Our past experiences often color how we react to the world. Whether you realize it or not, old hurts and experiences from childhood, such as feelings of not being loved, accepted or fitting in, can shape our responses to things that happen to us today and in the future. Wouldn't you love to escape those limitations? To fully live your life in the present? To realize your full potential?

"The mind is like a computer which stores our past experiences, including those painful limiting, difficult experiences from our childhood," explains spiritual teacher and author Leonard Jacobson, who will present two free seminars during the 10th annual Body Mind Life Expo (www.101expos.com), February 27-28, 2010 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. "When we live in the present, we're free of those limiting beliefs, and we can live a full and awakened life. We can achieve a much deeper level of freedom and peace." The Body Mind Life Expo is Midwest's largest health and natural products event, attracting thousands of consumers with traditional, cutting edge, natural and holistic speakers, exhibitors and entertainers.

"Even if you are not on a spiritual path, you will benefit immensely from becoming more present in your life and your relationships," says Jacobson. As you become more present:

• You will heal the emotional traumas of the past.
• You will free yourself from the limiting beliefs learned in childhood.
• You will still your mind and free yourself from those endless thoughts.
• You will be free from blame, guilt, and resentment.
• You will be more in touch with your feelings.
• You will feel more empowered.
• You will feel less anxious about the future.
• You will be less judgmental of yourself and others.
• You will not lose yourself in seeking acceptance and approval from others.
• You will feel less afraid of death, and more available to life.
• You will be more spontaneous and adventurous.
• You will be more open and loving.

He adds that when you live in the present, you act with compassion and integrity. "When you are fundamentally awake in the truth of life, you are substantially free of ego motivations and reactions. At the deeper levels of presence, you will begin to experience those levels of consciousness that the great masters have been speaking of since the days of Buddha."

Jacobson's seminar, Embracing the present, Living an awakened life, is sponsored by The Edge: Soul of the Cities, www.soulofthecities.net, which serves the Twin Cities' holistic community. Under the new ownership of Cathy Jacobson and Tim Miejan, the publication has enhanced its online presence and magazine content to support topics relevant to the mind, body and soul.

Over the years, the Body Mind Life Expo has become a trusted clearinghouse for health-related information. Those watching their pennies appreciate the fact that admission always includes free back-to-back seminars on everything from proper exercise techniques, weight management and anti-aging tips, to the latest on the use of therapeutic essential oils and other fact-based ideas for taking control of your physical, emotional and spiritual health.

People also spend quality time exploring local resources including holistic services, environmentally-friendly products, stress-free vacation ideas, workshops and classes, counseling and motivational centers, clinics, acupuncture/bodywork services and more.

Benefiting underserved women and their families touched by breast cancer.
Mid-America Events & Expos, producers of the Body Mind Life Expo, is donating 50 percent of all ticket sales from its 2010 expos to Hope Chest for Breast Cancer, which will also be given a booth at each show.

Visit www.101expos.com to Shop at the Show before you go. Admission is $3 with the half price coupon available at www.101expos.com, and free to kids 17 and under when accompanied by an adult. Further information is available on the expo hotline: 612-798-7256.

This year's Body Mind Life Expo is made possible in part by 5 Eyewitness News, KSTC Channel 45 and The Edge: Soul of the Cities.

Media Note: To schedule an interview with Robin Kocina, contact Media Relations, Inc. at 612-798-7220.

About Leonard Jacobson

Leonard Jacobson is deeply committed to helping others break through to the joyous experience of living in the NOW. He teaches how to become fundamentally present and how to arise in mastery of your mind and ego, so that you are no longer involuntarily pulled out of Presence.

He has been teaching people how to be present for over 25 years. When you attend one of Leonard's events, you will enter into the direct experience of the awakened state.

He is the founder of The Conscious Living Foundation, a registered non-profit organization. In 2005, he was awarded the Peace Prize by Religious Science International, although he is not affiliated or associated with any religion or church. His teaching is both inclusive of and transcendent of all religions and spiritual traditions. It is for all those genuinely seeking to awaken, and for all those who want to overcome the pain and limitations of the past, and open into an more loving and abundant world.

He is the author of four books, Words from Silence, Embracing the Present, Bridging Heaven & Earth and his latest book, Journey into Now.