Wisdom from the Heart ~ Page 4

Excerpt from: Waking Up, Learning What Your Life is Trying to Teach You

People do what seems best from their own perspective, which looks through filters of fears and doubts, unmet needs and stuck attachments, fixed beliefs and conditioning, bad experiences and false information, pessimism and desperation ... or the clear spectacles of hope and faith, understanding and optimism, and love and compassion.

Accompanying article: Living with BS also Known as Belief Systems ~ by Joyce Shafer
Every belief system (or BS) colors experience in a different way, rosy-red or gloomy black or some unique personal flavor…. We can all see how other people’s BS makes them blind and “stupid” at times, but we find it very hard to notice how our own BS is doing the same to us…. The world is not governed by facts or logic. It is governed by BS (belief systems).

As Ali Akba Khan said, “Music is like food. When you need it you don’t have to explain why, because it is basic to life.” Singing is a divine gift, a birthright for all of us - not just those people we call “singers.” The voice connects the body, the inner and the outer world - it can explore and express, transcend and heal.

Accompanying article: Living with BS also Known as Belief Systems ~ by Joyce Shafer
The singing voice is a vehicle connecting us with the flow of life that gushes through our being at full force. The singing voice, through the media of breath and sound, supports the process of transforming energy patterns, creates measurable beneficial effects in the physical body, and influences consciousness more efficiently than any other form of sound. Like no other sound, the voice becomes a link with our spiritual life by revealing deeper aspects of the Self.

That’s the law of attraction described best, no more, no less. Life is as you make it; your heart emanates love (pure intent) and the universe reflects those vibrations back, multiplied in every way imaginable.

Accompanying article: How To Be Positive About Everything ~ by Jasmuheen
The mind is like a parachute, when it opens up it will save your life. With an open mind you don’t have to try so hard to only think positive thoughts. You can allow for any life experience to show up and simply open your mind to seeing the positive outcome out of it. It is a constant moment to moment choice to have an open positive mind. If you can just choose to have an open mind, you’ll be able to manifest anything and everything you want in life.

So much better to recognize and respect our differences than to criticize and judge, which only leads to loneliness and separation.

Accompanying article: The Art of Resonance ~ by Jasmuheen
Without our willingness to channel the best, we cannot even begin. Whether it is creating a new life, or a new world, or a piece of art or music or writing, it all begins with being open.

When we love ourselves, the more we are open to discovering our ideas; and the more we love others, the more we are open to sharing them.

Accompanying article: Willingness ~ by Jasmuheen
In their desire to improve the quality and/or length of their life, many individuals today are following inner guidance to cleanse themselves – not just on a physical level, but also on an emotional and mental level. They are eating less, preferably light food. Emotionally, they are also ‘processing’ and letting go of emotional baggage – emotions of fear, hate, guilt, worry, anxiety, anger, etc. – which, when unresolved, are stored in the various organs of the physical body.

If love is the unconditional acceptance of what is, then fear is the non-acceptance of what is, leading to resistance. Where there is love, oneness naturally exists; where there is fear, understanding and compassion go missing.

Accompanying article: Jiddu Krishnamurti on Fear
Do we now know what fear is? Is it not the non-acceptance of what is? We must understand the word ‘acceptance’. I am not using that word as meaning the effort made to accept. There is no question of accepting when I perceive what is. When I do not see clearly what is, then I bring in the process of acceptance. Therefore fear is the non-acceptance of what is.

We can’t help but have relationships, however whether they are empowering or drag us down depends on the quality of communication - the way we bounce off people. In particular, we need the kind of respect that leads to listening without prejudice and judgment.

Accompanying article: Jiddu Krishnamurti on Relationship
If there is real relationship between two people, which means there is communion between them, then the implications are enormous. Then there is no isolation; there is love and not responsibility or duty. It is the people who are isolated behind their walls who talk about duty and responsibility. A man who loves does not talk about responsibility - he loves. Therefore he shares with another his joy, his sorrow, his money. Are your families such? Is there direct communion with your wife, with your children?

It is people like this who have progressed furthest in their spiritual development, not necessarily those who use advanced methods of meditation, attend expensive seminars or have mastered psychic tricks.

Accompanying article: Jiddu Krishnamurti on Love
Sympathy, forgiveness, the relationship of possessiveness, jealousy and fear - all these things are not love. They are all of the mind, are they not? As long as the mind is the arbiter, there is no love, for the mind arbitrates only through possessiveness and its arbitration is merely possessiveness in different forms. The mind can only corrupt love, it cannot give birth to love, it cannot give beauty. You can write a poem about love, but that is not love.

It’s all too easy for us to be focused on the world that closely surrounds us, pressing problems and relationships stresses, and our work speciality... and forget we are also part of something infinitely greater and totally amazing.

Accompanying article: The Doorway to the Meaning of Life ~ by Owen Waters
At some point in your life, you look up from the hypnotizing clamor of daily existence and seek meaning in that which is above the physical realm of existence. In that moment, when your attention is focused on whatever higher consciousness may bring, you are receptive to new ideas and new information.

The real problem, then, is not fully understanding the situation, not perceiving with an open enough mind - there’s something in this apparent problem that we’re just not seeing, at least not yet (the solution). Check out: what am I intolerant of, unsure about, ignorant of, assuming, believing, anticipating, suppressing, invalidating, not acknowledging, not taking responsibility for?

Accompanying article: The Gift of Problems ~ by Philip Humbert
Consider the amazing gifts problems give us, free of charge! Problems challenge us. They stretch us. They make us creative. They teach us things and force us to learn from or collaborate with very smart people. Sometimes I think of problems as God’s gift to the human race!

‘Living in the present’ as we are often encouraged to do, means to perceive what is as it is, without judgement and prejudice, with acceptance and gratitude, with an open mind that is not governed by fears and unhelpful old solutions. But it doesn’t mean to forget past helpful lessons nor to abandon creating an exciting future.

Accompanying article: A Different Form of Stress and Management ~ by Joyce Shafer
Our mind can use us or we can use it. We can believe we are our mind, that we are our thoughts. We aren’t, but we often act as though we are. Practice watching your mind think. Then practice realizing that you are the watcher, the observer, watching the mind think; that you are not the same entity. If you were your mind, you couldn’t watch it from an observer’s point of view. The mind is a tool for us to use; it is not the Being we truly are, just as your car assists you to go places but you are the driver, separate from the car.

Or we can do nothing and go the way of the ‘dodo.’

Accompanying article: Why Do You Pursue Spiritual Evolution? ~ by Joyce Shafer
The way to evolve, to expand awareness, is to open to it; to put what we learn into practice; to observe and assess the before, during, and after aspects; and to appreciate what we witness, including and especially at the feeling level, because this holistic or multi-faceted process teaches us about ourselves, Source, and what’s possible for us. How we develop an intimate connection with Source is as individual as we are. This relationship, if nurtured and experienced, can calm any and all discontent or insecurity... because we can absolutely know who we are and can behave, act, and create from there... more often than not, and as we evolve.

The opening of our hearts is the greatest hope for the evolution of Mankind as we move into critical times.

It’s impossible to feel grateful and in the same moment depressed, angry or afraid. If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, your heart will soon be filled with love and understanding, a feeling that nurtures the soul. As Meister Eckhardt says, “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.”

Accompanying article: 6 Ways To Be Happier and More Grateful ~ by Dr. Alan Zimmerman
One of the secrets of true happiness is gratefulness. When gratefulness rules in a person’s heart and is evident in his/her attitudes, then crazed ambition, greed, entitlement and negativity are eliminated. Bottom line, the more gratefulness you exhibit, the more positive and productive ... and yes, happy ... you’re going to be. Here are six ways to build your senses of gratefulness...

If you believe you can do something, then you almost certainly can, provided you are open to learning. Simple as that.

Accompanying article: The 3 Rs That Guarantee Success ~ by Dr. Alan Zimmerman
If you want more of anything ... greater productivity in your organization, higher morale in your department, better communication in your family, or more of anything else ... you’ve got to make some changes. Period! There is simply no way to get around this “fact of life.” You can’t do the same old thing the same old way and expect to see any improvements in your work or personal lives. The good news is ... positive, productive change is entirely possible if you follow a three-step process....

It’s not till you try it yourself that you realize how demanding it is to parent a child. Then at last you can understand things from the parent’s point of view, as well as from your own inner child’s eyes.

Accompanying article: How to Use a Family Meeting as a Discipline Tool ~ by Michelle LaRowe
Many of the skills children need to regulate their behavior and navigate the challenges they face every day are taught and practiced in the family meeting. They learn to listen to others respectfully, they get to see and be a part of the problem solving process, they experience the value of a cooling off period before tackling an issue, they come to understand that accountability is an important part of moving past mistakes, and they see cooperation between children and adults in action.

Our vision pulls us toward its fulfillment. It gives us the energy to do whatever’s necessary... so anything is possible if we believe in our dream and refuse to let it go.

Accompanying article: Success is Three Rules and a Big IDEA ~ by Philip Humbert
Change is a journey into the unknown. It means creating a “new you!” Of course there will be doubts, surprises, set-backs, and failures along the way. What did you expect? If your goal is worth doing, it’s going to be difficult at times. When you find that something is harder than you dreamed or didn’t work like you expected, you’ll need internal motivation that pulls, pushes, and drives you forward! You need to pick yourself up, brush yourself off and try again. Only a heart-felt DESIRE will do that! Discipline and determination, even pride, are not enough. Only DESIRE will keep you going forward.

Too often we think of listening as waiting for the other person to stop talking so we can get our opinion, feelings, or thoughts expressed. Of course, this isn’t listening at all. To listen properly, generously, keep an empty mind, focus solely on understanding what the other says, without judgment. Be one with the other; they will thank you for it.

Video: Generous Listening ~ a video by Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen
Rachel shares how we can use “generous listening” to deepen our connection with patients - and those we care for - with this simple, yet profound technique...

That’s what Oneness is about. And to quote John Muir: “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” And Albert Einstein: “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

Accompanying article: Out of My Mind and Into Grace ~ by Debbie Milam
As I step out of my door, I step out of my mind. The mind that can be so full of day to day concerns, the ever pressing need to fix what is problematic, the desire for things to be different than they are. But as I step out into nature, I invite God to walk with me. I welcome him to show me the gifts that can only be embraced in the present moment...

The truths of life are simple. The reasons why are frequently complex, a combination of many factors and logic, that can easily become misdirected, conflicting and and confusing, even within our own minds. And yet despite this, truth can often be intuitively discerned. This is universal truth that we can all access if we are in touch with our inner nature.

Accompanying article: The Doorway to the Meaning of Life ~ by Owen Waters
At some point in your life, you look up from the hypnotizing clamor of daily existence and seek meaning in that which is above the physical realm of existence. In that moment, when your attention is focused on whatever higher consciousness may bring, you are receptive to new ideas and new information...

At some time we each have to face up to the fact that our mortal body will eventually die; nothing we can do about that. But we may not choose to face up to the fact that our relationship is in a mess, that we are in the wrong job, or that we have not been doing a good job bringing up our kids. In this state of denial, things just carry on the same, whereas if we faced up to the truth, it’s likely a lot could be done to improve the situation.

Accompanying article: How to Master Anxiety and Worry ~ by Matt Clarkson
Do you ever worry beyond reason? Does your mind tend to overestimate the risks of life and underestimate the powers and resources you have to handle those risks? Do you feel a subtle, yet persistent, sense of anxiety that runs like an undercurrent just beneath your conscious awareness? If so, you’re not alone. Most of us have some of that going on. Let’s talk about what you can do about it...

Love illuminates prejudice, bigotry and partisanship because they are seen to cause separation; this is in stark contrast to the communication, empathy, understanding and resulting compassion brought about by love.

Accompanying article: 10 Ways You Are Spiritual ~ by Deepak Chopra
Without our willingness to channel the best, we cannot even begin. Whether it is creating a new life, or a new world, or a piece of art or music or writing, it all begins with being open.

For many people work is drudgery, but when you’re doing something worthwhile, according to your own values, the situation is transformed. Then production = morale. The more you get done, the better you feel.

Accompanying article: The Joy of Good Work ~ by Philip Humbert
Too many of us believe “work” is something to be avoided, and these people dream of a path to instant wealth, because then they would “never work again.” I suspect that’s why the universe makes sure most of them never achieve the success they desire! I see work as a great honor and source of fulfillment, although clearly there is both “good” and “bad” work. I also believe the difference between “good” and “bad” work is one of the most important distinctions in life! It makes all the difference between a life of success and fulfillment, and one of disappointment.

Tabitha’s mother, Margaretha Du Toit from South Africa, provides the commentary today:

Before you can conquer your fears you first have to open your eyes and look at the monster objectively to realize its size and its impact before we can decide how best to face and diminish it. Sometimes we are not even willing to look because we cannot handle what we see. Looking in the dark entails seeing that there is always a way out, there is always a door or a window open somewhere, we just need to close our spiritual eyes for a few moments and evaluate the situation, then when we open our eyes again... everything will be brighter and easier to see. It is about realizing that we CAN see I in the dark! Even in the midst of the greatest storm of our lives, we can still see if we would only look because it is only our fears and inhibitions that blind us. We are not really blinded in the dark, it is just a perception.

Accompanying article: The Battle of Fear and Faith ~ by Karen Wright
How do you make a decision? You just do. There are no logical processes or rational models to substitute for pure courage, faith, and trust. That’s what this life is all about. Choosing and acting on your choice. And then choosing again. It’s impossible for me to choose wrong or live my life wrong. There is no correct way that someone has already outlined for how to live my life. It’s my life - one that has never been lived before. It’s my choice - and mine alone.

Barbara Norby (of Life of Learning Foundation) responded to yesterday’s quote... “Isn’t it amazing how people everywhere hold the same false beliefs and hear the same destructive voices in our heads? We can call that the lower self. That in itself shows that we are all basically one consciousness, albeit based in physicality and duality.

“But to the bright side, there is also a higher consciousness, a Oneness, we share. We can wake up to that lower self, see that it has never served or protected us, and let go... into the Silence and Stillness where there already exists the freedom and peace we long for.”

Audios: Seven Steps to Oneness ~ by Guy Finley
When all is said and done, there is only one freedom that cannot be diminished, and only one place where its abiding peace can be found: all that your heart longs for lives within your True Self.

I’m not good enough; you can’t change the way you are; I don’t need anyone; I can’t trust anyone; if I am not in control, something bad will happen; I am a victim; I am superior to others; if I am vulnerable, I will get hurt; I am bad; I am stupid; I must be perfect; I’m a loser; I am my flaws; whatever I do won’t be enough; I don’t deserve to be happy; when bad things happen, it is my fault; others can but I can’t; I deserve to feel bad; my needs are not important; if I give in to others, I will lose my point of view; there’s something wrong with me; you’re stuck with your beliefs; I’m not worthy of love; I have to do everything perfectly; I shouldn’t show my true feelings; I am responsible for how others feel; I must be in control; having problems means I don’t have it together; success is for better people than me; I won’t succeed so why bother trying; I have to do as I am told - and a thousand others likewise, and that’s just those relevant to personal development. We learn these things in childhood and they are contagious from person to person. And false.

Accompanying article: Reduce the Drama in Your Life and Become Your Own Healer ~ by Joyce Shafer
Do you make a genuine effort to process through and beyond negative emotions? If you don’t, and these emotions get stuck in your energy field, life can become one drama after another. You’re here to live and to learn from your day-to-day experiences. You can allow your experiences to be toxic to you energetically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and bodily, or you can transmute your experiences into opportunities, especially to expand conscious awareness and Knowing.

Loving service brings fulfillment like nothing else. And that doesn’t need to be a big deal, in the news or on a huge scale. It’s also simply looking for opportunities to be helpful, to cheer with a smile, to do the right thing with no thought of reward. People like that warm the hearts of everyone they meet. And a surprising number of people - from every conceivable background - are like that.

Article:Gratitude Keeps Happiness Growing ~ by Jeanie Marshall
The world is a mirror, reflecting whatever you send out in your thoughts and words and actions. If you complain, everywhere you go, you will meet resistance, anger, hostility, and plenty to complain about. When your heart is filled with gratitude, your thoughts and words and actions are kind and loving and helpful. Your thoughts open doors.

Only you know whether you are living a life that is true to your values. Less is hypocrisy and self-deceit. But if you are you will naturally be confident and fearless.

Accompanying article: Your Personal Power Principles ~ by Philip Humbert
What are your top values? Do you have a list? Is it written down? Do you review it frequently? Have you shared it with loved ones, your closest colleagues and friends? And perhaps most importantly, do you have a system for measuring your progress? Does your actual behavior reflect your top priorities in terms of time, effort, thought, and investment? Are you closer to living the life you value today than you were a year ago?

Through self-acceptance without judgment - instead of feeling that we aren’t good enough - then we can start to respect ourselves. Through self-respect - instead of trying to please another’s expectation - then our true potential can start to shine.

Accompanying article: The ‘Stay In The Present, Be Here Now’ Thing ~ by John Earle
With awareness we are able to see when we have left the present, and we have the opportunity to come back to it. The present is right in front of us, what is happening right now. When we enter the present, we simultaneously let go of our fear filled fantasies, negative thoughts, worries and ancient resentments for a moment. This in turn brings inner peace. And here is a bonus. Wayne Dyer says that, “To be immersed and surrounded by peace is a great definition of enlightenment.” Awareness is looking even better!

Love, and loving service to our fellows, connects us so we do not live isolated lives and life becomes meaningful. Jesus once said that the care we offer to even the smallest child or the weakest old man is received as if it were offered to God. When societies and governments are no longer at the loving service of all people, then arrogance and exploitation risk snuffing out true human development and fulfillment. Only by loving and serving others, even with the simplest of gestures, will humanity regain a sense of happiness and hope.

As humanity evolves, we have to earn the raising of our vibrations in our etheric soul through good works and selfless service. Maslow said that self-actualizing individuals are motivated to continual growth. They are also aware of their primary goals in life and are devoted to fulfilling them, both for their own benefit and as service to others.

Accompanying article: What is Personal Development and Why Bother? ~ by Peter Shepherd
All too often our personal development has already ended by the time we reach adulthood. We’ve ‘grown up’ and know enough to hold down a job. If we are fortunate we find our niche and as much as possible solve the problems of survival, then we stick with those solutions. But our upbringing hasn’t taught us most of what we need to know in order to make the most of our potential, to have truly fulfilling careers and relationships.

This is the simple truth - opening the heart - that I feel is the basis of the current rise in human vibration and evolution of consciousness.

Accompanying article: The 5 Secrets to Letting In Love ~ by Jafree Ozwald
We all have a variety of ways that we guard and protect ourselves from getting hurt. The fortress built around the heart which protects us from the slightest possible pain, is also what’s blocking the softest, sweetest, most gentle healing energy from finding its way in. When our inner fortress remains too rigid and strong, it can push away those who are trying to give us love. When this occurs these walls no longer serve our highest good and its vital that we dismantle them. It’s only through dissolving these wounded walls that we can truly relax, lighten up and become receptive again to let in love.

Dreams are powerful. Robert Fritz describes this power as structural tension, pulling you like a stretched rubber band between your perception of current reality toward your inspired vision. Like an artist is inspired and energized to create the envisioned picture. This is the basis of intention that works, almost irrespective of the state of mind of the creator... Van Gogh’s mental illness didn’t prevent him repeatedly manifesting his vision in reality.

Accompanying article: Three Keys to Manifestation ~ by John Robson
If we study our existence, it seems that moment to moment, we are either experiencing or manifesting life. We dance these 2 steps continuously. We are touched by life and then we respond and touch life back. Let’s review the basic 2 steps in our dance through life...

Left and right brain, in practice - through which the mind and soul are expressed.

Accompanying article: How Your Mind Can Fool You ~ by Dr. Linda Sapadin
Defense mechanisms protect us from everyday hurt. We all use them. However, rely on them excessively and you distort ‘what is’, leaving yourself totally unprepared for the day that reality catches up with you.

Unless we take risks we get nowhere; it’s a dilemma...

To laugh is to risk appearing a fool
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental
To reach out for another is to risk involvement
To expose feelings is to risk rejection
To place your dreams before a crowd is to risk ridicule
To love is to risk not being loved in return
To go forward in the face of overwhelming odds
is to risk failure

But risks must be taken
because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
The person who risks nothing
does nothing, has nothing, is nothing.
He may avoid suffering and sorrows,
but he cannot learn, feel, change, grow, or love.
Chained by his certitudes, he is a slave -
he has forfeited his freedom.

Only a person who takes risks is FREE

Accompanying article: 3 Keys to Navigating Life’s Storms ~ by Dr. Terry A. Gordon
As a cardiologist, Dr. Terry Gordon dealt with life-and-death circumstances on a daily basis. He learned that life is precious and tenuous; it can change in an instant. Such a dramatic shift occurred when his son, Tyler, was involved in a car accident, sustaining a severe spinal-cord injury that left him paralyzed. Leading his family through the experience, Terry’s journey resulted in a spiritual awakening to a clearer understanding of life and the truths it has to offer.

Harmony in place of conflict is achieved by being true to your inner self, the loving part of you.

Accompanying article: The Path of Love ~ by Peter Shepherd
Love is the source of universal truth, therefore the perfect guide in our lives, and we each have an unlimited supply within us because it is who we are. We are made by Love, we are made of Love, and we are made for Love.

Our solid, physical world - home of the human animal - is based on duality. Our souls come from the afterlife dimension where there are levels of consciousness, from a less solid duality rising through to oneness, but we can taste oneness here and now through love.

Accompanying article: The Wisdom of the Real People ~ by Keith Varnum
The aborigines celebrate no holidays in our yearly manner. Morgan writes, “They do honor each tribe member sometime throughout the year--not on a specific birthday, but rather to acknowledge the person’s talent, his contribution to the community, his personal spiritual growth. Everyone is recognized by a special party, but it has nothing to do with age or birth date. It is in recognition of uniqueness and contribution to life.”

They believe that the purpose for the passage of time is to allow a person to become better, wiser, to express more and more of one’s BEINGNESS. So if you are a better person this year than last, and only you know that for certain, then you call for the party. They do not celebrate getting older. What they do celebrate is when someone is becoming better. The Real People say, ‘We celebrate if we are a better, wiser person this year than last. Only you would know, so it is you who tells the others when it is time to have the party.’

Sometimes, though, in-between achievements, getting off the bike is a good idea, to look at things with a more objective, less involved perspective. To reflect, learn lessons and plan. Left brain and right brain need to be in balance. Reach and withdraw. Being “in the flow” is not the whole of life.

Accompanying article: Recognize What’s Important - by Stephanie Marston
One of the cornerstones of reducing your stress is to know what you value-what’s most meaningful in your life. Yet when our life is all about completing the millions of tasks on our “to do” list we often lose our perspective. We lose our ability to discern between what’s important and what’s not because everything feels equally urgent - equally critical. No matter how frantic life gets, no matter how much frenzy seems to be present, the most successful people are able to rise above the pandemonium and maintain their perspective.

It’s still all to play for. Life is an adventure, a grand game. If we’re writing the book of our lives, best make it a good one with plenty of reversals, ups and downs, triumph and tragedy sometimes, and preferably, a brilliant ending that makes sense of all that comes before.

Accompanying article: Moving Through Puddles, or the Puddle Theory of Personal Development - by Jeanie Marshall
It’s still all to play for. Life is an adventure, a grand game. If we’re writing the book of our lives, best make it a good one with plenty of reversals, ups and downs, triumph and tragedy sometimes, and preferably, a brilliant ending that makes sense of all that comes before.

Empathy is easier if we recognize the other person’s experience within our own. Empathic communication is the basis of understanding, so this is fundamental to relationships.

Accompanying article: Communication: The #1 Key to Relationship Management ~ by Alan Zimmerman
Most day-to-day talk in work and home relationships does not strengthen the relationship. It is merely “functional” talk, such as “Customer Y needs that product shipped today ... We’ve got until this afternoon to finish the project ... The kids will be home at 5 ... and ... Let’s have pizza for dinner.” It gets a job done, but it does not increase the excitement level or bring the people any closer together. To build strong relationships, to manage all your relationships for the better, you’ve got to get beyond the fluff and the superficial. You’ve got to ask and answer brave questions. You’ve got to get to the real meat ... and you will be blessed with teams that work and relationships that work.

“Be true to yourself” is ages-old wisdom. We are each of us unique and special. If we don’t allow our special qualities to be drowned out, we can become a master in our individual sphere.

Accompanying article: Become A Master in Your Individual Sphere ~ by John Earle
We are all masters of our individual sphere. Every person we meet; every interaction we have is an opportunity to open the heart. We know what this means without any special training. We need no degree, or religion or special education. Kirpal Singh once said, “How can we tell if we are developing spiritually? We can tell by how well we tolerate others.”

We may find ourselves dwelling on such matters as our career paths and our vocational satisfaction, feeling trapped and unhappy yet afraid to break out and try something different. Take heart from Eleanor’s words. We are stronger than we believe; however desperate circumstances may seem, there is a path forward whereby all things remain possible.

Accompanying article: How I Overcame My Fear of Public Speaking ~ by Marc Tyrrell
I want you to believe that we can all learn to master fears and present more creatively to amuse, inspire, even captivate any audience. At one time I couldn’t even imagine presenting with confidence; now I can’t imagine presenting without feeling supremely self assured. You can too. Begin your journey to powerful presentations today - you can be a charismatic, memorable, confident presenter sooner than you think.

We may find ourselves dwelling on such matters as our career paths and our vocational satisfaction, feeling trapped and unhappy yet afraid to break out and try something different. Take heart from Eleanor’s words. We are stronger than we believe; however desperate circumstances may seem, there is a path forward whereby all things remain possible.

Accompanying article: Take Your Self to a Higher, Happier Level ~ by Guy Finley
You do have the freedom to choose the kind of world you call your own. Why spend your life in a steamy jungle of roaring thoughts, or in a dark valley filled with sad and worried emotions when, by choosing higher, you can live happier? Your days can be as cool and relaxed as a clear mountain stream, if you decide that’s the life you want.

The human animal (body-mind) experiences life as duality, and the human soul (when fully awakened) as non-duality. At the same time. And that’s OK... You don’t have to stop being a human when you are awakened to Oneness. You don’t have to give up your life and live in an isolated cave in order to be enlightened.

Accompanying article: What Movies Can Teach Us About Spiritual Growth ~ by Edwin Harkness Spina
Philosophers refer to this principle as the Hegelian Dialectic: Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis. It is the process of arriving at Truth from two opposing viewpoints. It is not a debate where each side tries to win the other over to its point of view. Rather, it is an attempt to use reason to determine the best possible solution to two seemingly irreconcilable alternatives. Oftentimes, a “third” way is discovered - a synthesis of the two opposing viewpoints. This is more than just a simple storytelling device - this is the basis of all growth and creation. Without an opposing force or viewpoint, nothing happens!

Mindfulness isn’t about being self-conscious. Instead, you have practiced implementing a principle into your life, such as being aware when behavior becomes reactive. Like a deliberately programmed habit that then becomes unconscious. So then alarm bells ring when you’re being carried along - feeling, thinking and acting reactively - and immediately you get back to being yourself. But that self is then in the moment, in the flow, enjoying life and not self-conscious.

Accompanying article: Act on What You Know Is True ~ by Guy Finley
Truthful principles can only act as agents of change for us when we choose to enact them. Their capacity to restore self-command, grant us a mind at peace, or deliver us from fearful dark states is only as great as our willingness to call upon their powers. That’s why we must do the personal work it takes to put higher principles into practice. Napoleon Hill, one of the early great pioneers of personal development, asserts: “We can become complete masters of ourselves, if we so desire. The main thought to hold in mind is first to gain the knowledge, and secondly to act upon it.” And then act upon it! Wisdom is the seed of freedom, but only in action do we see it flower.

Our Soul is essentially a powerful source of love; that’s true for each and every one of us. Love is the light of truth. When you accept truth as your being, it immediately exposes the Shadow, all the other parts of yourself that are not guided by love. The light exposes their lies. But we depend on those other ways of being, as we created them to solve problems in life, albeit in fearful ways: to justify, make excuses, blame, rationalize, be right, avoid, and so on - rather than the braver path of communicating empathically and taking responsibility. So courage is needed; the way out is the way through. But it’s worth it as bringing light to the misguided solutions of the past - understanding why they were made and loving their creator - is the ultimate learning experience and enables us to embrace our wholeness.

Accompanying article: Jungian Analytical Psychology ~ by Gregory Mitchell
Jung saw in unconscious material, especially dreams and fantasies, an unfolding of a process of individuation - the idea of continual, lifelong personal development. The barriers to individuation which we must seek to explore and resolve are contained in our ‘Shadow’ personality: those qualities that one would rather not see in oneself, as well as unrealized potentials. The Shadow of beauty is the beast. Because they’re repressed, such beliefs and feelings are typically unconscious; they influence our entire lives, tell us what we can and can not do, and drive our behaviors. Even when we’re conscious of them, we tend to hide them because we’re ashamed or embarrassed. We don’t want anyone to know that we feel unworthy of love or that we’re not good enough so we try to suppress such beliefs and deny them.

After all that we have attained, the point of view and perspective are different and a new vision appears. After this life is finished, we begin anew, but now with all we have learned.

Accompanying article: Inter-being ~ by Sean McKenzie
We are a collection of tens of trillions single celled animals that inter-be. How then are we alone? What is this sense of separation we have been conditioned to cling to and assume is real, and why this simultaneously dichotomous stance of superiority and entitlement? It is all simply a lack of awareness.

So easy to get involved in something we don’t really want to do, just making it less likely we’ll get where we really want to be. So if you don’t like the view, don’t waste your time continuing to climb that ladder.

Accompanying article: Using Empathic Listening to Collaborate ~ by Stephen R. Covey
The late Stephen Covey became a household name when “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People“ was published in 1989. The book summed up his philosophy in seven behaviors such as taking personal responsibility (“Be proactive”), having a road map or mission (“Begin with the end in mind”) and defining one’s priorities (“Put first things first”). He presents a pathway for living with fairness, integrity, service, and human dignity - principles that give us the security to adapt to change and the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities that change creates. Click the link above for an excerpt.

Says it all, don’t you think? Love is the source of universal truth, therefore the perfect guide in our lives, and we each have an unlimited supply within us because it is who we are.

Accompanying article: A Grander Love ~ by Harold W. Becker
Love is such a beautiful expression. When we feel the passion of romance, the gentle touch of kindness, or the simple gaze of a willing smile, we are lifted into a higher awareness of life’s potential. In these precious moments, the impossible melts into infinity itself where all things are possible.

We are naturally afraid of the unknown, or of forces that may overpower us, or things that may go wrong. But equally we can face these fears, when we are sufficiently motivated to “do it anyway.” The attitude we adopt is our choice and determines whether our thoughts, and corresponding emotions and actions, are empowering or self-defeating. Our motivation may include success, power, pleasure, possession, control and so on. But the highest motivation is love, and that light will erase the shadows of fear and take us through all the world can throw at us.

Accompanying article: More Courage, Less Fear ~ by Linda Sapadin
It’s strange that we live in an age in which we’re healthier, wealthier, safer and living far longer than previous generations ever dreamed of; yet, it doesn’t seem that we feel more secure. Indeed, the more we know, the wealthier we are, the longer we live, the more fearful many of us become.

Nothing and everything at the same time, two sides of a golden coin... the big Zen paradox that has fooled thinkers for millennia, because it can only be experienced. It is the insight of enlightenment, beyond duality. We are spirit, not a material thing, and simultaneously we are not separate from any physical thing, nor from each other. Both spirit and the universe are simply expressions of Love.

Accompanying article: The Dichotomy of Preference ~ by Jeanie Marshall
This is a wonderful world of duality. Sometimes it doesn’t feel so wonderful when confusion or negativity seems to prevail. However, the physical world as we know it could not exist and grow, nor could our consciousness expand, without duality. It is essential that each one of us makes an individual choice for the light.

Meaning of Namaste: “I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells. I honor the place in you, which is of love, of truth, of light and of peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are one.”

More and more people are feeling this, and really it’s our hope for the future that this becomes the New Human, and the old mentality of fear and hate no longer has a place in our societies. And it’s not just humans, it’s sheep and fields and trees too... a true Oneness we can experience. Brings tears to the eyes... that’s OK, tears are liquid love.

Accompanying article: How to Become a Hug-a-Holic ~ by Jafree Ozwald
One of the most challenging and rewarding things you are here to do on this planet is to learn how to truly connect with people. This means being able to engage freely with others on the deepest emotional, spiritual, mental and physical levels. When you are connecting with others in these intimate ways, you open up new energies of love, lightness and power within yourself, and this allows you to explore the most hidden and mysterious aspects of your being.

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