Wisdom from the Heart ~ Page 4
Commentary by Peter Shepherd
“Little will change until you do.” ~ by Rick Beneteau
Rick further comments...
It takes many inches to make a mile. We can only move by inches, one inch at a time. It’s when we look miles ahead and wonder “how are we going to get so far?” that we fail to move forward at all.
We can choose to live life fully focused on the moment at hand and live happily, making great progress, moving by inches. Or, we can keep staring “in the rear view mirror,” stuck with thoughts of what could have been, instead of what can now be.
Most important, we must always keep in mind that anytime we suffer a setback while moving forward, it will always be just a matter of inches, never miles.
It takes many inches to make a mile. We can only move by inches, one inch at a time. It’s when we look miles ahead and wonder “how are we going to get so far?” that we fail to move forward at all.
We can choose to live life fully focused on the moment at hand and live happily, making great progress, moving by inches. Or, we can keep staring “in the rear view mirror,” stuck with thoughts of what could have been, instead of what can now be.
Most important, we must always keep in mind that anytime we suffer a setback while moving forward, it will always be just a matter of inches, never miles.
Music by Rick Beneteau: Download MP3
Accompanying article: Our World at Peace ~ by Rick Beneteau
I close my eyes, and a single strand of pure light runs through the soul of every citizen of the world.
I close my eyes, and a single strand of pure light runs through the soul of every citizen of the world.
“The heart is to the body as the family is to the soul.” ~ by Rick Beneteau
If I die tonight in my sleep: let me have hugged and told my children that I love them, and let me have told my partner how much s/he is loved and appreciated.
Music by Rick Beneteau: Download MP3
Accompanying article: The Parents Creed ~ by Rick Beneteau
I recognize and honor that being a parent is the most important role I will ever play in life, and that I have the opportunity to be the most influential teacher in the life of my child. So I affirm...
I recognize and honor that being a parent is the most important role I will ever play in life, and that I have the opportunity to be the most influential teacher in the life of my child. So I affirm...
“The only things in life which know no boundaries and have no rules are Love and Imagination.” ~ by Rick Beneteau
Imagination is where the real magic of life exists. When partnered by loving service it is the architect of all great progress.
Accompanying article: My Prayer For You ~ by Rick Beneteau
May the light that is You burn as an even brighter beacon to illuminate all in the world that is right and just.
May the light that is You burn as an even brighter beacon to illuminate all in the world that is right and just.
“Give a shelterless man tools and he will build a home. Inspire him, encourage him, give him vision, and he will build an empire.” ~ by Rick Beneteau
Are you a leader? Will your walk through life leave a trail?
Accompanying article: If I Were... ~ by Rick Beneteau
If I were a mountain path, I’d be the trail you blaze.
If I were a mountain path, I’d be the trail you blaze.
“It’s how you deal with failure that determines your success.” ~ by Rick Beneteau of 10 Million Clicks for Peace
Behind every success is a succession of failures. It’s inevitable because failures and mistakes present the ideal learning process... not just theoretical but real-world practical, with a thump and a bump to make sure it hits home!
Accompanying article: Poplar Fellers ~ by Rick Beneteau
Steve operated as most true experts do - with total confidence. The pictures I captured in my backyard attest to the kind of confidence required for such a profession because his life hangs, literally, in the balance every minute of every day he performs his airborne magic. On one of his few breaks, Steve told me the average death-per-worker statistic in Canada was 3 in 1,000. In his profession, it’s 20. Much more reason to respect what he so skillfully does, day in and day out.
Steve operated as most true experts do - with total confidence. The pictures I captured in my backyard attest to the kind of confidence required for such a profession because his life hangs, literally, in the balance every minute of every day he performs his airborne magic. On one of his few breaks, Steve told me the average death-per-worker statistic in Canada was 3 in 1,000. In his profession, it’s 20. Much more reason to respect what he so skillfully does, day in and day out.
“Noticing how things are turning out for you is one very clear way of understanding which vibrational requests you are emanating, because you always get the essence of what you are thinking about, whether you want it or not.” ~ by Abraham
What raises our vibration more than anything is selfless service. It’s not just “being enlightened” - it’s how you feel toward others and what you do in your life activities to demonstrate the compassion and togetherness that you feel. This determines the vibrational level that you attain on the other side of the valley of death and it also works to influence the degree of consciousness of humanity during our lives.
Accompanying article: Ascension of the Consciousness of Mankind ~ by Peter Shepherd
The desire to make loving service a central theme in our lives all of sudden seems to be shared with many others too, friends, family and Internet contacts alike. This ties in with what lightworkers have been anticipating as we move toward the Dec 21st galactic alignment and the start of a new cycle of the way life is lived and felt on this planet, what they call Ascension.
The desire to make loving service a central theme in our lives all of sudden seems to be shared with many others too, friends, family and Internet contacts alike. This ties in with what lightworkers have been anticipating as we move toward the Dec 21st galactic alignment and the start of a new cycle of the way life is lived and felt on this planet, what they call Ascension.
“Some people go through life trying to find out what the world holds for them only to find out too late that it’s what they bring to the world that really counts.” ~ by Anne of Green Gables
Our destiny is something that we each create. If we don’t, we can’t complain about being a victim of circumstances or being trapped. We always have choices; just be true to your self and what you can offer of value and all will come well... even though it may be a scary ride it will be an exhilarating one.
Accompanying article: Capital Q ~ by Karen Wright
It occurred to me today that what I’m most afraid of is the Question. The one with a capital Q that haunts my mind like a foreign voice murmuring words that I know are important, but I can’t understand. It’s the Question that interrupts my sleep and draws my attention away from things I know I must do. It churns in my stomach. I hide best I can, but it pursues me relentlessly.
It occurred to me today that what I’m most afraid of is the Question. The one with a capital Q that haunts my mind like a foreign voice murmuring words that I know are important, but I can’t understand. It’s the Question that interrupts my sleep and draws my attention away from things I know I must do. It churns in my stomach. I hide best I can, but it pursues me relentlessly.
“Life’s not about waiting for the storm to pass... It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” ~ by Viviane Greene
We create our internal experience of reality by choosing our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. Each moment is a new opportunity to think differently, regardless of all the moments that came before it.
Accompanying article: Appreciating Against the Tide - by Joyce Shafer
Are you clear about how to connect with that feeling of genuine appreciation? For me it isn’t about trying to convince my ego-mind to feel it, but to recall a time when I did. It doesn’t matter that it’s based on a memory; it’s the feeling that matters. You can call up more than one such memory, but one will do it. Just feel that feeling for as long as you can or choose to, before you have to get back to whatever you’re doing. The more I’ve practiced this, the easier it’s become to go into that feeling at will; and sometimes the feeling just happens, with no thought or effort on my part.
Are you clear about how to connect with that feeling of genuine appreciation? For me it isn’t about trying to convince my ego-mind to feel it, but to recall a time when I did. It doesn’t matter that it’s based on a memory; it’s the feeling that matters. You can call up more than one such memory, but one will do it. Just feel that feeling for as long as you can or choose to, before you have to get back to whatever you’re doing. The more I’ve practiced this, the easier it’s become to go into that feeling at will; and sometimes the feeling just happens, with no thought or effort on my part.
“You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give.” ~ by Winston Churchill
What raises our vibration more than anything is selfless service. This is the time for ascension and that is how it works, nothing more esoteric.
Accompanying article: Rich Kids, Jaded Kids ~ by Linda Sapadin
You may own the best of the best and still feel inadequate. You may have an abundance of experiences and still feel empty. You may have been raised on praise and still feel unworthy. You may have every luxury, yet lack empathy for others. This is true not only for the heirs of the “One Percent” but also for those families with enough wealth to give “everything” to their kids.
You may own the best of the best and still feel inadequate. You may have an abundance of experiences and still feel empty. You may have been raised on praise and still feel unworthy. You may have every luxury, yet lack empathy for others. This is true not only for the heirs of the “One Percent” but also for those families with enough wealth to give “everything” to their kids.
“Fear exists in the process of accumulation and belief in something is part of the accumulative process.” ~ by Jiddu Krishnmurti
We tend to identify with and become attached to things we have, and to fear their loss, and this includes our knowledge and beliefs as well as relationships and physical things. That’s part of the survival game, but we do well to accept impermanence with equanimity and to retain an open mind, willing to review and evolve.
Accompanying article: Abundance, Gratitude and Ambition ~ by Philip Humbert
Do we live in a world of abundance, or a world of lack? It’s a very personal decision, based on your own perspective. I can’t give you the answer, but I’m convinced how you answer that question does make a difference. It changes you attitude, your self- image, and your view of the world around you. Personally, I see a world of abundance, but that’s just me.
Do we live in a world of abundance, or a world of lack? It’s a very personal decision, based on your own perspective. I can’t give you the answer, but I’m convinced how you answer that question does make a difference. It changes you attitude, your self- image, and your view of the world around you. Personally, I see a world of abundance, but that’s just me.
“Love is how it feels to recognize our essential unity. Awakening to oneness is the experience of Big Love. Knowing you are one with all, you find yourself in love with all.” ~ by Timothy Freke
If we can see who we really are, we can come into a state in which we are one with everything, which means we feel connected with life, we feel a love of what happens, but we also feel we want to be of service and ameliorate the suffering of life.
Accompanying article: Waking Up to the Wonder of Life ~ by Timothy Freke
If we wonder deeply enough, we spontaneously start to awaken. If you wake up to wonder, you’ll come to life... it’s as simple as that.
If we wonder deeply enough, we spontaneously start to awaken. If you wake up to wonder, you’ll come to life... it’s as simple as that.
“When I live lucidly I see that I am both mortal and immortal. The person I appear to be in time had a beginning and will come to an end. But the deep self isn’t in time, just like a dreamer isn’t in a dream.” ~ by Timothy Freke
Most of us have this sense that our deep self is the same now as when we were much younger. We are a timeless awareness witnessing our form’s journey through time.
Accompanying article: An Experience of Big Love ~ by Timothy Freke
My understanding of love is that love is how one must feel when we see through the veneer of separation that seems to divide us and connect with somebody (or with some thing or place or activity) as one with that person or thing. We experience this in our body - there’s chemicals, there’s good feelings, it’s an embodied thing - and it comes from this recognition of oneness.
My understanding of love is that love is how one must feel when we see through the veneer of separation that seems to divide us and connect with somebody (or with some thing or place or activity) as one with that person or thing. We experience this in our body - there’s chemicals, there’s good feelings, it’s an embodied thing - and it comes from this recognition of oneness.
“The ego is the separate self through which the universal self can experience the adventure of living.” ~ by Timothy Freke
The ego is a character in the dream of life around which the life-dreamer weaves a cracking tale. You can both become conscious of the oneness of being and feel empowered as a separate individual to be the hero of your life adventure.
Accompanying article: The Hero of the Story ~ by Timothy Freke
If we want to awaken, we don’t need to eradicate the ego, we simply need to be conscious of the deep self as well.
If we want to awaken, we don’t need to eradicate the ego, we simply need to be conscious of the deep self as well.
“If we want to awaken, we don’t need to eradicate the ego, we simply need to be conscious of the deeper self as well.” ~ by Timothy Freke
Both sides of a dichotomy in life (yin and yang, light and dark, good and bad, individual and integrated, etc) form a whole; both apply at the same time, neither can exist without the other, like the two sides of a coin. We can be human beings and enlightened spiritually all at once - not just one or the other as is often implied. In practice, mindful awareness accompanies the body-mind and ego, and provides the invaluable missing context.This free taster eBook contains the first 1/3 of Tim’s new book: The Mystery Experience...
Accompanying article: Take a Risk on Life ~ by Timothy Freke
Life is amazing but can also be very cruel. There are good reasons to be hopeful and good reasons to be fearful. Both play a role in helping us live well. We need to sometimes be cautious and prepare for the worst. But let’s err on the side of hope ... because that is what pushes us forward rather than pulling us back.
Life is amazing but can also be very cruel. There are good reasons to be hopeful and good reasons to be fearful. Both play a role in helping us live well. We need to sometimes be cautious and prepare for the worst. But let’s err on the side of hope ... because that is what pushes us forward rather than pulling us back.
“Although we seem to be separate individuals, in reality we are all expressions of one primal imagination. We assume we are many, but in fact we are one. And what we do to each other we do to ourselves.” ~ by Timothy Freke
It’s like the “light that is one though the lamps be many.” The “light” is love. Love is caring and connection. Love is what we feel when we realize we are one - two separate players in the game of life but joined together in essence, sharing our space. When we realize that everyone is connected at Source, we may experience love without limits, inclusive of those who may appear to be hostile or indifferent by outer appearances.
Accompanying article: The Wheel of Life ~ by Peter Shepherd
The Gnostic teaching - as found all the way back to the most ancient of literature, such as the Indian Vedas - is not a set of rules that we must follow to become ‘good.’ It is about discovering our own essential nature, which is good already, so that we can live spontaneously. The Gnostics taught that we can liken the truth of our situation to a wheel, with many spokes and an outer rim. Each spoke is an individual. Where we connect to the outer rim is our interface to the physical world, this is our Ego. At the hub of the wheel is Source, a unified quality of creative love. The center symbolizes God the father and the outside symbolizes the Goddess, mother nature.
The Gnostic teaching - as found all the way back to the most ancient of literature, such as the Indian Vedas - is not a set of rules that we must follow to become ‘good.’ It is about discovering our own essential nature, which is good already, so that we can live spontaneously. The Gnostics taught that we can liken the truth of our situation to a wheel, with many spokes and an outer rim. Each spoke is an individual. Where we connect to the outer rim is our interface to the physical world, this is our Ego. At the hub of the wheel is Source, a unified quality of creative love. The center symbolizes God the father and the outside symbolizes the Goddess, mother nature.
“Each time we see and are touched by the expression of some eternal principle, we catch a sweet glimpse of some aspect of our True Self.” ~ by Guy Finley
Truth is always aligned with unconditional love, and that is also our essential nature, so universal truth is integral to the higher self.
Accompanying article: Follow These 12 Secrets All the Way Home ~ by Guy Finley
Letting go is the journey and it never ends. Never. It only begins -- over and over again -- each time we can glimpse something higher than our own painful certainty over who we think we are.
Letting go is the journey and it never ends. Never. It only begins -- over and over again -- each time we can glimpse something higher than our own painful certainty over who we think we are.
“If you want light to come into your life you need to stand where it is shining.” ~ by Guy Finley
With blinkers on there’s very little light. Like our Trans4mind motto - “Minds, like parachutes, function better when open” - so open them parachutes. And then get among people who recognize the real you, who support you and love you as you are.
Accompanying article: Success without Stress ~ by Guy Finley
Learning is a correction process. Real correction, at any level, always purifies the matter and so leaves it less confused and thus in a higher state. Taking this beautiful idea one step further reveals to us the promise that self-elevation always follows self-correction.
Learning is a correction process. Real correction, at any level, always purifies the matter and so leaves it less confused and thus in a higher state. Taking this beautiful idea one step further reveals to us the promise that self-elevation always follows self-correction.
“Freedom is not overcoming what you think stands in your way. It is understanding that what is in your way is part of the way.” ~ by Guy Finley
What “stands in your way” is what you created, personally or as member of a group, consciously or subconsciously, so the way forward is accepting what is and taking responsibility for that creation as part of the whole of your and everyone’s life.
Accompanying article: Self-Correction is Self-Elevation ~ by Guy Finley
Learning is a correction process. Real correction, at any level, always purifies the matter and so leaves it less confused and thus in a higher state. Taking this beautiful idea one step further reveals to us the promise that self-elevation always follows self-correction.
Learning is a correction process. Real correction, at any level, always purifies the matter and so leaves it less confused and thus in a higher state. Taking this beautiful idea one step further reveals to us the promise that self-elevation always follows self-correction.
“It’s a paradox of the true spiritual path, but the more conscious we become of what limits us, the more limitless becomes our life.” ~ by Guy Finley
You can’t take down barriers if you don’t know they are there. We take these things for granted, such that they become invisible. That’s why we need to constantly look afresh and question our motives... “Is this guided by love? Is this what I truly want?” Once realized, we can let limitations go.
Accompanying article: Take Your Self to a Higher, Happier Level ~ by Guy Finley
Human beings are a unique creation in the cosmic scheme of things. Unlike the untold billions of other life forms teaming on the Earth -- whose nature is an open and shut case -- human nature is not fixed. What does this mean to you? Only everything!
Human beings are a unique creation in the cosmic scheme of things. Unlike the untold billions of other life forms teaming on the Earth -- whose nature is an open and shut case -- human nature is not fixed. What does this mean to you? Only everything!
“Until you can love what the truth would teach you about yourself... then your love is incomplete.” ~ by Guy Finley
We need to search for truth about ourselves and welcome it; and seek to expose and release the lies we have become identified with. Truth is expansive whereas lies are belittling.
Accompanying article: Freedom from Self Defeating Behavior ~ by Guy Finley
To help you strengthen the spiritual YES in you, learn to put Truth first, last, and always in your life. This grand YES will grow to have greater and greater meaning to you as you put it into practice.
To help you strengthen the spiritual YES in you, learn to put Truth first, last, and always in your life. This grand YES will grow to have greater and greater meaning to you as you put it into practice.
“Calm self-confidence is as far from conceit as the desire to earn a decent living is remote from greed.” ~ by Channing Pollock
Low self confidence can make life tricky. You don’t get the best from opportunities that come your way and you may even avoid certain situations because you simply don’t believe you can cope as well as other people. You can put this behind you if you begin to feel more optimistic and positive about life - no longer torment yourself with ‘what ifs’ and instead start doing more things that you find rewarding and uplifting. The Believe in Yourself Hypnosis Download is a great help in this process.
Accompanying article: Perfectionists: Listen Up! ~ by Linda Sapadin
Being a perfectionist is a more perplexing matter than simply striving for the best. If you are a perfectionist, the way you deal with tasks is neither ideal nor pragmatic. For despite investing considerable time and effort in whatever you do, you’re frequently upset with yourself and your work. This is no way to live. You deserve better...
Being a perfectionist is a more perplexing matter than simply striving for the best. If you are a perfectionist, the way you deal with tasks is neither ideal nor pragmatic. For despite investing considerable time and effort in whatever you do, you’re frequently upset with yourself and your work. This is no way to live. You deserve better...
“Feel yourself being quietly drawn by the deeper pull of what you truly love.” ~ by Rumi
Love is always your best guide. But sometimes we block the flow of love, fearing to express it in case we are rejected, or fearing to accept it in case it is later withdrawn. Break down these walls with the help of hypnosis: get the wonderful audio download, Accept Love. Open up to love again... because the benefits far outweigh the risks.
Accompanying article: How to Accept Love When It’s Offered to You ~ by Mark Tyrrell
Nearly all of us try to keep up a front. We like to give the impression that we are strong, confident, in control, managing our lives okay, and generally don’t need anybody, thank you very much. But inside, we are all much softer and more vulnerable than we may appear. We long for acceptance and love, and rejection cuts very deep. Sometimes so deeply that we resolve never to expose ourselves to the risk of it again. It doesn’t have to be this way. No matter how long you have lived according to this pattern, you can reconnect with your innate capacity to love and be loved.
Nearly all of us try to keep up a front. We like to give the impression that we are strong, confident, in control, managing our lives okay, and generally don’t need anybody, thank you very much. But inside, we are all much softer and more vulnerable than we may appear. We long for acceptance and love, and rejection cuts very deep. Sometimes so deeply that we resolve never to expose ourselves to the risk of it again. It doesn’t have to be this way. No matter how long you have lived according to this pattern, you can reconnect with your innate capacity to love and be loved.
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is to not stop questioning.” ~ by Albert Einstein
Learning is one of the main functions of living, and to do that we need to ask questions, experience and listen, remain open minded and include our inner knowing. Then we indeed have hope.
Accompanying article: Destiny and Free Will ~ by Owen Waters
You are never left alone to fumble in the darkness of a purely physical life. Your inner being is always there with you, expressing itself through the quiet whisperings of intuitive information. Thanks to this inner compass of knowing, you can always sense which choice feels right.
You are never left alone to fumble in the darkness of a purely physical life. Your inner being is always there with you, expressing itself through the quiet whisperings of intuitive information. Thanks to this inner compass of knowing, you can always sense which choice feels right.
“Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer. Go some distance away because then the work appears smaller and more of it can be taken in at a glance and a lack of harmony and proportion is more readily seen.” ~ by Leonardo da Vinci
Listening to negative self-talk is one of the reasons why we may have difficulty creating success in our lives. We give up after spending a week dieting and exercising because we suddenly decide it isn’t worth it, perhaps we’d do better at something else, let’s just switch the channel... Our inner critic has put us off. Whatever we’re trying to achieve we need to have a broader perspective, to validate what we have achieved so far and to energize ourselves with the vision that initially inspired us.
Accompanying article: How Good Is Your Relationship with Yourself? ~ by Joyce Shafer
Many of us think we have a reason to feel good and think well of ourselves, and speak well to ourselves, ONLY if and when the outward appearances of our life match the (often) ambiguous model in our mind created from bits and pieces from others, like a patchwork quilt thrown together at random by people not in alignment. This confusion leads us to self-criticism that isn’t deserved or useful, in good times and especially in not so good times. When life is difficult or challenging, it’s more important than ever to say encouraging, loving statements to ourselves. Why is this so difficult for us?
Many of us think we have a reason to feel good and think well of ourselves, and speak well to ourselves, ONLY if and when the outward appearances of our life match the (often) ambiguous model in our mind created from bits and pieces from others, like a patchwork quilt thrown together at random by people not in alignment. This confusion leads us to self-criticism that isn’t deserved or useful, in good times and especially in not so good times. When life is difficult or challenging, it’s more important than ever to say encouraging, loving statements to ourselves. Why is this so difficult for us?
“You and I are all as much continuous with the physical universe as a wave is continuous with the ocean.” ~ by Alan Watts
And as Chief Seattle says, “Humankind has not woven the web of life; we are but one thread in it. What we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.”
Accompanying article: The Art of Stillness ~ by Andrew Cohen
When you choose not to identify with the movement of thoughts and emotions, sooner or later you will have the profound experience of your own Self standing free from the mind - free from the compulsive habit of conceptualization and personalization. Your awareness will become so vast that it embraces all things, while simultaneously being the experience of freedom from all things.
When you choose not to identify with the movement of thoughts and emotions, sooner or later you will have the profound experience of your own Self standing free from the mind - free from the compulsive habit of conceptualization and personalization. Your awareness will become so vast that it embraces all things, while simultaneously being the experience of freedom from all things.
“Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.” ~ by Karen Ravn
It’s never too late to remake your life so that at the end you can answer, “Did I really live? Did I really love? Did I really matter?” with “YES!!”
Accompanying article: Changing in Time ~ by Jeanie Marshall
Change is about choice. Life doesn’t happen to you; you happen to it. If you do not like how you are feeling, change how you are feeling. If you do not like the situation you are in, make a change. You can change your situation; you can change your thoughts; you can change your feelings; above all, you can change yourself.
Change is about choice. Life doesn’t happen to you; you happen to it. If you do not like how you are feeling, change how you are feeling. If you do not like the situation you are in, make a change. You can change your situation; you can change your thoughts; you can change your feelings; above all, you can change yourself.
“Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it. Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it.”
~ by Mother Teresa
Life is bliss, taste it. Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it.”
~ by Mother Teresa
To realize life is a dream, you need to become more conscious, to discover yourself within the dream and become mindful that it is your creation. Very good practice for that step in consciousness is learning to dream lucidly, to become conscious and causative whilst dreaming and yet still remaining in the dream.
Accompanying article: Truth: Collective Consciousness ~ by Paramahamsa Nithyananda
Man as such cannot handle too much of truth. If the truth is up to 30% or 40%, he can handle it well. But beyond that, the truth starts transforming him. He feels that the ground on which he is standing is moving away. To tell you honestly, none of us really wants to know the truth. If truth were to be given out honestly, there would be no one willing to accept it, except for a few teachers. The moment honest truths are given, people begin to get frightened. This includes both the teacher as well as the listener!
Man as such cannot handle too much of truth. If the truth is up to 30% or 40%, he can handle it well. But beyond that, the truth starts transforming him. He feels that the ground on which he is standing is moving away. To tell you honestly, none of us really wants to know the truth. If truth were to be given out honestly, there would be no one willing to accept it, except for a few teachers. The moment honest truths are given, people begin to get frightened. This includes both the teacher as well as the listener!
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” ~ by John Quincy Adams
An ethical leader of a group will see themselves as a servant of that group and will act accordingly, working to meet their needs and better their position. Only when service for a common good is the primary purpose are we truly leading. As William Arthur Ward said, “We must be silent before we can listen. We must listen before we can learn. We must learn before we can prepare. We must prepare before we can serve. We must serve before we can lead.”
Accompanying article: Servant Leadership ~ by Jim Hunter
Jim Hunter speaks about how hard it is to actually change and put into action the principles of servant leadership, and what he’s discovered through his 30+ years of work as a trainer in organizations about what supports the change process. Also Jim talks about the importance of authenticity in creating genuine community, and about love in organizational life.
Jim Hunter speaks about how hard it is to actually change and put into action the principles of servant leadership, and what he’s discovered through his 30+ years of work as a trainer in organizations about what supports the change process. Also Jim talks about the importance of authenticity in creating genuine community, and about love in organizational life.
“Remember the emphasis on the heart. The mind lives in doubt and the heart lives in trust. When you trust, suddenly you become centered.” ~ by Osho
Fear and doubt are mental attributes, especially of the survival-focused human being. Trust and compassion are spiritual attributes, especially of the heart-centered spiritual being.
Accompanying article: Trust your Future ~ by Jafree Ozwald
The secret to mastering trust comes from the practice of learning to trust yourself. There is always that little voice inside you that knows. Your sixth sense is real, and can naturally perceive and know things that are about to happen. It is the all-seeing aspect of your soul and it will forewarn you if you are listening. The key is tuning into it on a regular basis so that you are used to hearing what is coming your way. The more you practice opening your senses (being more sensitive) and quieting your mind, the easier it is to hear. The more you let go, relax and trust the guidance within, the clearer the messages from your intuitive self become.
The secret to mastering trust comes from the practice of learning to trust yourself. There is always that little voice inside you that knows. Your sixth sense is real, and can naturally perceive and know things that are about to happen. It is the all-seeing aspect of your soul and it will forewarn you if you are listening. The key is tuning into it on a regular basis so that you are used to hearing what is coming your way. The more you practice opening your senses (being more sensitive) and quieting your mind, the easier it is to hear. The more you let go, relax and trust the guidance within, the clearer the messages from your intuitive self become.
“You have to do what you love to do, not get stuck in that comfort zone of a regular job. Life is not a dress rehearsal. This is it.” ~ by Lucinda Basset
Nothing more stressful and depressing than going to work when it just doesn’t cut it anymore... if it doesn’t align with your values, doesn’t utilize your potential, or you are simply overrun repeating the same old formula. If it doesn’t light your fire, look for something better. However, many people are trapped in circumstances; in which case they can learn to appreciate what they are doing as much as possible, and in spare time express those talents that are hidden at work. One is more likely to attract opportunities that way.
Accompanying article: What About The “Real” World? ~ by John Earle
I think we can all agree that the “real” world as described above is created and shaped by people. And for the world to change, since we are the ones creating it, it seems obvious that “we, the people,” need to change. We need to move beyond the beliefs that are binding us to the same old patterns and worn out solutions. Changing the laws, changing the type of government, changing the leaders, changing the monetary system and other retreads are not working.
I think we can all agree that the “real” world as described above is created and shaped by people. And for the world to change, since we are the ones creating it, it seems obvious that “we, the people,” need to change. We need to move beyond the beliefs that are binding us to the same old patterns and worn out solutions. Changing the laws, changing the type of government, changing the leaders, changing the monetary system and other retreads are not working.
“After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.” ~ by Aldous Huxley
I have found that beautiful music is a great aid to dissipating and releasing emotions that are not serving me, or that are getting in the way of a heart-felt high vibration (fulfillment and gratitude), the state of being that attracts abundance.
“Love is much more fundamental than any kind of thinking or believing. It is the root and basis of who you are, at the most fundamental level. This means that anything other than love as an expression of your being is artificial and unnatural and is a result of not knowing who you are.” ~ by Bill Harris
We need to examine all the thoughts we have, the considerations and beliefs, and find out what’s true and what isn’t. And what actually belongs to somebody else... something somebody else told us and we’ve accepted. What’s been imprinted or programmed, in other words. Stripping that stuff off (and letting go of the accompanying painful feelings and misguided behaviors) and finding what is our own inner truth. Because it comes from inside us it is pure and our inner knowing, from each of us as a spiritual being. It’s based on universal knowledge, i.e. knowledge that is free of any kind of conditioning. The perspective is unconditional love.
“The expression of our truth is an ancient action through which we actually discover our place in the world; the true shape of our being and our individuality. It is how we create firm boundaries and allow others to know who we are and what we value.” ~ by John Earle
Initiation used to fill this role, to pass down wisdom from one generation to the next. As John explains further, “Many of us have become disconnected from the natural world and our own spiritual nature. We keep driving around in our bumper cars, hoping that everything will be explained someday, and sooner, rather than later, would be preferable. But this is not how it works. To truly know our inner nature we are required to express ourselves.” We have to tread through the mud and jump in the river, see where it takes us.
Accompanying article: Learning to Speak Our Truth ~ by John Earle
Because we are beings of discourse, of speech, and because we live in a world of constant communication, the ability to speak our truth without judgment or blame is as important today as it always has been. When we take up the journey into consciousness, when we determine to discover what our life is trying to teach us, we necessarily arrive at the seventh initiation. The action of speaking the truth without expectation, or the anguished imperative for change, is a great adventure in itself. It is one way we discover the nature of our personal truth as well as our self-deception.
Because we are beings of discourse, of speech, and because we live in a world of constant communication, the ability to speak our truth without judgment or blame is as important today as it always has been. When we take up the journey into consciousness, when we determine to discover what our life is trying to teach us, we necessarily arrive at the seventh initiation. The action of speaking the truth without expectation, or the anguished imperative for change, is a great adventure in itself. It is one way we discover the nature of our personal truth as well as our self-deception.
“Using awareness, personal responsibility and inner work to review our unskillful or frightened reactions, we become more adept at turning habitual reactions to balanced responses. These moments are very exciting and gratifying.” ~ by John Earle
Once aware that we are in the process of behaving reactively, we can put on the brakes and move into a different gear, moving off again in a more empowering direction, that both ourselves and the people we are dealing with will benefit from.
Accompanying article: Make It So! ~ by John Earle
All of our awareness, personal responsibility and inner work do nothing really until we bring them into reality through action. As the British commanders used to say when presented with a good idea from a subordinate, we need to, “make it so.” With scholarly work we can all become great pundits but, in order to learn what life is really about, and in order for the changes we want in our lives to take place, we are definitely required to take action.
All of our awareness, personal responsibility and inner work do nothing really until we bring them into reality through action. As the British commanders used to say when presented with a good idea from a subordinate, we need to, “make it so.” With scholarly work we can all become great pundits but, in order to learn what life is really about, and in order for the changes we want in our lives to take place, we are definitely required to take action.
“If we doubt that the foundation for inner work is compassion for self and self-honoring behavior, we need only remind ourselves that the opposite approach, feeling guilty or judging ourselves has never really worked.” ~ by John Earle
It is tempting to offer someone an insight that you feel is just out of their reach, but to do so is to deny them the empowerment of discovery, especially the discovery of their own inner truth - which may turn out to be a different insight from your own in any case.
Accompanying article: Developing Deservingness ~ by John Earle
How can we discover our basic goodness or essential perfection, our “OK”ness? One powerful way is to develop the practice of speaking to our self in the language of these true conditions. We nourish and enhance our self-esteem by talking to ourselves in a loving and supporting manner, replacing the voice of the inner judge, the “merciless rider”, with the voice of the heart, the voice of wisdom and compassion. For many of us this is like learning a new language.
How can we discover our basic goodness or essential perfection, our “OK”ness? One powerful way is to develop the practice of speaking to our self in the language of these true conditions. We nourish and enhance our self-esteem by talking to ourselves in a loving and supporting manner, replacing the voice of the inner judge, the “merciless rider”, with the voice of the heart, the voice of wisdom and compassion. For many of us this is like learning a new language.
“To be a deep listener, one of the first things we have to do is give up the need and the desire to give advice. Knowing answers does not require stating them; there are times when offering answers is not helpful, as when a person is in the middle of their own learning process.” ~ by John Earle
It is tempting to offer someone an insight that you feel is just out of their reach, but to do so is to deny them the empowerment of discovery, especially the discovery of their own inner truth - which may turn out to be a different insight from your own in any case.
Accompanying article: Deep Listening ~ by John Earle
Many of us want to be of service in the world, and are inspired to make our lives and our work useful to others. The desire to help others is noble, however, our most effective and powerful service is offered from detachment rather than based in fear. The detachment we speak of here is defined by Angeles Arrien as “the capacity to care deeply or maintain compassion from an objective place.”
Many of us want to be of service in the world, and are inspired to make our lives and our work useful to others. The desire to help others is noble, however, our most effective and powerful service is offered from detachment rather than based in fear. The detachment we speak of here is defined by Angeles Arrien as “the capacity to care deeply or maintain compassion from an objective place.”
“Avoiding fear and pain can cause them to grow stronger. The trick with fear is to go with it, to let it do it’s work. Once fear has put us in touch with our inner issue it can diminish. In fact, simply acknowledging fear seems to lessen it.” ~ by John Earle
Mindfulness reveals the way fear shapes our perceptions and behavior; awareness gives us the ability to see the connection between our emotions and our habitual reactions. When we choose to stop instinctively reacting to uncomfortable situations, we realize that we have control over our connection with the world; we are not victims of circumstance.
Accompanying article: Learning from Our Fears ~ by John Earle
We can start working with fear by becoming aware of the thousands of tiny fears we live with each day. We fear peer opinion. We fear the voices in our heads, which say, “You should do this” and, “You must do that.” We fear financial troubles; we fear encounters with certain people; we fear authority; we fear the future and the past. We fear for our lives and we fear death. We fear pain. We even fear quiet. We fear that we will never have enough. We fear the judgment of strangers; friends and spouses. We fear loneliness and anger. And the list goes on. For each of our fears we have developed one or more strategies, of avoidance, indulgence, smothering or denial. In addition, many of our most unskillful behaviors come from fear.
We can start working with fear by becoming aware of the thousands of tiny fears we live with each day. We fear peer opinion. We fear the voices in our heads, which say, “You should do this” and, “You must do that.” We fear financial troubles; we fear encounters with certain people; we fear authority; we fear the future and the past. We fear for our lives and we fear death. We fear pain. We even fear quiet. We fear that we will never have enough. We fear the judgment of strangers; friends and spouses. We fear loneliness and anger. And the list goes on. For each of our fears we have developed one or more strategies, of avoidance, indulgence, smothering or denial. In addition, many of our most unskillful behaviors come from fear.
“We can remain in a state of love when we recognize that everyone is doing the best they can to get their needs met.” ~ by Eckhart Tolle
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).
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).
“You can’t sing with a closed heart. You just can’t do it. And if you try, as soon as you start singing, your heart just naturally opens more and more.” ~ by Deva Premal
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.
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.
“You’ve got to get up every morning with a smile on your face, and show the world all the love in your heart. Then people gonna treat you better; you’re gonna find, yes, you will, that you’re beautiful as you feel.” ~ by Carole King
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.
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.
“When we seek to understand what another appreciates about their own way of life, and when we take the chance to see their life and the beauty of their culture though their eyes, this action and choice can eliminate feelings of both fear and separation and bond us deeply.” ~ by Jasmuheen
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.
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.
“Our gifts to this world, and this realm’s gifts to us can come in many ways, often as we least expect them but they come especially when we are open to give, open to receive.” ~ by Jasmuheen
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.
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.
“What is needed, rather than running away or controlling or suppressing or any other resistance, is understanding fear; that means, watch it, learn about it, come directly into contact with it. We are to learn about fear, not how to escape from it.” ~ by Jiddu Krishnamurti
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.
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.
“Only in relationship can you know yourself, not in abstraction and certainly not in isolation. The movement of behavior is the sure guide to yourself. It’s the mirror of your consciousness: this mirror will reveal its content, the images, the attachments, the fears, the loneliness, the joys and sorrow.” ~ by Jiddu Krishnamurti
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?
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?
“To love is not to ask anything in return, not even to feel that you are giving something - and it is only such love that can know freedom.” ~ by Jiddu Krishnamurti
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.
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.
“You must understand the whole of life, not just one little part of it. That is why you must read, that is why you must look at the skies, that is why you must sing and dance, and write poems and suffer and understand, for all that is life.” ~ by Jiddu Krishnamurti
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.
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.
“If we can really understand the problem, the answer will come out of it, because the answer is not separate from the problem.” ~ by Jiddu Krishnamurti
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!
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!
“The past is behind, learn from it. The future is ahead, prepare for it. The present is here, live it.” ~ by Eyemadreamer
‘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.
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.
“We can and do control the direction of our own evolution.” ~ by Jasmuheen
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 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.
“Wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving.” ~ by Khalil Gibran
The opening of our hearts is the greatest hope for the evolution of Mankind as we move into critical times.
“What if you gave someone a gift, and they neglected to thank you for it--would you be likely to give them another? Life is the same way. In order to attract more of the blessings that life has to offer, you must truly appreciate what you already have.” ~ by Ralph Marston
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...
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...
“The barrier between success is not something which exists in the real world: it is composed purely and simply of doubts about ability.” ~ by Franklin D. Roosevelt
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....
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....
“I had NO IDEA that mothering my own child would be so healing to my own sadness from my childhood.” ~ by Susie Bright
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.
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.
“Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall at last unveil.” ~ by John Ruskin
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.
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.
“The first duty of love is to listen.” ~ by Paul Tillich
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...
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...
“I believe in God, only I spell it Nature.” ~ by Frank Lloyd Wright
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...
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...
“I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying.” ~ by Oscar Wilde
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 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...
“Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced.” ~ by James Baldwin
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...
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...
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” ~ by Martin Luther King
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.
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 you’re following your energy and doing what you want all the time, the distinction between work and play dissolves.” ~ by Shakti Gawain
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.
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.
“You can see in the dark if you are not afraid to look.” ~ by Tabitha Du Toit
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.
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.
“A person experiences life as something separated from the rest - a kind of optical delusion of consciousness. Our task must be to free ourselves from this self-imposed prison, and through compassion, to find the reality of Oneness.” ~ by Albert Einstein
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.
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.
“There is only one cause of unhappiness: the false beliefs you have in your head, beliefs so widespread, so commonly held, that it never occurs to you to question them.” ~ by Anthony de Mello
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.
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.
“The happiest people I know are people who don’t even think about being happy. They just think about being good neighbors, good people. And then happiness sort of sneaks in the back window while they are busy doing good.” ~ by Rabbi Harold Kushner
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.
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.
“Integrity is your inner image of yourself, and if you look in there and see a man who won’t cheat, then you know he never will.” ~ by John D. MacDonald
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?
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?
“What I am is good enough if I would only be it openly.” ~ by Carl Rogers
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!
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!
“The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve... The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others.” ~ by Albert Schweitzer
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.
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.
“Where there is love, do what you will, it will be right action. It will never bring conflict to one’s life. In the flame of love, all fear is consumed.” ~ by Jiddu Krishnamurti
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.
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.
“Don’t be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality. If you can dream it, you can make it so.” ~ by Belva Davis
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...
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...
“The intellect always cuts and divides like a pair of scissors. The heart sews things together and unites like a needle. The tailor uses both.” ~ by Ammachi
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.
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.
“We cannot discover new oceans until we have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” ~ by Muriel Chen
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.
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.
“But what is happiness except the simple harmony between a man and the life he leads?” ~ by Albert Camus
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.
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.
“There is a pattern, a polarity, a diversity, a corollary always to be observed in the working of natural law. Depth and height, sunshine and storm, ignorance and knowledge, war and peace, love and hate, error and truth, weakness and strength, each has its part to play. Evolution cannot work in any other way. In your weakness you will find strength. In your darkness you will find light. In difficulty you will find help. It is still true that the darkest hour always precedes the dawn. This is part of the paradox of all being.” ~ a channeled message (thanks to Afterlife Report)
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.”
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.’
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” ~ Albert Einstein
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.
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.
“Don’t worry about whether or not I am now happy. Today is only chapter one. We have yet to write the book.” ~ Lois Wyse
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.
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.
“How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.” ~ George Washington Carver
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.
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.
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” ~ Steve Jobs
“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 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.”
“You gain strength, courage and confidence from every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along’.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
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.
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.
“I choose... to live by choice, not by chance; to make changes, not excuses; to be motivated, not manipulated; to be useful, not used; to excel, not compete. I choose self-esteem, not self pity. I choose to listen to my inner voice, not the random opinion of others.” ~ Isabel Bauche
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.
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.
“Wisdom is knowing we are all One. Love is what it feels like and Compassion is what it acts like.” ~ Ethan Walker III
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!
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!
“Make it your moment-to-moment aim to recognize the difference between being aware of your thoughts, and being carried along by them.” ~ Guy Finley
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.
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.
“There is no coming to consciousness without pain. People will do anything, no matter how absurd, in order to avoid facing their own soul. One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.” ~ Carl Gustav Jung
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.
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.
“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning.” ~ Louis L’Amour
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.
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.
“If the ladder is not leaning against the right wall, every step we take just gets us to the wrong place faster.” ~ Stephen R. Covey
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.
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.
“Love is our true essence. Love has no limitations of caste, religion, race, or nationality. We are all beads strung together on the same thread of love. To awaken this unity--and to spread to others the love that is our inherent nature--is the true goal of human life..” ~ Ammachi
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.
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.
“You have within you right now, everything you need to deal with whatever the world can throw at you.” ~ Brian Tracy
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.
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.
“When I look inside and see that I am nothing, that is wisdom. When I look outside and see that I am everything, that is love. And between these two, my life turns.” ~ Nisargadatta Maharaj
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.
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.
“The sun shines down, and its image reflects in a thousand different pots filled with water. The reflections are many, but they are each reflecting the same sun. Similarly, when we come to know who we truly are, we will see ourselves in all people.” ~ Ammachi
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.
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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