You gaze into a spiraling print – a soft voice keeps saying, “You are getting very very sleepy – soon you will shut your eyes.” Ah – the myth of hypnosis, as kids we watched it on “Buggs Bunny,” as teenagers the villain hypnotized the unsuspecting victim into doing something they did not want to do. Many of us have witnessed the stage magician putting a person into a trance and making then cluck like a chicken.
We laugh – and joke about these things –because they are so comical. Yet unknowingly we are hypnotized everyday – by others and by ourselves.
“You deserve a break today,” we hear it – and then a short time later we get in the mood for a “Big Mac.” The tough macho man on the billboard is smoking a Marlboro – we reach into our pocket and pull out a cigarette. Advertisers have been using catchy phrases – and repetition for years. They aren’t interested in speaking to your conscious mind – they want to reach your subconscious. They know – if they connect to the subconscious –the conscious will follow. And it does.
We do it to ourselves also – by building false beliefs and reinforcing them. Years ago, for some unknown reason I decided microwave ovens emitted rays that where unhealthy for me. At work I would be enjoying my lunch – and then a co-worker would walk in and pop his lunch in the microwave, turn it on and leave. My heart always started fluttering- I started to get sick to my stomach. I started resenting this co-worker; I really didn’t understand why he couldn’t wait for his lunch break to heat up his food – by then I would be gone and therefore not submitted to the harmful rays.
One day he came in – through his food in and walked out. As usual my heart fluttered, my stomach turned – I felt dizzy. About five minutes later, he returned to the break room and turned the machine on. I had “hypnotized myself into the false belief that this machine was harmful to me – and the physical symptom followed.
Silly? Absolutely! Yet we do it all the time. We do it concerning race, sexual preferences, religion. We convince ourselves “some people” just aren’t any good.
We do this to ourselves. “I will never have a good job,” “I don’t have any friends,” “I am never lucky, “love has passed me by,” the list goes on. The more we repeat – the more it becomes engrained into our existence.
The good news is that we can undo this. We can change the way we think – which will change the way we are.
If we put more loving thoughts – more accepting thoughts into our lives; our behavior will change. We will start seeing the beauty in gay people, different religious beliefs – our whole world will change.
When we start thinking with abundance – as opposed to lack; we will find more of the things we want will start showing up in our lives – more money, better employment opportunities, and friends – love.
The key is to understand what we put in our minds will manifest in our lives. The more positive our thoughts are the more positive the outcome will be.
Through affirmations and changing the way you think – you can hypnotize yourself into the life you desire.
Now for the secret – if you don’t believe this will work – you are absolutely 100% correct.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
A Christmas Story
For years at Christmas times I used to loathe the Salvation Army’s “bell ringers.” Sad – but true, but they reminded me that I had so much and others had so little.
They would say, “Merry Christmas,” I would hear “give us money.” When possible, I would go in another entrance – or at least walk as far away from them as I could. If by chance they made eye contact with me – I would feel obligated to give them my loose change or a few dollars. I callously referred to them as “guilt ringers.”
It is not that I wasn’t charitable – they just weren’t my charity.
One Christmas, I decided that I need to assist the less fortunate. The first place I called was the Salvation Army. I thought, I could get by with serving Christmas dinner – and then my obligation would be complete – shallow? Yes- but I will not ever profess to always being deep (I do try, but don’t always succeed).
The Salvation Army had enough volunteers for everything – except…………………bell ringers. I reluctantly agreed.
On my way grudgingly to my first assignment, I called a friend hoping that she would convince me it was okay to “call it in.” Unfortunately, she encouraged me to go and give my best – and enjoy the experience.
I relieved a lady – who revealed to me that she once stayed at the shelter – because her house burned down – and had no other place to go. Now she was out on her own –but wanted to pave the way for the less fortunate.
During my first few hours – I saw several business colleagues – who greeted me – talked for a few minutes (avoiding eye contact) and then went shopping – promising to see me on their way out. All of them must have got lost – because they never returned.
Other people, I knew – glanced at me – then went in another door, pretending not to see me.
Of course there were many strangers who did the same. However, numerous people stopped by to tell me how the Salvation Army had helped them I their hours of need.
Then as I was about to close up for the night – a young child of about 7 approached me – as his parent stood in the corner talking to another couple. Obviously he was doing this on his own accord. He held a 50 cent piece and said, “Mister, I only have two of these, but I want you to have one.” He carefully dropped the Kennedy half into the red bucket – smiled and retreated to his parents.
That my friends is the meaning of Christmas.
They would say, “Merry Christmas,” I would hear “give us money.” When possible, I would go in another entrance – or at least walk as far away from them as I could. If by chance they made eye contact with me – I would feel obligated to give them my loose change or a few dollars. I callously referred to them as “guilt ringers.”
It is not that I wasn’t charitable – they just weren’t my charity.
One Christmas, I decided that I need to assist the less fortunate. The first place I called was the Salvation Army. I thought, I could get by with serving Christmas dinner – and then my obligation would be complete – shallow? Yes- but I will not ever profess to always being deep (I do try, but don’t always succeed).
The Salvation Army had enough volunteers for everything – except…………………bell ringers. I reluctantly agreed.
On my way grudgingly to my first assignment, I called a friend hoping that she would convince me it was okay to “call it in.” Unfortunately, she encouraged me to go and give my best – and enjoy the experience.
I relieved a lady – who revealed to me that she once stayed at the shelter – because her house burned down – and had no other place to go. Now she was out on her own –but wanted to pave the way for the less fortunate.
During my first few hours – I saw several business colleagues – who greeted me – talked for a few minutes (avoiding eye contact) and then went shopping – promising to see me on their way out. All of them must have got lost – because they never returned.
Other people, I knew – glanced at me – then went in another door, pretending not to see me.
Of course there were many strangers who did the same. However, numerous people stopped by to tell me how the Salvation Army had helped them I their hours of need.
Then as I was about to close up for the night – a young child of about 7 approached me – as his parent stood in the corner talking to another couple. Obviously he was doing this on his own accord. He held a 50 cent piece and said, “Mister, I only have two of these, but I want you to have one.” He carefully dropped the Kennedy half into the red bucket – smiled and retreated to his parents.
That my friends is the meaning of Christmas.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Things I Have Learned from Dog!
I have never been known as a dog person – there are reasons for that; but it is true. However there have been numerous canines that entered my life just at the right time, to teach me the right lesson. Come with me as I stroll down memory lane to explore my experiences with “man’s best friend.” Perhaps on reflection you may have learned some valuable lessons of your own.
The first dog I remember was our family’s German Shepard – King (such a classic name for a Shepard). King was a protector – especially of my younger brother, Todd, who was three at the time. There was a neighbor child that would tease Todd endlessly to the point of tears. One day this child was up to the usual games – when my older brother lost control of King would he was getting ready to take him for a walk. King raced to the front of the house and chased the harasser home – never to return to bother my brother.
Thank-you, King, for teaching me about loyalty.
Then over the next decade there were innumerable dogs, who names I never knew, that tried really hard to teach me a great lesson. These were the dogs lurking around the corner waiting to bite me. Through most of my teen years I belonged to “the bite of the month club.” As I innocently rode my bike, hiked with my friends, ran an errand to the store – I would be attacked. My arms would be bit, my legs – once a dog made a supernatural leap as I rode by him and landed his teeth in my derriere -ouch.
In reflection I find it curious – I could be riding with numerous friends – hiking with my buddies, be one in a crowd – and I would be the only one bit. I do not remember any of my friends ever even being nipped. It was conspiracy I thought! Every time I spied a dog on my path –one recurring thought would immediately appear in my mind – “that dog is going to bite me!”
Thank, you to all the dogs who bit me – you were trying to teach me the “laws of attraction.”
My first attempt to own a dog was an Irish Setter, named Obi-Wan Kenobi. Obi was a pretty as could be – and exceptionally hyper. There was not a fence he could not scale. It was not unusual for me to come home from work and find him terrorizing the neighborhood.
Thank you Obi for many lessons and the hours of exercise you provided me.
When my son was small, he had problems counting –for whatever reason he always skipped the number two. So – in my infinite wisdom I bought a toy dachshund – and named him “Two.” Unfortunately – one day Two bit Nicholas on the cheek – only after Nicholas had first bit him. One of them had to go – and after careful deliberation we decided to keep the kid.
Thank you, Two, for teaching me patience – in time Nicholas learned how to include the number “two into his counting.
This brings us to Princess (who I affectionately called Bandit). Bandit was my mother’s Dalmatian. She was a clown on good days. Workmen would come to my mother’s house, and she would sneak into their trucks and steal lunches, tools or anything she could find. Bandit also thought she was a lapdog – often jumping into my lap when I came to for a visit. She was a sweetheart – very loving, very gentle.
Thank you, Bandit, for teaching me to trust – you were truly the first dog I trusted since King.
Then there was Cuddles – a long hair Chihuahua. Another sweetheart of a dog – showing love to almost everyone she met. She could sense when someone was blue or ill – and would stay by their side.
Thank you, Cuddles, for teaching me about unconditional love.
This brings us to Max an adorable Havanese – easily my favorite dog of all time. He is loving, smart, eager to please. When Max first came to stay with me – I barricaded my staircase so he would not go upstairs unless I was home. My upstairs is carpeted – and I was worried it would be a fertile place for Max to relieve himself. I also did not want him to travel upstairs after our morning walks while he was wet from the morning dew or rain. Every day when I left for work, Max got busy finding ways to navigate through the barricade – which he would eventually succeed. This resulted in me building bigger and more elaborate barricades – followed by the same results. One day exasperated – I told Max that he could not go upstairs unless I gave him permission. To my surprise – he listened.
When I feed Max, he takes a bite and walks over to me crunching his food – with a grin on his face showing gratitude.
Max enjoys life – he lives to make other happy. He has never met a stranger –greeting everyone we meet on our walks. Hint Max would not make a good watch dog.
Thank you Max for the continual lessons you are teaching me: Love for life, acceptance of others, gratitude, unconditional love, playfulness………the list goes on and on.
The point of the blog – is to look at the behavior of our canine friends, they may have a few lessons to teach us.
The first dog I remember was our family’s German Shepard – King (such a classic name for a Shepard). King was a protector – especially of my younger brother, Todd, who was three at the time. There was a neighbor child that would tease Todd endlessly to the point of tears. One day this child was up to the usual games – when my older brother lost control of King would he was getting ready to take him for a walk. King raced to the front of the house and chased the harasser home – never to return to bother my brother.
Thank-you, King, for teaching me about loyalty.
Then over the next decade there were innumerable dogs, who names I never knew, that tried really hard to teach me a great lesson. These were the dogs lurking around the corner waiting to bite me. Through most of my teen years I belonged to “the bite of the month club.” As I innocently rode my bike, hiked with my friends, ran an errand to the store – I would be attacked. My arms would be bit, my legs – once a dog made a supernatural leap as I rode by him and landed his teeth in my derriere -ouch.
In reflection I find it curious – I could be riding with numerous friends – hiking with my buddies, be one in a crowd – and I would be the only one bit. I do not remember any of my friends ever even being nipped. It was conspiracy I thought! Every time I spied a dog on my path –one recurring thought would immediately appear in my mind – “that dog is going to bite me!”
Thank, you to all the dogs who bit me – you were trying to teach me the “laws of attraction.”
My first attempt to own a dog was an Irish Setter, named Obi-Wan Kenobi. Obi was a pretty as could be – and exceptionally hyper. There was not a fence he could not scale. It was not unusual for me to come home from work and find him terrorizing the neighborhood.
Thank you Obi for many lessons and the hours of exercise you provided me.
When my son was small, he had problems counting –for whatever reason he always skipped the number two. So – in my infinite wisdom I bought a toy dachshund – and named him “Two.” Unfortunately – one day Two bit Nicholas on the cheek – only after Nicholas had first bit him. One of them had to go – and after careful deliberation we decided to keep the kid.
Thank you, Two, for teaching me patience – in time Nicholas learned how to include the number “two into his counting.
This brings us to Princess (who I affectionately called Bandit). Bandit was my mother’s Dalmatian. She was a clown on good days. Workmen would come to my mother’s house, and she would sneak into their trucks and steal lunches, tools or anything she could find. Bandit also thought she was a lapdog – often jumping into my lap when I came to for a visit. She was a sweetheart – very loving, very gentle.
Thank you, Bandit, for teaching me to trust – you were truly the first dog I trusted since King.
Then there was Cuddles – a long hair Chihuahua. Another sweetheart of a dog – showing love to almost everyone she met. She could sense when someone was blue or ill – and would stay by their side.
Thank you, Cuddles, for teaching me about unconditional love.
This brings us to Max an adorable Havanese – easily my favorite dog of all time. He is loving, smart, eager to please. When Max first came to stay with me – I barricaded my staircase so he would not go upstairs unless I was home. My upstairs is carpeted – and I was worried it would be a fertile place for Max to relieve himself. I also did not want him to travel upstairs after our morning walks while he was wet from the morning dew or rain. Every day when I left for work, Max got busy finding ways to navigate through the barricade – which he would eventually succeed. This resulted in me building bigger and more elaborate barricades – followed by the same results. One day exasperated – I told Max that he could not go upstairs unless I gave him permission. To my surprise – he listened.
When I feed Max, he takes a bite and walks over to me crunching his food – with a grin on his face showing gratitude.
Max enjoys life – he lives to make other happy. He has never met a stranger –greeting everyone we meet on our walks. Hint Max would not make a good watch dog.
Thank you Max for the continual lessons you are teaching me: Love for life, acceptance of others, gratitude, unconditional love, playfulness………the list goes on and on.
The point of the blog – is to look at the behavior of our canine friends, they may have a few lessons to teach us.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
The Gratitude Experiment!
There is a theory among many “new age” gurus that if you are truly grateful for what you have – the Universe will provide you more to be grateful for. Is this true - or this just something made up, that sounds good?
Not wanting to sound totally sacrilegious but I would like to propose an analogy, as me being “God” and my children and friends being “my subject.” Please no lightning bolts.
If I give my children and friends gift – regardless of how slight or how magnificent, and they thank me, and demonstrate their joy – I am going want to give them more.
At the same time if a couple of them, mumble and complain that it is not enough – or act as if they deserve the gift; the chances of me giving them more are slim.
Does this make sense? If so – would not “God” operate in the same pattern?
This is the experiment that I suggest – it is a bit more difficult than it may seem to be.
For one week follow the following steps. It is helpful if you keep some type of record in a journal.
1.One you wake up in the morning –say I simple prayer of thanksgiving for all the abundance you are in the process of receiving that day.
2.Once each waking hour during the day – take a second to thank God for one thing.
Ex. “Lord thank you for the blue sky – it is so beautiful.”
Ex 2. “Lord Thank you for the parking space I just found. It will do me good to walk a little bit extra to go to the store.
3. Be sure to thank people around you for things they do for – bring you coffee, hold the door open for you – delay a meeting until you arrive – anything and everything.
4.Say small prayer of thanks prior to eating (it does not have to be out loud).
5.Before you go to bed at night – Thank God for all the blessing of the day.
My belief that if you do this for one week – you will begin to be more appreciate of your surroundings – when you become more appreciative – you will gain more to appreciate. The very least that will happen, is that you will fill better about life – that is worth the effort.
Not wanting to sound totally sacrilegious but I would like to propose an analogy, as me being “God” and my children and friends being “my subject.” Please no lightning bolts.
If I give my children and friends gift – regardless of how slight or how magnificent, and they thank me, and demonstrate their joy – I am going want to give them more.
At the same time if a couple of them, mumble and complain that it is not enough – or act as if they deserve the gift; the chances of me giving them more are slim.
Does this make sense? If so – would not “God” operate in the same pattern?
This is the experiment that I suggest – it is a bit more difficult than it may seem to be.
For one week follow the following steps. It is helpful if you keep some type of record in a journal.
1.One you wake up in the morning –say I simple prayer of thanksgiving for all the abundance you are in the process of receiving that day.
2.Once each waking hour during the day – take a second to thank God for one thing.
Ex. “Lord thank you for the blue sky – it is so beautiful.”
Ex 2. “Lord Thank you for the parking space I just found. It will do me good to walk a little bit extra to go to the store.
3. Be sure to thank people around you for things they do for – bring you coffee, hold the door open for you – delay a meeting until you arrive – anything and everything.
4.Say small prayer of thanks prior to eating (it does not have to be out loud).
5.Before you go to bed at night – Thank God for all the blessing of the day.
My belief that if you do this for one week – you will begin to be more appreciate of your surroundings – when you become more appreciative – you will gain more to appreciate. The very least that will happen, is that you will fill better about life – that is worth the effort.
Monday, October 10, 2011
The blind man acted as though he could see.
In Matt 15:1, Jesus said this about the Pharisees: "They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch."
How many of us stroll through life thinking we have all the answers – yet in reality we don’t have a clue?
Many will agree that politicians blindly lead. Republicans readily point towards the Democrats as blind – and believe it or not the Democrats point their fingers at the Republicans.
For centuries (actually since the beginning of time) religious leaders have preached false doctrines.
Really – how can a war be “Holy?” The Mayans drugged young virgins, so they would hallucinate – so they believed they were talking to the gods. Then they would clad them with heavy jewelry and throw them in a lake. They would tell the village people that if the gods found the sacrifice favorable they would keep the virgin – if not they would send her back to the top.
In the 1700s the church proclaimed that is was in God’s plan for one man to own another. The cited scripture that declared it was His will.
Today the church turns it heads when members bash people because of their sexual orientation. “Homosexuality is an abomination to the Lord,” they scream. Yet, Jesus who came to the world to fulfill the law never mentioned homosexuality. He did have a few choice words for divorcees. He, also, commanded us not to judge – lest we be judged.
Most religions condemn opposing religions as being wrong – or even of the devil. They do all agree that we should tithe to them. And they all have rules to find salvation – since they all claim to be right, who do we believe?
So are we all blind – are we all just feeling our way in the dark? How do we know the difference? If we cannot believe the politicians or the religious leaders, who can we believe?
We are all on a journey – a trip that will entail many lessons- the key is to learn those lessons.
I believe there are a few rules that will assist us on this trip.
1. Love all people and all things. Learn to cherish yourself and then cherish
your brother as you do yourself. Spread this love to animals and plants too.
2. Gratitude – always show gratitude. Before you eat – say a small prayer of
gratitude. Make a list every morning of your gratitude’s and add to it as
the day continues.
3. Send warm thoughts (subset of #1) to all people you encounter each day – no
matter what their attitude may be.
4. Allow each individual to have their own journey.
5. Ask questions of the Universe – and listen for the answer: with your eyes,
ears and senses.
I admit I am a blind man – and at times I lead other blind people – but hopefully I will never lead them into a ditch.
How many of us stroll through life thinking we have all the answers – yet in reality we don’t have a clue?
Many will agree that politicians blindly lead. Republicans readily point towards the Democrats as blind – and believe it or not the Democrats point their fingers at the Republicans.
For centuries (actually since the beginning of time) religious leaders have preached false doctrines.
Really – how can a war be “Holy?” The Mayans drugged young virgins, so they would hallucinate – so they believed they were talking to the gods. Then they would clad them with heavy jewelry and throw them in a lake. They would tell the village people that if the gods found the sacrifice favorable they would keep the virgin – if not they would send her back to the top.
In the 1700s the church proclaimed that is was in God’s plan for one man to own another. The cited scripture that declared it was His will.
Today the church turns it heads when members bash people because of their sexual orientation. “Homosexuality is an abomination to the Lord,” they scream. Yet, Jesus who came to the world to fulfill the law never mentioned homosexuality. He did have a few choice words for divorcees. He, also, commanded us not to judge – lest we be judged.
Most religions condemn opposing religions as being wrong – or even of the devil. They do all agree that we should tithe to them. And they all have rules to find salvation – since they all claim to be right, who do we believe?
So are we all blind – are we all just feeling our way in the dark? How do we know the difference? If we cannot believe the politicians or the religious leaders, who can we believe?
We are all on a journey – a trip that will entail many lessons- the key is to learn those lessons.
I believe there are a few rules that will assist us on this trip.
1. Love all people and all things. Learn to cherish yourself and then cherish
your brother as you do yourself. Spread this love to animals and plants too.
2. Gratitude – always show gratitude. Before you eat – say a small prayer of
gratitude. Make a list every morning of your gratitude’s and add to it as
the day continues.
3. Send warm thoughts (subset of #1) to all people you encounter each day – no
matter what their attitude may be.
4. Allow each individual to have their own journey.
5. Ask questions of the Universe – and listen for the answer: with your eyes,
ears and senses.
I admit I am a blind man – and at times I lead other blind people – but hopefully I will never lead them into a ditch.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
One Question.................
If you were walking along the beach and found a magic lamp - and the genie offered to answer just one question; what would that question be?
The logical answer for most would be the winning numbers for the lottery – for some, a cure for cancer – and yet others how to find the perfect mate.
Those are all good questions – in fact there really aren’t any bad questions. I suppose – that I may myself ask one of those questions. However, since I believe the soul is eternal and that I will live forever; love, health and wealth should be secondary concerns.
I would like to think I would ask for the purpose of my life – what is my mission. For if I discovered that mission, then I would unlock the door to ultimate joy – the ultimate happiness.
There are some who have discovered their mission: The Dali Lama, Gandhi, Mother Theresa – yet that one truth eludes many of us…..perhaps most of us.
Have you given much thought to what your true mission in life is? Is it something that is important to you? If, you knew (or know) would it make a difference in your life?
I believe we all have a “collective” mission to make the planet a better place when we leave it, than what it was when we arrived. I would like to think in some small ways I have accomplished this feat – yet I have more work to do in this area.
As for my individual mission – I am still searching for that – which possibly could be my mission.
The logical answer for most would be the winning numbers for the lottery – for some, a cure for cancer – and yet others how to find the perfect mate.
Those are all good questions – in fact there really aren’t any bad questions. I suppose – that I may myself ask one of those questions. However, since I believe the soul is eternal and that I will live forever; love, health and wealth should be secondary concerns.
I would like to think I would ask for the purpose of my life – what is my mission. For if I discovered that mission, then I would unlock the door to ultimate joy – the ultimate happiness.
There are some who have discovered their mission: The Dali Lama, Gandhi, Mother Theresa – yet that one truth eludes many of us…..perhaps most of us.
Have you given much thought to what your true mission in life is? Is it something that is important to you? If, you knew (or know) would it make a difference in your life?
I believe we all have a “collective” mission to make the planet a better place when we leave it, than what it was when we arrived. I would like to think in some small ways I have accomplished this feat – yet I have more work to do in this area.
As for my individual mission – I am still searching for that – which possibly could be my mission.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Faith
What is faith? According to the dictionary it is: “A confident trust in a person, thing or idea.”
Maybe a better question would be: How do you obtain faith?
Actually – for the person on a spiritual journey –this may be a more important question to ponder. According to the Christian Bible –if you have the faith of a mustard seed- then you can move mountains. That is the type of faith I want to see – that is the type of faith I want to have!
Looking around the world and seeing the mayhem going on everywhere – corruption- crime –war – the sagging economy, it is hard to comprehend how anyone can have faith. When bad things happen to good people – to god fearing people – faith it is hard to come by.
I believe the key to developing faith is to ignore the outside world and concentrate on your world – go inside. This isn’t as egocentric as it appears to be. If you grow stronger spiritually, if you start getting “it” right, then it will flow to the rest of the world.
To convince yourself that good things can happen – make a list of gratitude – things which have gone right in your life. Learn to rejoice in them. A loving God (or whatever you call your higher source/self) will rejoice in your gratitude and want to give you more. In scientific terms – positive energy (the feeling you express with gratitude) will attract more positive energy – and repeal negative energy.
It is important also to develop a relationship with God – or your guides or angels. Talk to them –and listen to what they tell you. They will not lead you astray. They will provide guidance. If you allow them they will protect you.
Every morning when you rise – take a few minutes for prayer or meditation. Talk to God and give him a list of gratitude –and then tell Him/Her what you wish to receive. At the end of the meditation –take a few minutes to listen – what is being spoken to you. You may feel in your heart –or get a warm tingling sensation – but something will come. Some people may even hear words – it doesn’t matter how you receive the message –it matters that you receive it.
Throughout the day –look for signs. Signs may appear as billboards, songs on the radio, or possible something someone says. If you look there will be signs.
It is also important to develop patience. Items you ask for may not come overnight – they will take time to develop. The more you get in tune with the Divine – the faster this process will become.
Another vital step is consistency. You can’t do it once in a while - you need to do the prayer and gratitude on a daily basis. You need to flood your energy field with positive thoughts – it will keep the negative energy away.
Do I have the ability to move mountains yet? Maybe with a bulldozer – but hopefully one day. This journey is a process –it takes time. I am grateful that the readers of the blog –and other friends have chosen to come along for the ride. Together we can figure this thing out.
Maybe a better question would be: How do you obtain faith?
Actually – for the person on a spiritual journey –this may be a more important question to ponder. According to the Christian Bible –if you have the faith of a mustard seed- then you can move mountains. That is the type of faith I want to see – that is the type of faith I want to have!
Looking around the world and seeing the mayhem going on everywhere – corruption- crime –war – the sagging economy, it is hard to comprehend how anyone can have faith. When bad things happen to good people – to god fearing people – faith it is hard to come by.
I believe the key to developing faith is to ignore the outside world and concentrate on your world – go inside. This isn’t as egocentric as it appears to be. If you grow stronger spiritually, if you start getting “it” right, then it will flow to the rest of the world.
To convince yourself that good things can happen – make a list of gratitude – things which have gone right in your life. Learn to rejoice in them. A loving God (or whatever you call your higher source/self) will rejoice in your gratitude and want to give you more. In scientific terms – positive energy (the feeling you express with gratitude) will attract more positive energy – and repeal negative energy.
It is important also to develop a relationship with God – or your guides or angels. Talk to them –and listen to what they tell you. They will not lead you astray. They will provide guidance. If you allow them they will protect you.
Every morning when you rise – take a few minutes for prayer or meditation. Talk to God and give him a list of gratitude –and then tell Him/Her what you wish to receive. At the end of the meditation –take a few minutes to listen – what is being spoken to you. You may feel in your heart –or get a warm tingling sensation – but something will come. Some people may even hear words – it doesn’t matter how you receive the message –it matters that you receive it.
Throughout the day –look for signs. Signs may appear as billboards, songs on the radio, or possible something someone says. If you look there will be signs.
It is also important to develop patience. Items you ask for may not come overnight – they will take time to develop. The more you get in tune with the Divine – the faster this process will become.
Another vital step is consistency. You can’t do it once in a while - you need to do the prayer and gratitude on a daily basis. You need to flood your energy field with positive thoughts – it will keep the negative energy away.
Do I have the ability to move mountains yet? Maybe with a bulldozer – but hopefully one day. This journey is a process –it takes time. I am grateful that the readers of the blog –and other friends have chosen to come along for the ride. Together we can figure this thing out.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
FEAR
Fear is a disabling emotion. Yes – it has some usefulness. Fear of being hit by a truck; enables us with the knowledge not to stroll across the road without due to caution. Fear of burning our hand keeps us from touching a red hot stove. So if you are arguing that fear isn’t all bad – you are absolutely correct.
Where fear becomes disabling is when we allow it to keep us from fulfilling are dreams – or being happy.
Some examples (from my own life):
“What if I publish my novel and no one buys it?”
“What if I apply for the promotion and I am turned down?”
“What if I ask the girl out and she says no?”
“What if I allow myself to be happy? It may not last – I may not be worthy.”
“What if, what if what if, what if, what if……………………………………………………………………………….”
If you live in fear – it is difficult to take chances – because we are afraid of what the final outcome may be. Yet – by not taking a chance – we are already determining the final outcome.
When I was a young man (kid) working in a factory – There was a man that worked there in his mid-40s, named Richard. Richard was always telling me what he could have done – he could have played professional baseball – if he had tried, he could have married his high school sweetheart – if he tried, he could have received a college degree if he had tried, he could have opened his own company –if he tried. The litany went on and on.
It was sad – Richard seemed like a smart guy –with a lot of talent. One thing – kept him from pursing any of his dreams – fear. Now it is true – he may have failed in every attempt he made on any items on his list – though it seems unlikely he would have failed at everything. Yet by the very fact of not trying – he failed. He never played professional baseball; he never received a college degree – he did not marry the lady he wanted to. Richard was a middle aged man who allowed fear to control his destiny.
Richard fears – assisted me is making a vow not to be a middle aged man who “could have or should have” – but didn’t – because of fear.
I actually developed a fear of being like Richard – unfortunately –for a while, I was – and then I got motivated –and started thinking it terms of positive potential. Instead of being concerned with what could go wrong – I started by envisioning what might go right.
Has this process provided me with success in all of my endeavors? No – I have some less than stellar outcomes – but at least I know the outcomes are a result of trying – not avoiding. As I work at perfect my own personal processes – my successes will grow – I will have a book on the best sellers list, I will have a mountain house –I will have that perfect love. I know this because I will not allow fear to stand in my way.
Thomas Edison had over 10,000 failures prior to inventing the light bulb – what if fear stopped him at one?
Where fear becomes disabling is when we allow it to keep us from fulfilling are dreams – or being happy.
Some examples (from my own life):
“What if I publish my novel and no one buys it?”
“What if I apply for the promotion and I am turned down?”
“What if I ask the girl out and she says no?”
“What if I allow myself to be happy? It may not last – I may not be worthy.”
“What if, what if what if, what if, what if……………………………………………………………………………….”
If you live in fear – it is difficult to take chances – because we are afraid of what the final outcome may be. Yet – by not taking a chance – we are already determining the final outcome.
When I was a young man (kid) working in a factory – There was a man that worked there in his mid-40s, named Richard. Richard was always telling me what he could have done – he could have played professional baseball – if he had tried, he could have married his high school sweetheart – if he tried, he could have received a college degree if he had tried, he could have opened his own company –if he tried. The litany went on and on.
It was sad – Richard seemed like a smart guy –with a lot of talent. One thing – kept him from pursing any of his dreams – fear. Now it is true – he may have failed in every attempt he made on any items on his list – though it seems unlikely he would have failed at everything. Yet by the very fact of not trying – he failed. He never played professional baseball; he never received a college degree – he did not marry the lady he wanted to. Richard was a middle aged man who allowed fear to control his destiny.
Richard fears – assisted me is making a vow not to be a middle aged man who “could have or should have” – but didn’t – because of fear.
I actually developed a fear of being like Richard – unfortunately –for a while, I was – and then I got motivated –and started thinking it terms of positive potential. Instead of being concerned with what could go wrong – I started by envisioning what might go right.
Has this process provided me with success in all of my endeavors? No – I have some less than stellar outcomes – but at least I know the outcomes are a result of trying – not avoiding. As I work at perfect my own personal processes – my successes will grow – I will have a book on the best sellers list, I will have a mountain house –I will have that perfect love. I know this because I will not allow fear to stand in my way.
Thomas Edison had over 10,000 failures prior to inventing the light bulb – what if fear stopped him at one?
Monday, September 12, 2011
Creating World Peace
I loved the 60s and the 70s – with “peace signs” hanging from the necks of “hippies” and sewn to their jeans. I fancied myself a hippie a.... 70s hippie – I wore my hair long- I smoked a bit of pot – I wore peace signs on my clothes and around my neck. I listened to protest music. I regretted not being old enough to attend Woodstock. I was for peace.
The “establishment” was anti-peace. After all it was the establishment that got us into wars. Who was the establishment? Politicians, parents, anyone a lot older than I was – and just the “uncool” people in charge.
I am older now – and hopefully a bit wiser. I no longer consider peace an external event; rather I regard it as an internal event which has external repercussions.
Now some may view the unrest in the Middle East or the drug wars at the border of Mexico and The United States, and wonder if I am still smoking a bit of pot – perhaps laced with something stronger.
As I write this blog I am 100% sober.... and in my right mind (which may be subject to opinion). It is my conjecture that in order to create world peace we must as individuals find peace within ourselves.
If I as an individual dedicate myself to a life of peace – I will inevitably inspire others to live in peace by my example – and eventually this will have a domino effect.
For me to live in peace – I have to adopted some self-truths and follow them to the best of my ability.
My 10 Commandments for the creation of my inner peace:
1. Acceptance. I accept my neighbors for who they are – I do not label them as good or bad. I acknowledge they have the rights to their beliefs system –no matter how bizarre it may seem to be.
2. I accept myself – with all weakness and strengths. I acknowledge that I am a beautiful creation.
3. Forgiveness. I am quick to forgive. As Jesus said – “If a man smite you on the right cheek, turn to him the left.” This does not mean that I allow people to abuse me – if there is an incident where I need to call law enforcement – I will. This is just saying I will not hold a grudge. Anger, grudges are forms of negative energy –nothing good is created with negativity.
4. Love. I will love my neighbor as myself. I will wish for good things for all people I know – I will rejoice when good things happens to all people. – I will share their joy.
5. Positive thoughts – I will be positive – realizing each situation has a lesson involved – I will learn that lesson. That does not mean that I am never sad- it means that I will not allow my mind to hang in the dungeon of despair.
6. I will smile – I will smile at neighbors, at friends at perfect strangers. This small act has a dramatic effect – I want to create a positive effect in peoples’ lives.
7. Servitude – I will be of service to others – not because I want to be noticed –rather it is right to give.
8. Prayer/Meditation. I will pray for peace – not my definition of peace – but God’s definition.
9. I will be humble. By practicing humility – it will inspire other people to listen and follow my example.
10. Gratitude. I will live a life of gratitude for all that I have and all that I am.
There are some skeptics who won’t believe this is the way of peace. I accept that and will not argue. However, if more people would try resolutions similar to this – I think there would be a better chance of peace.
Monday, September 5, 2011
PASSION
To be successful in the ways of happiness it is important to understand your passion. What are you really passionate about? What gets the adrenaline flowing? What are you doing to feed your passion? Throughout your life – some of the passions may change – but it always important to be in touch with them. It is my belief that we have certain core passions that stay with us all our lives. To be fulfilled we need to feed our passions.
An interesting experiment would be to ask your closet friends what they believe your passions are – see how many they can name. You might try this with your family too! Of course turnabout is fair play – how many of their passions can you name?
If your friends cannot name your passions – you need to examine why they cannot identify them. There is a high probability that you don’t discuss them enough. There is a possibility –that you spend more time complaining about the things you don’t like – then relishing in things that you do like. According to the laws of attraction – by spending more time thinking about the things that annoy you – that you are attracting more things to annoy you. Ouch!!!!
How do we discover our passion????????????? Take a few minutes when you are alone – and won’t be disturbed. Take a blank piece of paper – close your eyes and ask yourself, “What are my passions?” Write down the first five things that come to your mind. Take some time to consider each one – jot down notes as to why you consider them passions.
After you have 5 – take a piece of paper and divide it into five columns – on the top of each column write one passion. Underneath each primary passion make a list of “sub-passions” which may be related to it – some of the sub- passions may directly correlate to one of the other primary – this is fine.
Once you know your passions – start centering your life around them – that does not mean to exclude all other things – it is simply putting weight on things that are important to you. I believe you will start feeling more balanced – and consequently other things of importance (such as work) will become more fulfilling and successful.
One of things that I hear, often, when I talk to people about seeking their goals or passion is: “My friends will laugh at me or give me a hard time.” My cold reply to this is “Then maybe you need to find new friends.” Truthfully, if your friends are not supportive and uplifting – are they really the type of people you want in your inner circle? Some times in order to grow it is necessary to leave non-supportive people behind – and replace them with supportive people.
My 5 top passions - and their sub-group
1. Spirituality
reading books on subject
talking to people about their beliefs
blogging
writing
meditation
making a difference in peoople's lives
2. Writing
novels
contests
blogging
marketing programs for work
story telling
3 Makenna (grandaughter)
hiking
photography
butterfly museum
teaching her to cook
story telling
4. Cooking
Makenna
trying new recipes
healthy recipes
entertaining friends
contests
5. Nature
hiking
traveling to mountains/ocean
sunsets/sunrises
wild life
photography
An interesting experiment would be to ask your closet friends what they believe your passions are – see how many they can name. You might try this with your family too! Of course turnabout is fair play – how many of their passions can you name?
If your friends cannot name your passions – you need to examine why they cannot identify them. There is a high probability that you don’t discuss them enough. There is a possibility –that you spend more time complaining about the things you don’t like – then relishing in things that you do like. According to the laws of attraction – by spending more time thinking about the things that annoy you – that you are attracting more things to annoy you. Ouch!!!!
How do we discover our passion????????????? Take a few minutes when you are alone – and won’t be disturbed. Take a blank piece of paper – close your eyes and ask yourself, “What are my passions?” Write down the first five things that come to your mind. Take some time to consider each one – jot down notes as to why you consider them passions.
After you have 5 – take a piece of paper and divide it into five columns – on the top of each column write one passion. Underneath each primary passion make a list of “sub-passions” which may be related to it – some of the sub- passions may directly correlate to one of the other primary – this is fine.
Once you know your passions – start centering your life around them – that does not mean to exclude all other things – it is simply putting weight on things that are important to you. I believe you will start feeling more balanced – and consequently other things of importance (such as work) will become more fulfilling and successful.
One of things that I hear, often, when I talk to people about seeking their goals or passion is: “My friends will laugh at me or give me a hard time.” My cold reply to this is “Then maybe you need to find new friends.” Truthfully, if your friends are not supportive and uplifting – are they really the type of people you want in your inner circle? Some times in order to grow it is necessary to leave non-supportive people behind – and replace them with supportive people.
My 5 top passions - and their sub-group
1. Spirituality
reading books on subject
talking to people about their beliefs
blogging
writing
meditation
making a difference in peoople's lives
2. Writing
novels
contests
blogging
marketing programs for work
story telling
3 Makenna (grandaughter)
hiking
photography
butterfly museum
teaching her to cook
story telling
4. Cooking
Makenna
trying new recipes
healthy recipes
entertaining friends
contests
5. Nature
hiking
traveling to mountains/ocean
sunsets/sunrises
wild life
photography
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
LIVING vs. EXISTING
You only have one appointed day to die – the rest of your life should be spent living.- John Klopfer
In his study of Existential Philosophy, “The Irrational Man,” William Barrett talks about a man who wakes up one morning –only to discover that he was dead. How can this be – you ask? The answer is simple – yet complex. There is a difference between being an active participant in life and just going through the same dull routine every day – not taking chances – not making waves – not being true to your inner self. At times we get so wrapped up in our personal/family problems, such as financial issues, relationship issues, dis-ease,etc – that we do not take time to enjoy the little things in life.
“The unexamined life is not worth living." Socrates
The great philosopher was right! To be totally fulfilled it is necessary to examine our life and determine the direction we want to go in. What is our purpose? What are our goals? What do we want to leave to society? What do we want to get from life? And more importantly – What are we willing to give?
"Death is more universal than life; everyone dies but not everyone lives.“ - A. Sachs
We all have one thing is common – one day –in a finite period, our physical bodies will cease to function. The secret to living a fulfilled life is what we do between conception and the inevitable end. Are we willing to bring joy into our life? What brings us joy? Are we a functioning being or just going through robotic acts?
“Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans. “ -John Lennon, "Beautiful Boy"
It is easy to get caught up in “the world” and forget who we are. Work can be tough, the children can drive us insane – there may not be enough money at the end of the week to pay all the bills. These are all great excuses for not living – and just getting by. By changing out attitude by just a bit – our perception of these out of control events will change – which will provide us more peace.
“When seeking our purpose, we find it is alive - encoded within us. It calls to us cellularly, and it nudges us through obvious attractions that draw our attention." ~ Jose and Lloydine Arguelles
If we look at things differently long enough, circumstances will slowly begin to change for the better. Positive attitudes will create positive energy –then positive actions –then positive results.
"The more I give myself permission to live in the moment and enjoy it without feeling guilty or judgmental about any other time, the better I feel about the quality of my work. -Wayne Dyer
It is important to give yourself permission to be happy – to seek your passion to live your life. Many great philosophers/teachers/guru/masters have said that what we believe is what we will achieve. If you believe life sucks – guess what? If we believe life is a great adventure – guess what? It is important not to believe this just when things are going well – but all the time. Remember we can not have the good times – unless there is few bad days mixed in it.
Your choice – Do you want to live? Or Do want to exist? Seek your passion!
In his study of Existential Philosophy, “The Irrational Man,” William Barrett talks about a man who wakes up one morning –only to discover that he was dead. How can this be – you ask? The answer is simple – yet complex. There is a difference between being an active participant in life and just going through the same dull routine every day – not taking chances – not making waves – not being true to your inner self. At times we get so wrapped up in our personal/family problems, such as financial issues, relationship issues, dis-ease,etc – that we do not take time to enjoy the little things in life.
“The unexamined life is not worth living." Socrates
The great philosopher was right! To be totally fulfilled it is necessary to examine our life and determine the direction we want to go in. What is our purpose? What are our goals? What do we want to leave to society? What do we want to get from life? And more importantly – What are we willing to give?
"Death is more universal than life; everyone dies but not everyone lives.“ - A. Sachs
We all have one thing is common – one day –in a finite period, our physical bodies will cease to function. The secret to living a fulfilled life is what we do between conception and the inevitable end. Are we willing to bring joy into our life? What brings us joy? Are we a functioning being or just going through robotic acts?
“Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans. “ -John Lennon, "Beautiful Boy"
It is easy to get caught up in “the world” and forget who we are. Work can be tough, the children can drive us insane – there may not be enough money at the end of the week to pay all the bills. These are all great excuses for not living – and just getting by. By changing out attitude by just a bit – our perception of these out of control events will change – which will provide us more peace.
“When seeking our purpose, we find it is alive - encoded within us. It calls to us cellularly, and it nudges us through obvious attractions that draw our attention." ~ Jose and Lloydine Arguelles
If we look at things differently long enough, circumstances will slowly begin to change for the better. Positive attitudes will create positive energy –then positive actions –then positive results.
"The more I give myself permission to live in the moment and enjoy it without feeling guilty or judgmental about any other time, the better I feel about the quality of my work. -Wayne Dyer
It is important to give yourself permission to be happy – to seek your passion to live your life. Many great philosophers/teachers/guru/masters have said that what we believe is what we will achieve. If you believe life sucks – guess what? If we believe life is a great adventure – guess what? It is important not to believe this just when things are going well – but all the time. Remember we can not have the good times – unless there is few bad days mixed in it.
Your choice – Do you want to live? Or Do want to exist? Seek your passion!
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