The Wisdom of Gray Feather

To Re-solute or Not

2012-01-16T17:40:00.000-08:00

I know the time for New Year’s Resolutions are supposed to be New Year’s Day – but I will give me a pass because it took me a couple of weeks of deep thinking to come up with resolutions. The first obviously is to quit procrastinating.

I read recently to re-frame the word resolution and put a hyphen in it. Re – Solution. This is a marvelous suggestion! For that really is the entire intention – fixing an old problem. You know the old saying if you keep doing things the same way and keep getting the same unwanted results – it is time to change the way you
are doing things.

One of the things I do is to re-solute every day to be just a little bit better than I was the day before. This does not always work – but keep working it.

The following are just a few examples of re-solutions I have done in the past.

I need to lose 15 to 20 pounds.

The new solution is: To journal about my relationship with food. This will help me to discover why I eat when I eat – other than the obvious that I eat when I am hungry. Is it possible that I eat when I am bored, depresses, anxious – to be social?

With these facts understood, I can find alternative ways to express those emotions that are healthier.I can also work on portion control.

I need to exercise more.

The new solution is to schedule regular workout times. To find a workout partner that will assist me in keeping the schedule. I will take classes at the local gym.

I need to read more.

The new solution is I make a list of things that interest me. I then go to the library or bookstore and seek out books on these topics. I schedule regular reading time in my daily activates.

These are just a few thoughts – everyone’s re-solutions are different. The important thing is to discover why you want to change those things – and exactly what it is you want to change. When possible make an appointment with yourself to do these things. Journaling assists in keeping a record of where you have been and where you are. I found over the years that my journal has been a great tool for personal growth.

Remember – all change comes one step at a time.

You are getting very sleepy –the power of hypnosis.

2011-12-18T18:48:00.000-08:00

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.

A Christmas Story

2011-12-11T18:44:00.000-08:00

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.

Things I Have Learned from Dog!

2011-11-13T16:33:00.000-08:00

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 Gratitude Experiment!

2011-11-06T17:05:00.000-08:00

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.

The blind man acted as though he could see.

2011-10-10T18:55:00.000-07:00

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.

One Question.................

2011-10-02T18:13:00.000-07:00

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.

Faith

2011-09-25T17:59:00.000-07:00

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.

FEAR

2011-09-18T19:29:00.001-07:00

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?

Creating World Peace

2011-09-12T17:55:00.000-07:00

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.

PASSION

2011-09-05T19:23:00.001-07:00

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

LIVING vs. EXISTING

2011-08-30T20:30:00.000-07:00

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!

The Journey Home.

2010-09-30T18:10:00.003-07:00

The journey home is a part of everyone’s journey. Home is that place where we belong. It is not necessarily a physical place ~ actually it is more of a spiritual/emotional place.

Home is the place where our heart and soul belongs ~ the place we find comfort.~ a place where our truth lies.

We leave home for many reasons; sometimes we are not even aware that we left.
One of the challenges about understanding our truth is that it is influenced by outside people and events. At times we will abandoned “our beliefs” and “desires,” because we are trying to please another person; such as a parent or spouse or friends. When we start betraying our inner self ~ we have left home.

The number one cause of leaving home is fear. Fear motivates us ignore things we would normally accept as our core values. It causes wars ~ not just in the Middle East ~ but also in our families, relationships and our souls. Fears separates us from who we are. Fear of rejection will cause us to do unthinkable things. Sometimes, in order to keep from being rejected ~ we will reject the person, place, or thought ~ that we fear is going to reject us. Therefore ~ we fulfill the philosophy of rejection. If we are afraid that our friends or family will abandon us, for what we do or believe ~ we may deny ourselves of the things we need to sustain our spiritual health.

Somewhere in our life, we all leave home ~ we all betray our core values. This isn’t bad ~ it just is. Actually, for most, it becomes an opportunity to grow ~ to become more spiritually sound. When we do manage to return home ~ we find we are more secure ~ we are happier ~ more comfortable.

So how do we find our way home? It is not always easy ~ yet we will always have someone to take the road with us. That someone is God/The Divine/Our Higher Power ~ or whatever we chose to call Him/Her/It.

Step one is to admit that you have strayed from home and want to return. Through admitting the desire ~ The Divine will start opening doors for you.

Step two: Is to take some time to determine what your real core values are. Who are you? What do you believe? Who do you want to socialize with? Where do you want to be?

Step three: Is realizing that your true friends will accept you for who you are. In most cases your family will accept your decisions. If they don’t sometimes you will have to reduce your contact with them. Remember ~ your friends and families do not define you ~ you define yourself.

Step four: Start allowing your actions to reflect your inner self. As your actions start following your desires ~ you will begin to change the outer person ~ you will become more peaceful inside.

Step five: Find new friends (this does not mean that you have to abandon old) who hold similar beliefs to yours. By socialize with people who are on a similar journey ~ it will strength your journey.

Step six: If appropriate and possible (and necessary) may amends to people you have injured in the past. By asking for forgiveness (even if it is not granted) it will help you forgive yourself. If you can not locate a person or if they have already passed to the other side ~ you can have an imaginary conversation with them or even write a letter. We have all offended someone in the past (and will again in the future) ~ so this is a great exercise to do at anytime. Our “sins” may be as simple as being judgmental, short tempered; non-empathic ~ they don’t have to be large infractions. There may be times where we even find that we are willing to renew old broken friendships.

Step seven: Learn the power of love. There are two ways to view any situation ~ through fear (and all its subcomponents and through love (and all its subcomponents). If all our actions are motivated through love ~ our outcomes will start be more peaceful. If you look at an angry person who is screaming at you ~ and in your heart and mind you want to demonstrate to this person love ~ then your actions will be directed towards defusing the situation ~ as opposed to throwing more fire on it. Soon you will discover you will be faced with fewer volatile situations.

Step eight: Identify your authentic self ~ not the person who your mother, father or spouse want you to be ~ but whom you really are. Then remember the wise words of Shakespeare: “To thy own self be true.”

Do these things ~ you will discover a peace within yourself that is a Utopia

Utopia is not a place ~ it is a state of mind. When you allow the light of the Divine to shine in your life ~ your soul will be in Utopia.

The Journey Home.

2010-09-30T18:10:00.001-07:00

The Dime

2010-09-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

One night last week, I had a dream that I found a dime on the side of the road. A voice in the dream told me that I would find a dime the next day ~ that it would be a sign.

As I rose, for the day, I anticipated finding the dime. It had to be a sign that fortunes were surely coming to me. I was truly excited.

My work day presented the many challenges that work days will bring. Soon the “dime” drifted to the back of my consciousness as I concentrated on other things.

By mid-afternoon, the thought of the “dime” returned. I started wondering why it had not revealed itself……I started searching ~ looking downward at the ground instead of upward.

In the early evening, I was driving to the fitness center for my workout. I decided to stop by Target to pick up some supplies. As I am walking through the parking lot I am staring at the ground in search of the elusive “dime.” As I leave Target, I decide to walk to Publix ~ yet another opportunity to find the “dime” promised to me. Quite frankly, I was beginning to believe that it did not exist.

The search continued as I walked towards my car after leaving Publix. Then a thought (maybe a small voice) occurred to me: “Give it up! If you were promised a dime ~ then you shall receive it. Just have faith. Promises from the Divine are always fulfilled.” Instantly ~ I gave it up. I started looking up, again.

After the fitness center, my best friend Paul and I went to Subway for our usual Friday evening drink and cookie. We spent several hours discussing life and our week; and plans for the next week.

Feeling refreshed ~ even at 1 a.m. we left Subway and started towards our cars. By this time I had forgotten about my scavenger hunt. Half way to our cars, I spotted something shiny on the ground. As I bent down to pick-up the dime ~ it all came back to me. Sometimes ~ we have to ask the Divine for what we want/need ~ and then let it go. He will always deliver.

Par V in the the series of The Law of Attraction

2010-07-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

Part V of the five part series on the “Laws of Attraction,” deals with creating a mental slide show. For years creative visualization has worked as a means of manifesting people’s desires. Creating a slide show is a form of visualization. If you have never worked on visualization before, I suggest you read Shakti Gawains’s Creative Visualization.

Creating a slide mental slide show should be fun! Be creative, feel the joy of the exercise.
For each image on your vision board, creative a mental image of what it looks like, what the emotions surrounding it are.

An example would be: “The perfect romantic relationship.” Your visual image may start with you looking in the mirror, and smiling at yourself. You then observe all the traits you want in a life partner, in yourself. The next scene may be walking hand and hand with the “person of your dreams.” You may enjoy several scenes with this person, such as walking in the park, going fishing or cooking together. The last scene might be a wedding. Try to experience the emotions of each event.

All scenes should last to just a couple of minutes ~ kind of like the coming attraction clips at the movie theater.

Once you create all the visual images in your mind ~ then you will tie them together. By tying them together, I mean find a natural way to connect them for a complete visualization exercise. The following is an example how I do this:

I start with the “Perfect Romantic Relationship” which leads to “Travel” which ties into “Being a Best Selling Author,” which leads to “Financial Abundance” which moves into “Being of Service to Others and the Planet,” which lead into “Home Sweet Homes (as a place to rest and entertain after the travels).

In the morning, when you wake play this mental video to yourself. Then right before you go to sleep at night replay it. The night time replay will assist your subconscious mind in providing subliminal messages to you while you sleep.

During the daytime when you have a few free minutes, think about one of the clips. Try to state affirmations why you deserve it, how it makes you feel and how real it is becoming. A bit of daydreaming can go a long way.

This technique takes practice and patience. Your image may not be sharp ~ it maybe more word thoughts than visual thoughts. That is okay, we all tap into our imagination differently. The key is to have fun and be consistent.

If you conceive it ~ and you believe it ~ you will achieve it!

The Law of Attraction ~ Part IV

2010-07-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

Vision Boards

Part IV of the five part series on the “Laws of Attraction,” deals with a Vision Board. Vision Board is not a new concept. In the early part of the last century Napoleon Hill, an early self-help guru, was a proponent of using boards. Walt Disney utilized one in creating his Magic Kingdom.

A Vision Board is a poster in which you display items that remind you of your goals. These items can be a wide range of things from letters to pictures, to written affirmations.
The important thing is that it needs to mean something to you. You may describe it as a display board for your dreams.

It does not have to be elaborate. It can be real simple, such as poster board with pictures from a magazine cut out pasted on it. If you are artistic you may draw or paint pictures which remind you of your goal. I have known some people forgo the vision board and make a vision book ~ which is the same principle.

Once completed it is important to place it in a place where you can see it a few times a day. By viewing it, you will be sparked to contemplate the things that you want. Putting it away in the closet does not have the same effect.

If you have a life partner that you share similar goals, it is okay to do a board together. I would suggest if this is the case that you divide the board in three sections. One section should be dedicated to joint goals, and the other two sections dedicated to your individual goals.

From time to time, as goals/visions change or goals are accomplished, update the board. It also okay to change the pictures if you find you like picture that better describes your vision.

The following is a description of my board, as an example to give you ideas how you may want to construct yours.

My board is a four paneled display board. I have placed it in my home office because I spend most of my time there. The reason I used the four paneled display board is that I had one in storage ~ you don’t necessarily have to purchase something new. My displays are a combination of pictures, clipart, internet pictures and letters I have received. I have laminated all my items and they are stuck on the board with Velcro. Why did I laminate my display items? I have a laminator ~ so it was cost effective. It is important to make your board appealing to the eyes ~ make it easy to look at ~ and you will look at it more often.

On each section of the board I have placed motivational sayings ~ that mean something to me. My sayings are:

1. It is kind of fun to do the impossible ~ Walt Disney
2. Conceive it ~ Believe it ~ Achieve it!
3. Every man is a prophet unto himself. If he believes he will accomplish a
goal ~ he is right, he will. If he believes he won’t ~ once again he is
correct.
4. Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall
be opened unto you. ~ Matthew 7:7

I placed seven goals/visions on my board. I chose seven because I feel it is important to keep the number small….for the mind to focus….and I feel seven is a holy number. There is no correct number…..seven just works for me.

Vision Board reminders:

1. Is a Large letter V done with word- art with many lowercase v’s surrounding
it. The V has a special meaning to me ~ that I don’t necessarily want to
share with other people. I mention it here, because it is important for you
to realize that you don’t have to share all your dreams with the world. Some
things are just between you and the Divine.
2. The Perfect Romantic Relationship. I depict this with a picture of a man and
woman kissing. Directly under the picture I have Velcro a small mirror
(found at the dollar store). The purpose of the mirror is to remind me ~ that
I need to display all the characteristics I am seeking in a mate ~ in order
to find the right person to be my life partner.
3. Best Selling Novel. The vision takes up an entire section because it is one
of my prime objectives. I depict this with a picture of my book cover with
the words “N.Y. Times Best Seller,” written in red above it. I have a
picture of me at a book signing I did in North Georgia. I have the picture
in black and white to show contrast. I have a picture of me at the L.A.
Times Festival of Books. On the bottom are two reviews I have received from
professional reviewers. To top it off I have a copy of a book club
advertisement with six best selling authors on it ~ I super imposed my
picture over one of the authors.
4. Service. According to Michael Bernard Beckwith, one of the keys to
developing a prosperous life is to serve man kind. One of my affirmations
and goals in life is to give back to the earth and my fellow man. I depict
this with a large S done with word-art. On the corner of the pages I have
four pictures that help may my vision become clearer. On the top left corner
is an old church. The church represents, me giving lectures to groups on the
Laws of Attraction and the Laws of Abundance. On the right upper corner is a
picture of a book on a table next to the sea. This represents that I want to
serve through my writing. On the bottom left is a picture of butterfly,
which represents my website: butterflyhope.com, which is dedicated to
lifting the spirits of people who are fighting life threatening illnesses.
On the lower right corner is the letters: FB, which indicates that I can
help people with my blogs on Facebook, as well as networking with like-
minded people.
5. Mountain and Beach Houses. I would really like to have a house in the
mountains and a condo on the beach. I depict this with two pictures. On the
top is a mountain home. On the bottom is two chairs sitting on a patio
overlooking the beach. In between is a sign that says: Home Sweet Homes.
6. Financial Abundance. Mike Dooley asks the question: “At the end of your life
which would you rather have, a million dollars in the bank, or a million
memories?” It is his theory (as well as mine and many other) the Universe
will supply all your needs……just ask. So for the vision I have a picture of
a bank. I placed a sign in front of the bank that says open 24 hours a day;
and a picture of me standing outside of the bank. I have also taken a picture
of $5000.00 and put it on the board. I caution all people who want financial
abundance; it is not how much money you have that counts. It is what you do
with the money. (See number 4).
7. Travel. I love to travel and I want to travel to all areas of the earth and
experience all things I can. To depict this, I placed numerous pictures of
past travel destinations and future destinations.

As with all these exercises, they are meant to be fun! Approach it with a fun creative attitude. It will help get your emotional vibrations moving in the right directions. I have read many stories of how Vision Boards have help propel a person into the land of their dreams. If it has worked for others ~ it will also work for you!

The Law of Attraction ~ Part III

2010-07-23T17:51:00.000-07:00

This is the third of five articles in a series of The Laws of Attractions. These steps are to assist you in your journey to attracting the things you want in your life. These steps or a similar program you custom design for yourself will work. James Arthur Ray, author of the book Harmonic Wealth, said: "You must absolutely have something mentally, before you will ever have it physically." Going just a step further ~ you must have it mentally and be able to hold in your mind. Journaling can assist in doing this.

The third step is journaling. Keep a journal is an important part of our spiritual journey ~ by reviewing your journal on a regular basis you can determine your attitudes ~ desires ~ and your past thought patterns.

By examining your thoughts ~ you can determine what you are co-creating in your life. A prime example of this: After having a not so amicable breakup from a girlfriend, I reviewed my journal for the past year. During that period of time when I mentioned my girlfriend it was to complain, or talking about how I thought the relationship was about over~ and how I wanted out. Then I wondered why the relationship ended. Is it possible that I manifested what I was asking for? Did the Universe grant my wish? There may have been a dramatically different outcome in the relationship if I was writing words of affirmation on how I wanted the relationship to blossom….if I stated positive things about the relationship.

Journaling will reflect your prevailing thoughts ~ therefore giving you direct answers as to attitudes you need to change.

There is no right or wrong way to journal. It is about putting your feelings on paper. It is a private matter that does not have to be shared with others unless you feel it is necessary. Words do not have to be spelled correctly…the grammar does not have to be correct…. just write! I have known people who journal is made up of short stories to describe their day and emotions.
I suggest that you write your “visualization goals” in front of the journal. You may write about events that are happening…. which is good, but it is equally important to describe your emotions concerning those events. One of the goals of the journal is steer your emotions to being positive most of the time. Unless you record your emotions ~ how are you going to monitor them?
If in reviewing your journal if you notice there is a lot of negative energy associated with certain events or people ~ evaluate why you are having those emotions. If you can’t change the negativity~ it may be wise to eliminate or decrease your involvement with these events or people (of course this in not practical if the thing is your job).
Once every few days jot down your thoughts on the things you want to manifest….see if over time your emotions start getting stronger.

Journaling should be fun…it should be a way of releasing your creative energies…which will help turn your attitude more positive. The most important thing in this process is to do it consistency…the more you write….the more you can monitor the more you can change.

Laws of Attraction ~ Part 2 of 5 ~ Affirmations

2010-07-20T18:39:00.001-07:00

The second area of interest in developing a “Laws of Attraction” program is affirmations.

When we really study affirmations, we will discover they are a big part of who we are today.
As children, our parents, teachers and other people of influence (sometimes other children) set the tone for our lives by what they told us…..and what our subconscious mind believed.

Sometimes those “affirmations” were kind…..and sometimes they were not kind. If a parent always told a child they were proud of him/her and that they were very smart…..that child probably grew up to be what the parent affirmed he/she would be. The same holds true for the child that was always being talked down to.

As adults….we have friends, family, spouses, employers, religious figures, etc. telling us “affirmations” of what they believe we are. The majority of the time we buy into what these people are saying. This isn’t always a bad thing….but sometimes it is.

Affirmations can be used to re-affirm the good we already feel about ourselves….or to reprogram our subconscious mind to believe what we want it to be. Because our subconscious mind has been programmed for years, it may take a bit more time to reprogram it than we would like.

The first step in affirmations is realizing that you deserve the good things that you are affirming. It doesn’t do any good if you affirm: “I have a job I like,” if afterwards you are saying to yourself~ “I am not qualified for the job I want,” or “I don’t deserve a better job.”

How do you change your belief from not deserving….to deserving? That is a good question, which is not easy to answer. Sometimes…..it is necessary for a person to seek therapy or spiritual counseling. Prior to doing anything drastic there are a few steps that may be effective.

1. Make a list of all the good things you have done in life. The very fact that
you have done good, indicates that you deserve good things to come to you.
2. Recognize yourself as a child of God. Understand that as a child of God~ you
are already entitled to his blessings.
3. Affirm, while looking in a mirror, that you are a good person and deserve
good things.
4. Read some good self-help books that help build your self-esteem. Two of my
favorite books on the subject are: “The Total Keys to Total Self-
confidence,” by Dr Robert Anthony or “Your Best Life Now,” by Joel Osteen.

It is important to realize that you can not control another person’s action through affirmations. You can not make the man/woman of your dreams to fall madly in love with you. However, you can attract the perfect person into your life.

You can’t attract a specific piece of property to you. If you see a house on the beach that you adore….you can affirm that it is yours until you are blue in the face….and it won’t become yours. You can affirm to have a house similar to the one that you like.

All your affirmations should have two non-negotiable components: they should be for your highest good, and the highest good of all concern.

There are individual affirmations that you may say numerous times during the day and group affirmations that are designed to assisting you in attracting things into you life.

An example of a single affirmation would be when you are about to enter into a stressful situation. You may say to yourself: “I stay calm in all situations,” several times prior to entering that situation.

The group affirmations concern items and behaviors you want to manifest in your life. There are no wrong ways to formulate these affirmations. I do have several suggestions that seem to work well for most people.

1. Recite them two to three times per day. A suggestion would be early in the
morning,sometime in the afternoon, and once prior to going to bed.
2. The total number in the group should not exceed ten affirmations. If you
have too many it may be too difficult for your mind to focus on them.
3. Repeat each affirmation three times.
4. I always put an affirmation for the earth and other people in my set.
5. There is no time span that you should have to say your affirmations for them
to start to work. Change may come immediately, or it may take a while.
6. Affirmation should be made in the present time…as if you already have what
you want. The theory behind this is that the subconscious mind has no
concept of time.
7. The key to affirmation is to change your overall attitude….so when reciting
them, try to imagine what it would feel to have what you are asking for.

The following are examples of affirmations which may be effective for you.

1. I am a good person and deserve God’s best, here and now.
2. I can easily pay all of my bills, here and now.
3. I am enjoying good health, here and now.
4. I have a loving relationship with my family, here and now.
5. I have a job that I enjoy and pays me well, here and now.
6. I make a positive difference in people lives and that of the planet each and
everyday.
7. I am in a loving romantic relationship, here and now.
8. I am calm and relaxed at all times, here and now.
9. I am at my perfect weight, here today.
10. All these things or something better have come to me here and now, for the
highest good of all concern.*

I feel this one is essential in every group affirmations because it allows for something even better than you are asking for to enter your life.

The important thing to remember is affirmations are a way to reprogram your life, to assist in focusing on the good that you deserve. Believe in yourself….and all things are possible. Remember, Jesus said, “With the faith the size of a mustard seed you can move a mountain.”

The Laws of Attraction- Part 1

2010-07-18T17:13:00.000-07:00

This is a five part series to assist the reader with the “Laws of Attraction” to become effective in your life. What makes me an expert? Absolutely nothing…..other than I am working the program, and the program is working in my life! The majority (probably all) of the information in this series is not original; rather a collection of ideas that I have obtain from a majority of books ~ both old and new. A few of the sources include: Jesus, The Buddha, Shakti Gawain, Michael Bernard Beckwith, Mike Dooley, Jerry and Esther Hicks, Rhonda Byrne, Zig Zigler, James Arthur Ray, Napoleon Hill ~ the list is endless.

The Law of Attraction ~ Creative Visualization or whatever you want to call it is not new. Michael Bernard Beckwith refers to it as: New Thought/Ancient Wisdom. In fact, Jesus said: “Ask and it shall be given, seek, and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7.

This is an attempt to bring all the teachings together that can assist you in developing your own plan. My plan is working for me ~ this does not mean that you need to do everything I do. This is just a model. Walt Disney said: “It is kind of fun to do the impossible.” Let’s get started!

Attitude:

One element that is vitally important in the Law of Attraction is your attitude. If you are convinced that is won’t work ~ I would agree with you ~ it won’t. However, it is not just the attitude about the program that is important ~ it is also the attitude you have towards yourself. You have to believe that you are worthy of obtaining the things in your life that you want!

Jesus said: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” Mark 12:31. Many people fail to read the second half of the statement: “love yourself.” It is important to develop self-appreciation /love ~ before we can be totally successful we must believe think we deserve it. Self-love is really okay……it is okay to treat ourselves like we are special~ because we are. This is not saying that we ignore the needs of others ~ it is just recognizing that we deserve the items in life that we want, too.

The words “can’t, won’t, failure, impossible, bad luck” should all be avoided as much as possible ~ they are words which denote lack ~ we want our vocabulary to reflect abundance. When we are speaking of abundance ~ our subconscious mind will pick up on the vibration and produce abundance. A positive attitude will, even when it appears the world is crumbling around us, make us feel better. When we feel better ~ it is more likely good things will happen to us.

Many people have been indoctrinated with negative self-talk. I suggest that we work on rewiring our brains to put a positive spin on things. Some examples are:

“Things are so unfair” can be changed into “This situation is presenting great opportunities for me.”

“It is so hard to get ahead” can be changed to: “I am seeing progress.”

“I hate this traffic.” can be changed to: “This gives me an opportunity to get my thoughts together.”

This list goes on. Transform yourself from a complainer to a complimenter.

When negative thoughts sneak into you consciousness ~ say STOP (to yourself or out loud) and then proceed to list 10 good things about the situation.

The Universe (or if you prefer God) appreciates gratitude. The theory goes if you are grateful ~ that the Universe will give you more to be grateful for. I suggest that each morning, and every night prior to bed that you think of 10 things that you are thankful for. A good time to do this would be when you are brushing your teeth~ it will keep you from forgetting.

Dr. Robert Anthony said in his book: “The Ultimate Keys to Total Self-confidence,” that it takes 21 days to change a behavior. If you follow these steps for a short 3-weeks they should become second nature to you.

You were born to soar with the eagles ~ it is time to leave the nest!

Live in the Now!

2010-07-08T16:11:00.001-07:00

The following is my paraphrase of a story I read in a book in the 1980s, obviously it made an impact on me ~ as evidenced by me remembering the tale.

One day a man was taking a hike in the mountains. Out of nowhere, a giant grizzly bear attacked him. Fearing for his life he ran hoping to lose the bear. To his dismay the bear continued to chase him.

He raced up a trail, only to find that is ended ~ at a steep cliff. As he turned around to head down the hill, he saw the bear gaining on him. Looking over the edge of the cliff he spied a limb growing out if the side of the mountain ~ so he jumped, just as the bear was about to maul him. With great luck the relieved man was able to grab hold of the limb to break his fall.

Just as he was about to drop to safety ~ he heard a ferocious roar. Standing directly underneath him, waiting for his supper, was a hungry tiger.

The man looked up and winced as the bear continued to stare at him. He then looked down at the hungry beast that awaited his fall. He noticed a strawberry growing on the side of the hill ~ so he reached over, picked it and ate it.

That was the end of the story. The message is clear ~ all we really have is “now.”

To me this is the best policy ~ it is impossible to change yesterday. What is done is done. Yes there are times we should make amends ~ but then we need to move on. As far as the good old days ~ they are gone too. It is time to make new memories in the present time. If we spend too much time ruminating on the past ~ how can we possibly enjoy the present time. There are lessons from yesterday that we need to apply to today ~ but to continue to relive yesterday ~ good or bad ~ can prevent us from feeling the beauty of today.

Tomorrow is uncertain ~ we don’t really know if it is going to arrive. Spending too much time worrying about something that may never come ~ also prevents us from fully embracing today. Yes ~ we should plan for retirement ~ for vacations ~ make grocery lists ~ all in anticipation that tomorrow will come. However ~ being overly concerned about what is going to happen in an uncertain future will drive you nuts!

My suggestion ~ eat the strawberry ~ enjoy it ~ today is all we truly have.

I Hope You Dance!

2010-06-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/i-hope-you-dance-with-
lyrics/f42aee977063102ff63df42aee977063102ff63d-87739467241
(You will need to copy and paste in browzer to hear video)

Recently I have taken up dancing! It is great exercise and a lot of fun. I have been working on The Zumba ~ which is a Brazilian Folk Dance that has been popularized as an exercise routine. My plan is to dance the Zumba as I usher the New Year in, on the streets of Brazil this year ~ still need some practice.

Of course I am using dancing more as a metaphor ~ as a way of saying life is meant to be savored and lived ~ we were never supposed to sit on the sidelines. Too many times people become so involved in their “routines” that they forget to take time out for fun. Sometimes we become a bit complacent ~ almost robotic.

There is a difference between existing and living. Existing is continuing in the same routine day after day ~ go to work ~ come home watch TV ~ yard work on the weekend. All of which are important tasks. To truly live it is important to nurture the “child within” by making time for play ~ for fun stuff ~ for a change of routines. Yes there has to be balance ~ but balance does not mean to sit on the sidelines.

The Universe/God wants our lives to be fulfilling ~ He wants us to take chances, to laugh and play. The physical and mental bodies were engineered for challenges ~ for stretching to higher limits ~ not for being wallflowers.

What is your passion? Are you pursuing it? If not, why aren’t you? To truly feel alive ~ chase your passion ~ if you are physically unable to go after it ~ choose another that you can chase.

My challenge to you is:

1) Make a list of 5 things that you used to enjoy ~ that remain realistic.
Between each item leave three or four lines to write.
2) Make a list of 5 things you always wanted to do ~ that are realistic. Leave 3 or 4 lines between each item.
3) Now write the “excuses” as to why you are not doing these activities.
4) Now mentally eliminate the excuses.
5) Formulate a plan to start doing some of these activities (even if it just one) on a regular basis for a month.
6) Take notes in a journal about how you feel after doing these activities.
7) DANCE!

TO WANT; TO HAVE

By John Klopfer

To want; to love, to live
but to never have
this is the plight of many

To be born only to live…..
live and no more
live with no meaning or cause

To live with no meaning is …
not to live; and
not living; is to simply die

To inhale; but not to breath
to exist; to die
to listen, but to never hear

To speak, but never be heard
cry with no comfort
freedom bound in bondage

Peace that isn’t true
this is the plight of many
to have, to waste

Ability that will never be used
thoughts that will never be spoken
to exist, to die

Freedom only in bondage
cry with no comfort
to live, to live, to love

To want, to have
this is the plight of so few
to live with cause and meaning

To live; and more
to enjoy being alive, to live
to celebrate yourself, your life

To be at peace
to be joyously alive
to want to LIVE!
this is the plight of so few

The Pearl Within

2010-05-22T10:01:00.000-07:00

A pearl is formed in an oyster shell when a foreign object is lodged inside. The oyster, as protection covers the object with a substance called nacre. Over time this substance forms the valuable pearl. In much the same way, God will protect us with love from all harmful things. If we allow God’s love to cover us we too will become a pearl.

Life is full of pressure~ an uncertainties. Throughout time the only true certainty has been that God/The Universe/ The Divine will deliver us, if we put our faith in him. What is faith? It is the belief that the Divine will intervene in our lives and rescue us. Faith can be built by changing our vocabulary, which will help change our thought process from one of lack to the one of prosperity. As opposed to focusing on things that are not going well; focus on those that are. According to the law of attraction, by showing gratitude for what we do have, more things to be grateful for will appear in our lives. If we focus on “lack of money” we will attract more of that ~ lack of money. However, if we focus on the fact that God has always provided for us ~ we will receive that.

Think of ten things that you are grateful for. Take a few seconds in the morning to reflect on them. When negative thought sneak into your consciousness, remind yourself of something you are grateful for.

By doing these simple things….though at time seem redundant, will help transform your thoughts….and your life.

Abraham Lincoln said: “Most people are as happy as they make their minds up to be.” We all have a choice of what are thoughts are going to be ~ the happier and more positive the thoughts ~ the happier we will become.

Some people view God as an external entity…somewhere in the skies of Heaven. I view the Divine as an internal being which dwells inside of me. Since He/She is inside of me; I am part God, which makes me a creator. I therefore can choose to create anything I desire. All I have to do is tap into this energy…..which is already dwelling within me. I chose my world to be one of happiness and adventure. There are times I struggle with this; but as I work on it, life becomes easier. To Mr. Lincoln, I say: I chose to be pretty doggone happy!

Increasing abundance through gratitude

2010-05-11T14:09:00.000-07:00

An experiment to increase your abundance: Try this simple experiement for the next 30 days. In the morning when you are brushing your teeth (to assist in remembering the exercise) think of 10 things you are grateful for. Before going to bed, at night, repeat the exercise. Periodically during the day think of items which you are grateful for. Accorrding to the Law of Attraction by doing so this you will receive more items from God to be grateful for. Your "prayer" does not need to be eloborate; it can be as simple as: "Today I am grateful for my job."

Let' look at this from a human perspective. Hypothetically you gave a friend or family member $20.00 as a gift. The receiver of this gift showed you great joy and gratitude over your genoristy. When you have another extra $20.oo wouldn't you be inclined to give this person more money? The Universe, which has all the riches of the galaxy at its disposal, is inclined to act the same way. If you are grateful for what you have, no matter how small or large, the Universe will give you more.

Try this experiement for 30 days. See if: 1) Yout attitude towards life improves. 2) The amount of thing you have to be thankful for increase. Let me know how it works. You may be suprised!

This is new to me!

2010-05-10T16:14:00.000-07:00

Even though I have been a member of the computer generation for 15 years....blogging is new to me. I am creating this blog to share ideas...with whom ever wants to listen. I am not saying my ideas are right........or even rational. The idea behind the idea is to iniatate a thought process!

I am a big believer in God/The Universe/The Source or whatever a person calls their higher power. Probably because I was raised in the west, I consider myself a Christian. I am proud of my Christian faith....but I do embrace diversity. I consider myself a Mystical Christain.

I beleive that the Universe provides us with Spiritual Guides (you may call them Angels). One of my Spirit Guides is Gray Feather. When I meditate I listen to the Wisdom of Gray Feather. These blogs will consist of things that I hear. Some may think this is a fairy tale....perhaps it....but whatever comes out will be thought provoking.