to move beyond obstacles. Like the 1939 film, which was released while the world was still recovering from the devastating effects of the Great Depression, Returning to the Land of Oz draws your attention and focus to 5 key words and themes as today’s economic recovery continues: mind, heart, hope, courage, and imagination.

As Andrew Lloyd Weber re-imagines the Wizard for stage, so does Dr. Tamiazzo in print, showing you how to gracefully walk down your own Yellow Brick Road and, in the end, discover the Wizard within.

Returning to the Land of Oz (ISBN: 978-1-60911-409-1) is available for $11.95 and can be ordered through the publisher’s Web site: www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/ReturningToTheLandOfOz.html  Or at www.amazon.com or http://search.barnesandnoble.com  Wholesalers please e-mail BookOrder@AEG-Online-Store.com

“Drawing fresh insight from the children’s classic, The Wizard of Oz, Returning to the Land of Oz takes readers on a transformative journey down the Yellow Brick Road.”  -  Sarah Linn, The Tribune

“Returning to the Land of Oz packs a powerful punch of essential insights and long, sought-after resources between the book’s covers. If readers are yearning for a Superhero to rescue them from their lives, they can draw upon deep reservoirs of courage by reading this book, which ultimately points them to the only Superhero…the one within themselves.”   -  Todd Rutherford, the book review guru

Land of Oz Workshops Blog: A Beautiful Mind

Land of Oz Workshops Blog: A Beautiful Mind: "On Wednesday afternoon, December 8th, I spoke at the Fielding Institute's International Conference on Positive Aging in Los Angeles. The eve..."

A Beautiful Mind

On Wednesday afternoon, December 8th, I spoke at the Fielding Institute's International Conference on Positive Aging in Los Angeles. The event was held at the Center for Non-Profit Management which sits next to Chinatown and the old Union Train Station. It is one of the most colorful and historical areas of Los Angeles.

The conference presentations were divided into 4 categories: wellness, life transitions, creativity, and community and the workshops were given over a 3 day period. My workshop focused on the storyline of the Wizard of Oz and the merits of play for both sheer enjoyment and for positively altering brain chemistry.

Aligning the main hallway leading to the workshop rooms were tall posters with short stories written on them by vibrant people who had discovered the secrets of what it means to have and retain a beautiful and healthy mind. Here is what these very inspired elders had to say:

A beautiful mind feels free to discover new things, avoids rigid thinking, and solves problems in new ways.
A beautiful mind is optimistic and sees the good in life and in others.
A beautiful mind believes that excellent nutrition and regular exercise are as important as entertaining new ideas.
A beautiful mind enjoys and savors every moment.
A beautiful mind keeps the body active and feeds the brain the nutrients it requires.
A beautiful mind thinks creatively, lives in the moment,  risks failing, and says 'yes' to life.
A beautiful mind loves to learn new things.
A beautiful mind treats the body like a dear friend.
A beautiful mind knows how to play, how to enjoy, and how to have fun.
A beautiful mind is not concerned with age, position, status, or having to have anything or anyone.
A beautiful mind simply is.

Land of Oz Workshops Blog: The Creator of the Wizard of Oz

Land of Oz Workshops Blog: The Creator of the Wizard of Oz: "L. Frank BaumThe Creator of the Wizard of OzJohn A. Tamiazzo, PhD The 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz starring Judy Garland as Dorothy, was bas..."

The Creator of the Wizard of Oz

L. Frank Baum

The Creator of the Wizard of Oz

John A. Tamiazzo, PhD

The 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz starring Judy Garland as Dorothy, was based upon the children’s book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, written by American author, L. Frank Baum in 1899.  He wrote 13 sequels to the Wizard of Oz, 9 other fantasy novels, 82 short stories, and over 200 poems. In 1897, Baum wrote a children’s book, Mother Goose in Prose which was illustrated by Maxfield Parrish.

In 1890, Baum became the editor of The Aberdeen Saturday Pioneer and wrote many articles about religion and spirituality. His topics included the philosophies of Buddha, Mohammed, Confucius, Christianity, and Theosophy. Baum and his wife formally joined the Theosophical Society of Chicago in 1892. Many of its teachings appear in The Wizard of Oz, including universal brotherhood and sisterhood, the search for and discovery of truth, the existence of a reality beyond the physical world, using power and magic for good or evil purposes, and the importance of developing balance and harmony within one’s self and in the world around. Baum was a staunch believer in women’s rights, and he wrote and marched on their behalf.

As a Theosophist, Baum believed in the immortality of the soul and that he and his wife had been together in many past lives. He supported Theosophist’s beliefs that life on earth is just one stage of the journey to spiritual awareness and that many lifetimes are necessary to achieve full consciousness. He had a deep respect for all religions in search of truth and that inspire participants on a path towards enlightenment with the Creator.

Many prominent Theosophists include: Helena Blavatsky, Paul Gauguin, William Butler Yates, T.S. Eliot, Annie Besant, and Alice Bailey.

John A. Tamiazzo is a renowned expert in fields of health and wellness and a workshop leader specializing in the Psychology and Physiology of Positive Aging. He will be speaking at the International Conference on Positive Aging in Los Angeles on December 8^th.  He is the author of Returning to the Land of Oz: Finding Hope, Love, and Courage on Your Yellow Brick Road, available at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com

http://landofozworkshops.blogspot.com/ 

Land of Oz Workshops Blog: The Wizard of Oz

Land of Oz Workshops Blog: The Wizard of Oz: "Returning to the Land of Oz Following in the footsteps of Dorothy, the Scarecrow,..."

The Wizard of Oz

Returning to the Land of Oz                                                            

Following in the footsteps of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion, Returning to the Land of Oz takes a fresh psychological look at the important lessons we can learn from the marvelous tale, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, written by L. Frank Baum and illustrated by W.W. Denslow in 1900. The 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz, has been viewed by over 2 billion people world-wide and has been voted the favorite family film of all time.

L. Frank Baum, Sigmund Freud, and W.W. Denslow were born just 10 days apart in the month of May, 1856. In the 1890’s, Freud was writing about free association, analytical psychology and dream interpretation. During this same time, L. Frank Baum was engaged in successfully writing children’s books. His most famous were Mother Goose in Prose, illustrated by Maxfield Parrish, and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. For the latter, his protagonist was a delightful girl who courageously found her way to the Wizard of Oz, won her freedom from bondage from the Wicked Witch, and returned safely home with the help of the friends she met along the way.

Baum added a little dog to comfort her and six colorful characters to spar and interact with. Given all of its brilliant theories and complex terminology, the field of psychology has not provided us with better insights for successfully making personal changes and maneuvering through the intricacies of life than The Wizard of Oz.

Through an exploration of symbolism and metaphor, John A. Tamiazzo’s Returning to the Land of Oz shows readers how to masterfully use the power of the mind and wisdom of the imagination to experience life to the fullest. It illustrates the healthiness of play, the fulfillment of living with an open heart, and the empowerment we relish in by drawing upon our inner courage and resourcefulness.  Returning to the Land of Oz helps readers to realize that all of us are on our own Yellow Brick Roads, on our magical way to see the Wizard, and to claim what is rightfully ours.

Returning to the Land of Oz: Finding Hope, Love, and Courage on Your Yellow Brick Road is available at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com

You can visit Dr. Tamiazzo’s blog site at www.landofozworkshops.blogspot.com

Land of Oz Workshops Blog: Defying the Aging Process

Land of Oz Workshops Blog: Defying the Aging Process: "Defying the Aging ProcessJohn A. Tamiazzo, PhD Defying the aging process are four buzz-words that headline articles and advertisements all o..."

Defying the Aging Process

Defying the Aging Process

John A. Tamiazzo, PhD

Defying the aging process are four buzz-words that headline articles and advertisements all over the web. Manufacturers of skin care products, Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeons, and alternative Skin Care Specialists fill the airwaves with their anti-aging messages.  The fact is, you can defy the aging process by incorporating sensible eating habits, nutritional awareness, daily exercise, dynamic creative imagery, simple stress management techniques, and fun life-style changes.

We live in very stressful times and it is a known fact that stress ages us. Stress interferes with collagen production and our skin suffers. Under the constant duress of stress, we look older, feel older, and lose our vitality. When we are constantly under stress and the natural stress response is not completely shut off, we experience a chemical imbalance eventually damaging  joint tissues and blood vessel linings. In short, when the natural stress response is not turned off, the body is constantly on the defensive and inflammation ensues.

Chronic inflammation is central to many common diseases and health problems that develop causing deterioration of the joints and surrounding tissues, mobility challenges, pain, and digestive problems. In regard to the latter, a growing number of medical researchers are finding that inflammation begins in the digestive tract. Anxiety, depression, fear, anger, resentment, and diet all directly affect the proper functioning of the digestive system.

30 million Americans take anxiety medication on a regular basis and an equal number take prescribed and over-the-counter remedies for indigestion. In addition, current research shows that 60 million Americans have problems with sleep. Poor digestion is one of the main causes of interrupted and poor sleep.

What can we do? The first thing to address is diet. “Food is like a pharmaceutical compound that affects the brain,” said Fernando Gomez-Pinella, a UCLA professor of neurosurgery and physiological science. “Diet, exercise, and sleep have the potential to alter our brain health. This raises the exciting possibility that changes in diet are a viable strategy for enhancing cognitive abilities, protecting the brain from damage, and counteracting the effects of aging.”

We are a country of junk food junkies. We buy our food at huge super markets that, in most cases, do not care about our health and well-being. Do not entrust this responsibility to your doctor, the pharmaceutical companies, the FDA, or the food industry. Your health is in your hands and it is up to you to educate yourself on how to take care of your body, your miracle brain, and your wellness.

In an article I read the other day, medical researchers estimated that at the current rate, 1 out of 3 people will have diabetes in America by 2050. Think about it. If an engineer told you that in 5 years your home would most likely slide off of its foundation would you do nothing? The point is, we are in the midst of a health crisis in America and things do not seem to be getting better.

To dramatically improve your health, you need to radically alter your diet. Eat organic fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and lots of whole grains. Make sure that the bread you eat is whole grain and has at least 4-5 grams of fiber per slice. Cut out the high fructose corn syrup or aspartame tainted foods and drinks. The average soda contains the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar and Americans consume 150 pounds of sugar per person a year! Eliminate the fast food, processed food, and rethink all that dairy and meat.  Dairy, meat, fast food and processed food have much too much fat and saturated fat, more than your digestive system and brain can process. Add spices to your meals loaded with antioxidants such as turmeric, clove, cinnamon, cumin, ginger, and rosemary. Eat foods abounding in omega-3 fatty acids like wild salmon (not this farmed junk or genetically engineered salmon), walnuts, and flax seeds. Start the day with a cup of organic soy or almond  milk, a cup of frozen or fresh wild organic blueberries or strawberries, a teaspoon of almond butter, and half a banana mixed in a blender. As you know, there is much controversy about soy. Make sure the soy milk is made from whole organic soybeans. Check John Robbins insights on soy http://www.johnrobbins.info/blog/what-about-soy/      


Try a cereal like Kashi Go Lean red box.  It is very low in sugar, no fat, no cholesterol, high in potassium, low in sodium, very high in protein and fiber. It is a great choice compared to all the junk cereals out there. Forget the latte and a muffin.

Learn effective stress management techniques, relaxation techniques, and mind enhancing reframing skills. Listen to relaxing music.. Learn natural pain management skills and participate in fun and enjoyable exercise, such as dancing, swimming, walking, and hiking. Take time to play. Play with your loved ones, your animals, your children, and your mate. Spend lots of quality time in nature. Trees, plants, flowers, the ocean, rivers, lakes, and forests, are naturally healing and harmonizing. Take good care of your skin. Use quality products daily and make sure you and your loved one give each other a facial and massage at least once a week.

The fact is you have the power to make positive changes in your life that will impact your health for years to come. You can defy the aging process. You have that power.

John A. Tamiazzo, PhD has been an instructor with the Santa Barbara City College Adult Education program for over 25 years. He is the author of Returning to the Land of Oz: Finding Hope, Love, and Courage on your Yellow  Brick Road, now available at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com  Visit his blog site www.landofozworkshops.blogspot.com

Land of Oz Workshops Blog: Returning to the Land of Oz

Land of Oz Workshops Blog: Returning to the Land of Oz: "Finding Hope, Love & Courage on Your Yellow Brick Road Followin..."

Returning to the Land of Oz

Finding Hope, Love & Courage on Your Yellow Brick Road
                                                                             

Following in the footsteps of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion, Returning to the Land of Oz takes a fresh psychological look at the important lessons we can learn from the marvelous tale, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, written by L. Frank Baum and illustrated by W.W. Denslow in 1900. The 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz, has been viewed by over 2 billion people world-wide and has been voted the favorite family film of all time.

L. Frank Baum, Sigmund Freud, and W.W. Denslow were born just 10 days apart in the month of May, 1856. In the 1890’s, Freud was writing about free association, analytical psychology and dream interpretation. During this same time, L. Frank Baum was engaged in successfully writing children’s books. His most famous were Mother Goose in Prose, illustrated by Maxfield Parrish, and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. For the latter, his protagonist was a delightful girl who courageously found her way to the Wizard of Oz, won her freedom from bondage from the Wicked Witch, and returned safely home with the help of the friends she met along the way.

Baum added a little dog to comfort her and six colorful characters to spar and interact with. Given all of its brilliant theories and complex terminology, the field of psychology has not provided us with better insights for successfully making personal changes and maneuvering through the intricacies of life than The Wizard of Oz.

Through an exploration of symbolism and metaphor, John A. Tamiazzo’s Returning to the Land of Oz shows readers how to masterfully use the power of the mind and wisdom of the imagination to experience life to the fullest. It illustrates the healthiness of play, the fulfillment of living with an open heart, and the empowerment we relish in by drawing upon our inner courage and resourcefulness.  Returning to the Land of Oz helps readers to realize that all of us are on our own Yellow Brick Roads, on our magical way to see the Wizard, and to claim what is rightfully ours.

Returning to the Land of Oz: Finding Hope, Love, and Courage on Your Yellow Brick Road is available at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com

You can visit Dr. Tamiazzo’s blog site at www.landofozworkshops.blogspot.com

Land of Oz Workshops Blog: Returning to the Land of Love: Finding Hope, Love,...

Land of Oz Workshops Blog: Returning to the Land of Love: Finding Hope, Love,...: "In the charming film, Don Juan de Marco, Johnny Depp told Marlon Brando that there are only four questions of value to ask: What is sacred? ..."

Returning to the Land of Love: Finding Hope, Love, and Courage on Your Yellow Brick Road

In the charming film, Don Juan de Marco, Johnny Depp told Marlon Brando that there are only four questions of value to ask: What is sacred? Of what is the Spirit made? What is worth living for? What is worth dying for? He then said that the answer to each question is the same....love!

Nothing in life is more important than love. To love another is one of the greatest experiences in life and to be loved in return with equal passion is a miracle to be cherished. Love is essential to life. Love is life. Love shines as the subject of poets, the music of composers, and the lyrics of song writers. Once we are touched by the magic of love we are never quite the same. Once we taste the nectar of love we are not satisfied with anything less. Love transforms the ordinary and simple things we do together into extraordinary experiences.

Love has many dimentions: mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. These dimensions represent the ways we talk to each other; the ways we express our feelings; the ways we touch and caress; and the ways we meditate, pray, and walk to God together. All four play essential parts in the passion and grandeur of love's continual expression and evolution.

Welcome to Land of Oz Workshops Blog

Maximizing Your Brain Power

By John Tamiazzo, Land of Oz Workshops Blog In L. Frank Baum's enchanting story, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the Scarecrow wanted a brain. The fact is, the brain is a very complex organism and it is imperative to know how to properly feed it, take care of it, and nurture it so it does exactly what it was designed to do. There are many ways to feed the brain. We feed the brain by what we eat, what we think, the beliefs and values we hold, the attitudes we possess, and the emotions we express. We feed the brain by the way we react to life events. Positively altering brain chemistry through exercise and continuing to learn new things feeds the brain. Andrew Weil, M.D. once said that ‘Fast food is one of the most unhealthful dietary developments in human history.” Richard Wurtman, research psychiatrist at MIT said, “The ability of a meals composition to affect the production of brain chemicals distinguishes the brain from all other organs.” Is it possible that the food we eat dramatically affects our brain chemistry and, thus, the healthy functioning of the brain? Let’s take a look at the inner workings of the brain and how the food we eat each and every day can play a major role in maximizing brainpower. The brain is 50-60 percent fat and, thus, is the favorite breeding ground for free radicals. Free radicals are hazardous chemicals that corrupt your brain cells genetic DNA and erode the neurons normal functioning. Free radicals are generated when you breathe or burn calories during normal metabolism. So, they are a natural part of living. But, they are also generated when you breathe in cigarette smoke and polluted air. Free radicals are carried into cells through food, notably fatty food. Under certain circumstances, free radicals are good in that they help to destroy invading bacteria and viruses. But, once they get out of control, they can wreak havoc on your brain cells. A high-fat diet and sugary foods are enemies of the brain. The human brain was never designed to process the amount of sugar we feed it. It is estimated that each person in the US consumes nearly 150 pounds of sugar a year! In addition, we consume foods rich in saturated fats, transfats, and prepared with hydrogenated oils. If you look closely at most of the food stocked in supermarkets across America and you take the time to read what is in the food and how much fat and suger it contains, you might be surprised at how unhealthy the food is. A can of soda typically contains 10 teaspoons of sugar regardless if it is regular or diet. Antioxidants are chemicals that neutralize free radicals and keep them under control. Antioxidants act as the body’s ever-vigilant army that searches out and destroys free radicals and attempts to repair the damage they have caused. It is important that antioxidants predominate over free radicals to enhance the brain’s circuitry and repair the cells when necessary. Antioxidants are best produced by eating foods that are antioxidant rich. Creating a strong presence of antioxidants is one of the most important things you can do for the continuing health of your brain.  The deep color in fruits and vegetables indicate their antioxidant richness. Antioxidant foods include: raisins, prunes, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, garlic, kale, plums, broccoli, beets, avocado, oranges, red grapes, red pepper, grapefruit, kidney beans, pinto beans, eggplant, banana, apples, tomatoes, especially cooked tomato as in paste or sauce. Antioxidant rich nuts include pecans, walnuts, peanuts, and sunflower seeds. Barley, oats, oatmeal, and millet are excellent sources. Spices include cinnamon, cloves, and oregano. Antioxidant beverages include apple, grapefruit, orange, tomato, green tea, red wine, and dark beer. Alcoholic beverages need to be consumed in moderation. Dark chocolate, thank God, is a rich antioxidant and when consumed in moderation it is an excellent brain food. Consider eating dark chocolate that is at least 70% cacao. And also consider eating dark chocolate as your primary desert. Forget about fat laden-artery clogging-gas producing-cholesterol-rich deserts like cakes, pies, ice cream, cookies, etc. In extreme moderation they are fine. Dark chocolate is your best bet and your miracle brain will love you for it!