My wife had knee surgery yesterday morning and they cleaned up some stuff that has been keeping her from doing what she wants to do. The surgery was not very invasive and the recovery should be quick. She does not have the same knee problems nor the golf swing of Tiger Woods but she loves to keep fit and play golf. Hopeful we will be out hacking away again before long.
Speaking of Tiger, I have been reading people making comments lately about him getting mad out on the golf course when things don’t go well. They were critical and someone made a comment about his behavior was a bad moral example. I have seen the word moral use more often lately and it got me thinking. I looked up moral in the dictionary and found it having to do with judging people and their actions as either good or bad.
I find it interesting that so many people who come from a traditional/conservative Christian point of view are so full of judgment of others. Is that really the point of their highest teachings of love and compassion? How come those that have so many opinions of right and wrong feel it is their job to judge others?
Moral, from the point of view of right and wrong, is used more like a blunt instrument on those who are judged as less than those who feel righteous. Yet it seems, to so often turn up, that those who claim to by on the higher moral ground end up getting caught in less than morally outstanding situations and behaviors. Numerous priests, ministers, politicians and other authority figures come to mind. Those that protest so loudly too often have a shadow side lurking in the muck of what they protest about.
So if you hear someone throwing around their moral attitude, I suggest you keep clear of them and their beliefs because you will be misguided.
The higher way, it seems, is to be with people who: value love, compassion and understanding; who know their own human limitation; who accept people for who they are; and who don’t claim to have all the answers but instead see life as a journey full of exploration and growth. Let your mind be open to the path of your own heart.
Find That Which Is Limitless In You
I hope you took the time to do the healing story for yourself from yesterday’s blog. If not I highly encourage you to do so in the next week or so. I work with people who are in treatment for their addictions and the 5 years healing story was a powerful exercise. The stories they came up with will help them in their recovery.
This exercise is not only for the seriously troubled, it is also very beneficial for those who want to move forward with life and to get clear about the kind of future they want to create. I wrote my own story and it was very specific about the life I want to have in 5 years. This life became possible because I can imagine it now and starting putting together the building blocks so things will come into the reality of my life 60 months from now. If I think I can make it happen, if I can feel it as a possibility, if I can sense it, imagine it and open to these new and improved possibilities then I have a wonderful chance of this expansive life becoming real.
I believe that if I get clear and clear out of my own way then anything is possible and probable. The clear out piece may be the trickiest. By that I mean that my old thoughts and beliefs even though I have worked on erasing them, still may linger in my unconscious road blocking that which I desire. I suspect that that is true for you too.
We all have a collection of programming/conditioning from our earlier years that provide barriers to the flow of abundance and success we want. The gamut of faulty beliefs of not deserving, not enough, no ok etc. can be hard to over-ride.
Hang in there and keep on taking deeper and deeper examinations of limiting self-talk, thoughts, beliefs and emotions. Everyone of those limits are ultimately self-imposed even though they came from other people and situations. The reason that is true is because in this moment, our only true impediment to success and the life we long for is the person you look in the mirror on most days. Yes you and I get in our way more than anyone or anything.
Today and each day you are encourage to listen inward and sneak- up on any self-imposed limits that may be rushing through your misinformed mind, past muscle memory or less than open heart.
Take back you and your life by fully allowing the open and rich flow of all that is possible. There simply is no limit in the universe, so there is not limit in you.
Your Healing Story For 5 Years From Now
What is holding you back in your life at this time? I want to invite you to write a 2-5-page story about you and your life 5 years into the future. Think big; imagine a positive life filled with healing, insights, opportunities and success. Below are some ideas to help stimulate your thinking about your expanded life. They are just guideline and you do not need to include all or any of them in your story.
Have fun and let yourself be expressed in this story. Explore these ideas if you choose to:
State of mind
Physical health
Emotional well-being
Spiritual life
Relationships
Social life
What are you focused on for personal growth
What is your purpose in life?
Career and work life
What you do for fun?
Interests, hobbies, recreational
How do you keep fit?
How do you express yourself creatively?
What healing has taken place in the family you grew up in?
What have your forgiven and moved on from?
What was the turning point early in your life?
Who have been the most helpful people in staying helping you get on the right track?
How well have you done financially?
What do you want to accomplish next in your life?
What have been the biggest surprises in life?
What do you now see as your strengths?
What new beliefs did you create to make you successful?
What have you learned about love?
How have you become a more aware and conscious human being?
Fill you story with lots of positive words like you can find at this site:
http://www.winspiration.co.uk/positive.htm
Take the story and put it somewhere you can review it regularly and then five years later be surprised by all the wonderful things that happen as you had imagined. If you can imagine it, you can make it happen.
Have fun with this healing story for yourself and let me know how it goes.
Have fun and let yourself be expressed in this story. Explore these ideas if you choose to:
State of mind
Physical health
Emotional well-being
Spiritual life
Relationships
Social life
What are you focused on for personal growth
What is your purpose in life?
Career and work life
What you do for fun?
Interests, hobbies, recreational
How do you keep fit?
How do you express yourself creatively?
What healing has taken place in the family you grew up in?
What have your forgiven and moved on from?
What was the turning point early in your life?
Who have been the most helpful people in staying helping you get on the right track?
How well have you done financially?
What do you want to accomplish next in your life?
What have been the biggest surprises in life?
What do you now see as your strengths?
What new beliefs did you create to make you successful?
What have you learned about love?
How have you become a more aware and conscious human being?
Fill you story with lots of positive words like you can find at this site:
http://www.winspiration.co.uk/positive.htm
Take the story and put it somewhere you can review it regularly and then five years later be surprised by all the wonderful things that happen as you had imagined. If you can imagine it, you can make it happen.
Have fun with this healing story for yourself and let me know how it goes.
The Human Eating Dragon Of Driven Doing
Do you ever feel anxious about life? Does it ever seem like you are too wound up inside. Can you feel yourself at time too caught up in the dramas and tensions of life? Do you just keep pushing forward sometimes when you just need to slow down and relax. This is the kind of world you and I live in where there is lots of anxiousness, tension, and people pushing themselves forward in a survival mode.
I noticed lately that my days are full of doing; trying to get stuff done. I am working at getting ahead, trying to make progress for a better future. Unfortunately, in the process of moving forward, I sometimes lose the present. It is very easy to be busy in the now and not enjoy the moment. Life and what you want pulls you forward oftentimes at the cost of not really being able to appreciate the moment-to-moment gifts and joys of life.
This going all the time in our activities feels less than a fully healthy way to live. Being focused is great but no down-time can leave you and I uptight and unable to let go of the frenzy of doing. Here are some ideas to break loose from the human eating dragon called driven doing for the future / spinning the wheels in hope of a better tomorrow.
• Take short breaks throughout the day and just slow down and breathe more deeply.
• Get clear what you want to accomplish, set a course for success and plan time for relaxation every day
• At the end of the day take some time to release and let go of the accumulated tension
• Go for a slow and relaxed walk, during your lunch hour, at the end of your day or whenever you can fit one in
• Eat food that makes you feel good and be careful not to eat just to soothe your discomfort
• Set a plan for exercise but be careful not to make it another thing you do that keeps you uptight
• Take a nap when you are tired, or get up and walk around, or just sit in appreciation of the moment
• Laughter can break a cycle of overdoing. Being playful and having fun are absolutely important
• Take time even if for short breaks to express your creativity. You can doodle, write short poems, jot down inspired ideas
• Quieting the mind is important. Meditation is a powerful way to slow the mind down.
• Listen to your heart; it will guide you as to the best ways to be open and giving. Giving and receiving love heals
• Write in a journal you process and progress and to keep track of your inner landscape of thoughts, emotions and beliefs. Make sure you are supportive of yourself
• Self-care is very important. That means taking care of your mind, body, heart and spirit. If you neglect any one of these areas, the rest suffers
• Say no to what you don’t want or have to do. Say yes to enjoy what you love
• Pet and play with your dog or cat more. Watch, they have a lot to teach you
• Try to stop doing every moment and instead just be and enjoy
I hope you find these ideas helpful. I wrote them for you and as a reminder to myself. This is the time of year to break from the old cycles and to put more fun in your days. Please join me and relax more and let the joy flow through your day.
I noticed lately that my days are full of doing; trying to get stuff done. I am working at getting ahead, trying to make progress for a better future. Unfortunately, in the process of moving forward, I sometimes lose the present. It is very easy to be busy in the now and not enjoy the moment. Life and what you want pulls you forward oftentimes at the cost of not really being able to appreciate the moment-to-moment gifts and joys of life.
This going all the time in our activities feels less than a fully healthy way to live. Being focused is great but no down-time can leave you and I uptight and unable to let go of the frenzy of doing. Here are some ideas to break loose from the human eating dragon called driven doing for the future / spinning the wheels in hope of a better tomorrow.
• Take short breaks throughout the day and just slow down and breathe more deeply.
• Get clear what you want to accomplish, set a course for success and plan time for relaxation every day
• At the end of the day take some time to release and let go of the accumulated tension
• Go for a slow and relaxed walk, during your lunch hour, at the end of your day or whenever you can fit one in
• Eat food that makes you feel good and be careful not to eat just to soothe your discomfort
• Set a plan for exercise but be careful not to make it another thing you do that keeps you uptight
• Take a nap when you are tired, or get up and walk around, or just sit in appreciation of the moment
• Laughter can break a cycle of overdoing. Being playful and having fun are absolutely important
• Take time even if for short breaks to express your creativity. You can doodle, write short poems, jot down inspired ideas
• Quieting the mind is important. Meditation is a powerful way to slow the mind down.
• Listen to your heart; it will guide you as to the best ways to be open and giving. Giving and receiving love heals
• Write in a journal you process and progress and to keep track of your inner landscape of thoughts, emotions and beliefs. Make sure you are supportive of yourself
• Self-care is very important. That means taking care of your mind, body, heart and spirit. If you neglect any one of these areas, the rest suffers
• Say no to what you don’t want or have to do. Say yes to enjoy what you love
• Pet and play with your dog or cat more. Watch, they have a lot to teach you
• Try to stop doing every moment and instead just be and enjoy
I hope you find these ideas helpful. I wrote them for you and as a reminder to myself. This is the time of year to break from the old cycles and to put more fun in your days. Please join me and relax more and let the joy flow through your day.
There Are Some Positive Indicators
Sunday is a planned day of rest for me but this Sunday was busy. Today I spent the afternoon at a green show called Earth Works Expo. We sold our peace t-shirts and talked to people about what we hope will be a more positive future for the country and the planet.
Here are four reasons things are look better:
1. First there is an election year and it is time to change the direction this country is heading. It seems clear to most which presidential candidate really represents a change in course.
2. Second there is a strong and growing Green movement and with gas prices sky-rocketing you can bet there will be even more emphasis on how we can come up with other positive energy sources.
3. Thirdly there is a growing feeling that the people of this nation need to get together and make things happen in ways that are for the good of all the people. This energy is picking up steam and will cause some positive and powerful changes.
4. Fourth there is at every level of government and the private sector a need to evaluate what is working and what needs to change. Without much research needed most Americans feel things need to move in new and more innovative ways that will benefit everyone and the planet.
What other positive things do you see going on? Please share your ideas with others so we can all expand our thinking. We the people will be the driving force for change so lets all spread our ideas and join together in positive action.
Let The Summer Blossom In You
Inertia is a powerful force in our lives. Life sometimes tricks us into thinking that it is best to stay with the familiar, to do it like we always have. This disinterest in change may feel comfortable for a while but it soon looses its appeal when we see that, what we thought we had, is slipping away. We like traveling in our groove, doing what is comfortable. There are real benefits in habits that are healthful and helpful. Unfortunately many habits and old ways no longer work very well. It is too easy to become entranced by our old patterns even if they no longer serve us.
Summer began yesterday and it is the time of year for new growth. This new growth, this blossoming of efforts isn’t just for the plant life. In the brightness of summer it is time to promote new growth in you and I. This new growth can come in a number of ways, from studying, taking courses, going to new places and maybe most powerful of all; changing patterns. Disrupting the way we do things can be very helpful in moving new energy in a positive direction. If you are feeling stuck, like things are not moving, then it may be time to look at your efforts and change them. It also may be time to look at other ways and get some outside feedback.
The old ways are ok as long as they work and your feel good about what you are doing. If they stop working or you feel the need to expand or explore new possibilities then it is time to do so. Staying the course will not work when you know it is time to change. Finding a mentor or coach can be very helpful. Taking some classes or doing some reading can stimulate new growth and new thinking. Doing a thorough and objective assessment of your current mode of operation can give you important feedback. If you are not growing and expanding in positive ways than you are most likely not feeling good about yourself and your life.
Take this warmer and sunnier time of year to contemplate where you want to go and what you want to do. Maybe a vacation is needed just to clear your head, calm your thoughts, and open your intuitive process. There is in you a knowing that you must pay attention to if you are to create the life you want. Please make the next few months a time to get to know what changes you need to make to improve what you got going. Let yourself nurture your growth, water the fruits of your new direction so there can be results to harvest as the fall arrives.
I do provide coaching services and have for many years if you need a fresh perspective or want to have some assistance in committing yourself to new growth. If you have questions or want some assistance, it is as simple as dropping me a note at explorelifeblog@inbox.com.
Living a life that is full of purpose and experiencing the rewards of your fullest expression will bring great joy to you and to the world you share with others. Have a wonderful summer.
Summer began yesterday and it is the time of year for new growth. This new growth, this blossoming of efforts isn’t just for the plant life. In the brightness of summer it is time to promote new growth in you and I. This new growth can come in a number of ways, from studying, taking courses, going to new places and maybe most powerful of all; changing patterns. Disrupting the way we do things can be very helpful in moving new energy in a positive direction. If you are feeling stuck, like things are not moving, then it may be time to look at your efforts and change them. It also may be time to look at other ways and get some outside feedback.
The old ways are ok as long as they work and your feel good about what you are doing. If they stop working or you feel the need to expand or explore new possibilities then it is time to do so. Staying the course will not work when you know it is time to change. Finding a mentor or coach can be very helpful. Taking some classes or doing some reading can stimulate new growth and new thinking. Doing a thorough and objective assessment of your current mode of operation can give you important feedback. If you are not growing and expanding in positive ways than you are most likely not feeling good about yourself and your life.
Take this warmer and sunnier time of year to contemplate where you want to go and what you want to do. Maybe a vacation is needed just to clear your head, calm your thoughts, and open your intuitive process. There is in you a knowing that you must pay attention to if you are to create the life you want. Please make the next few months a time to get to know what changes you need to make to improve what you got going. Let yourself nurture your growth, water the fruits of your new direction so there can be results to harvest as the fall arrives.
I do provide coaching services and have for many years if you need a fresh perspective or want to have some assistance in committing yourself to new growth. If you have questions or want some assistance, it is as simple as dropping me a note at explorelifeblog@inbox.com.
Living a life that is full of purpose and experiencing the rewards of your fullest expression will bring great joy to you and to the world you share with others. Have a wonderful summer.
Take Action Today
I have been urging you to get involved in something that matters to you, for the benefit of humanity, the Earth, and our nation. Here are a few organization you will find helpful pertaining to a number of different areas that need your help.
If the environment is a passion for you checkout:
www.wecansolveit.org
www.pachamama.org
If world hunger is something you can get passionate about checkout:
www.heifer.org
www.thehungersite.com
or your local food bank, food banks these days are struggling and they can use your help
If world peace is on your mind checkout:
www.unitedforpeace.org
www.peaceactionwest.org
www.peace-together.com my small peace organization with a big mission
What can you get involved in that will feel like a worthwhile mission in your life? You are needed and there is so much to do. If you have a passion for something Google it, or go to Dogpile and search. You will be amazed at all there is going on and how much your help is needed.
A good general site is www.wiserearth.org to find about what people are doing all over the world to make a difference.
Get focused, get inspired, get committed and get into action today.
The World Is A Challenge and Only You Can Do This
I have been listening to what is going on in the world. I hear panic and fear. I hear people trying to make sense of things. I hear flooding and too many disasters. I hear people struggling to put their lives’ in order. I hear confusion and misinformation. I hear people trying to keep positive when things are not going very well. I hear people losing their homes, struggling in debt. I hear people praying things get better. I hear people out of touch with how they feel. I hear people no longer working. I hear the elder filing bankruptcy due to medical bills. I hear the news and most of it is alarming. I hear about huge profits. I hear of poverty and hunger. I hear of those who make millions of dollars a year. I hear people closing their hearts. I hear of America torturing others. I hear of needless war and endless disputes.
If you listen closely, you will hear that there is much unrest about and you may even feel it inside of you.
Few escape the struggles of life and yet we all keep on going. Why? You may wonder. The answer is that life calls us forward. It demands of us to keep on going in search of the possibility around the corner, the next day, not too far into the future or the glimmer of hope we feel inside. Yes this all can feel overwhelming at times but inevitably we pick ourselves up and keep on going. We do this because we know this path we are on demands of us not to quit; wants us to make something more out of the time we are given on the Earth. That full expression of who we are is what we are here to do.
There is no two of us with the same tasks. Each of us knows inside what calls us and we must listen because to do less would leave us feeling not ok. Yet some settle for less, quit trying and make excuses for not living life fully. What each person does is ok.
Each of us is given a unique set of life tools. No one gets the same skills, aptitudes or interests. That is because no one else on the entire planet is able to do what you are here to do. Your expression of you is totally unique to you. You playing your note in the musical of life will help create the best world we are all capable of helping make happen. You and only you can do and be who you are.
Today Please Make a Commitment To Yourself and the Planet and Be You as Fully as You Can Be. Yes there will be hurdles to clear but we all have them. Don’t let anything stop you. Living this way will bring great joy to you and the world.
If you listen closely, you will hear that there is much unrest about and you may even feel it inside of you.
Few escape the struggles of life and yet we all keep on going. Why? You may wonder. The answer is that life calls us forward. It demands of us to keep on going in search of the possibility around the corner, the next day, not too far into the future or the glimmer of hope we feel inside. Yes this all can feel overwhelming at times but inevitably we pick ourselves up and keep on going. We do this because we know this path we are on demands of us not to quit; wants us to make something more out of the time we are given on the Earth. That full expression of who we are is what we are here to do.
There is no two of us with the same tasks. Each of us knows inside what calls us and we must listen because to do less would leave us feeling not ok. Yet some settle for less, quit trying and make excuses for not living life fully. What each person does is ok.
Each of us is given a unique set of life tools. No one gets the same skills, aptitudes or interests. That is because no one else on the entire planet is able to do what you are here to do. Your expression of you is totally unique to you. You playing your note in the musical of life will help create the best world we are all capable of helping make happen. You and only you can do and be who you are.
Today Please Make a Commitment To Yourself and the Planet and Be You as Fully as You Can Be. Yes there will be hurdles to clear but we all have them. Don’t let anything stop you. Living this way will bring great joy to you and the world.
You Will Be Amazed If You . . . .
Today is a day to be more aware. Awareness is a powerful way to be in the world. With awareness we have the power to guide our own ship in the direction we want to go. When we are aware we know what is right for us, and what our needs are. Most people have not even begun to tap into the awareness that is available to them.
Awareness is possible if you take the time to: pay attention to your thoughts, your heart, your emotions, your desires, your body, your soul, your intuitive knowing and more and you will always be guided to the most incredible life. Here is what is available to you if you commit to being an aware person
Awareness will:
• Make us more alert to what we want
• Help us meet our needs
• Keep us in touch with our thoughts
• Guide us through the life we have come here to live
• Show us our purpose
• Give us a mission in life
• Deepen the meaning and quality of journey
• Help us be just who we are
• Open us to the wisdom of our heart
• Allow our body knowing to show us the way
• Let our spirit direct us
• Expand our consciousness
• Aid us in exploring our potential
• Help us take better care of ourselves
• Open us to our intuitive knowing
• Show us how to care for others
• Teach us about compassion
• Give us the insight needed to he happy
• Lead us to be better listeners and better partners
• Empower us to be more powerful creators
• Enable us to be better citizens
• Allow us to be open minded and open hearted
• Help us see how connected we all are to each others
• Make decision-making more informed
• Assist us to be better tuned in to ourselves and others
• Help us escape from our limited thoughts and beliefs
• Inform us so we can design the highest and best life for ourselves and those we love
• Help us believe in ourselves
• Allow us to take on formidable challenges
• Show us how to be successful
• Help make our relationships work
• Show us the way to a prosperous and abundant life
• Point the way to joy
• Show us how to tap into the collective consciousness
• Allow us to find peace
• Set us free to be all we want to be
Awareness is a gift of the moment. Take the time to be as aware as you can be and your life will be a reflection of great light and wisdom.
Fox News Is Bad For Your Health
My dad and his wife have the TV on almost all day and it is usually on the news. The station they get their news from is Fox and frankly I had no idea it was this bad. Sure the big opinion guys are so biased and misleading but the local news is full of sensation, fear and drama that makes me upset just watching. If I watched that news nightly, I would be full of fear and distrust and my mental health would be greatly compromised.
If you watch the news I highly suggest you do it briefly and on a network that isn’t about loud people shouting at you and telling you how screwed up the world is. Fox News is really not news but fear based sensationalism and biased opinion. You can get real news from newspapers and the web and that way you can select what you want to let impact you. The local Fox network is all about murder, crime and the grime of life. The opinion people were all shouting at each other like the viewers really needed to hear their slants on things. The tone was disgusting as if they represented the lowest of human opinion and thought.
I cannot imagine how you would feel about life in general if you watch that kind of stuff regularly. If I watched that regularly at night and then went to sleep, I am sure I would have awful nightmares and possibly experience serious depression. It speaks highly of humans who can watch that kind of negative stuff and not become totally deranged.
I highly encourage you to take a total fast from TV nightly news. If you want to keep up, read the newspaper or the website you can trust to give you fair news. This is not only important for your own health and sanity but also for the good of the nation. This kind of misinformation makes you a citizen who doesn’t even know what is really going on. The research I have read says those that watch Fox News are the most misinformed about significant issues. We need people who are informed and with heart now more than ever. If you watch Fox you heart has to be shielded against the fear driven world they mislead you to think exists out there.
There is much for us all to do to make things better and it starts with us having an open mind and an open heart.
Have a peaceful and loving week.
Dads In Our Lives
The trip to Oregon to visit with may family and celebrate my Dad’s 80th birthday has been fun and way too fast. In the size of family I come from, I needed much more time to interact and find out how they are all doing. It seems everyone is doing well but there has not been enough time to really check-in with each other.
Yesterday was Father’s day so I got to thinking about the influence our dad’s have on our lives. My dad had a lot of influence in kind of an opposite kind of way. He was a very busy guy supporting a family of six children. He also was very involved in his community and active in many organizations. He was so busy, he had very little time to spend having fun with his family. He comes from a very strong religious upbringing and has a conservative point of view politically. All of this is who he is, I have no negative judgment about my dad.
I watch my dad as I grew up and I saw a busy, stressed, and not very engaged father. I ended up having no children of my own although I have spent most of my adult life as a therapist helping to re-parent adults. I have never joined any of the organization my dad was a member of because they seem to take up time I valued for myself. Work has never been an obsession for me. My political views are on the other end of the spectrum and yet we have more common ground then most would guess. My dad dislikes war, he has a very charitable desire to help people, he dislikes the way things are in Washington DC. He knows there has to be a better way, as I do.
My brothers and sisters all turned out to be wonderful human beings. I think my mom had more influence on that than my dad but he more than did his part. I wish I had additional time to spend with them as I head back to Boulder today feeling like this stay was much too short. I look forward to spending more time with my family in the future. They do mean a lot to me even as it seems our lives grow further apart. I hope one day in the future I get some extended time with each one of them so we wan share more of each other. Families do matter and I wish to enjoy the person they have become shaped by the life they lead.
What matters most about your connection to your family? Are they part of your life? I hope the unconditional love that is part of most families is something you all share together.
Take A Moment To Appreciate Yourself
The next few days I am going to be on the road to visit my Dad who is turning 80 and there is a big party planned. I look forward to seeing my 3 brothers and 2 sisters, my Dad and other family and friends. My blog will most likely be sporadic on my trip through Monday. If I get a chance to write I will.
I am approaching 500 blog posts in the next few weeks so I don’t want to slow down my momentum that has continued strongly with lots of energy and inspiration. You know how it easy when you got a flow going and string of successes, you just want to keep things going.
What is working well for you in your life these days? Is it taking care of yourself through exercise, feeding yourself healthier foods, enjoying life more, having success in career and/or business, being a loving partner, having more compassion for others, expressing your creativity or what else do you do well? I ask this question because most of us are less than good at acknowledging what we do well. If you don’t appreciate yourself how would you expect others to appreciate you?
Take some time in the next few days to make a list of what you do well. Pay attention to even the small stuff like brushing your teeth regularly, paying your bills on time, loving you pet, showing up to work daily with enthusiasm and the many other positive things you pull off day in and day out. Noticing what you do well will encourage you to keep up the good work and may even challenge you to push yourself toward more successes.
You are amazing whether you realize it or not. Please appreciate all you do well and continue to do so. Keep up the good work and enjoy yourself for what you do accomplish, for who you are and for the gift of each day.
May The Force Be With You
Yesterday I wrote about political stuff and sometimes I feel like my self-development readers may get a bit tired of that but I hope not. Today I want to talk about finding your center.
Your center is where you imagine it to be. Most martial arts place the center below the navel around beltline. Why is it important to know your center? The center is your balance point and you place where all movement starts. You cannot take any physical action without beginning with your center. If you value feeling balanced in life your center is important. If you want to move from strength then you need to move from center.
Explore the following visualization for the next few days and notice how it makes you feel both in your body and about your sense of self. I think you will be surprised by some of the affects.
Close your eyes and breathe with awareness. Notice the movement or your breath into your body and back out again. Feel your body expand with the breath in and relax as the breath flows out. Do this for a few minutes. With each cycle of the breath you naturally relax a little more.
Now imagine you are breathing down all the way into your center. Feel the body expand as the breath penetrates deeply. Imagine the power of breathing into your center. Fill your whole body with this forceful energy that is empowering, relaxing and healing. Releasing the breath is for letting go and relaxing.
Then imagine that your breathe directly from your center as if you are breathing in and out through your navel area. Let that breath continue until you feel it fully.
Now visualize that the force of breath coming from you is like a fire hydrant being turned on. Allow yourself to experience this incredibly powerful force that can influence the world around you. Again feel this breath until you fully experience the force.
After you feel the force, begin to relax your breath and yourself and in a few minutes bring yourself back from the visualization.
Remember the feeling of the force and practice it often. Get to know yourself and the force for good that flows through you. Take the force out into the world and make a difference in whatever way that force guides you to do.
May the force be with you.
U.S. History 6/10/08: 35 Article of Impeachment Introduced
Thirty-Five Articles of Impeachment were introduced into Congress today. If you take the time to read the Articles, you will be upset that Congress has sat by for so long and not held this administration accountable. See the Articles spelled out at: http://chun.afterdowningstreet.org/amomentoftruth.pdf To be an informed voter I feel it is essential that you read these Articles so that together we prevent this kind of neglect of duty to our nation for now and in the future.
This is a very important moment in history. The rights of the people and the greatness of the nation depend on how we respond to this and the mess our leadership has gotten our once great country into. These article are long overdue and all citizens are needed to encourage the pursuit of truth.
This truth seeking is not only for the good of the nation but also for the good of the planet and for each of us that must find our way to our own truth. That is the journey of adulthood, finding our own way, seeking understanding and the higher wisdom of truth and consciousness. It can be mess this search but it is well worth it because we all become stronger by the challenges we face.
If you feel so moved be sure and send or call your congressional representatives and let them know you support the seeking of truth by these 35 Articles. That way you can request for them to do their job and be held accountable to the people. The time is now to get this country back on track. This is about us all stepping up to our own power, following our purpose to make a difference and being guided by service to our nation and to our fellow humankind.
What Is Obvious To You
I realize that my blog can seem like a weird blend of mostly ideas about self-development, being conscious, and living with purpose and weekly my progressive political questions, ideas and rants/social criticism. I see them as totally congruent with who I am. I think anyone interested in self-development would have an open mind (which is the definition of liberal), have the ability to question the status quo, and find their own truth beyond the barrage of misinformation and ingrained faulty beliefs of our society and religious establishment. If that is an inaccurate assumption, I am open to feedback from you my readers.
I happen to believe deeply in the potential of my fellow human: to see beyond the surface; to know intuitive what is right; to innate live with a greater purpose in mind; to know what is the higher wisdom; to live optimistically in a world that has gone off track; and to understand the power of compassion and love. I also believe that the greater culture we live in tends to be wiser than the sheeple class that is lead around by arrogant people who claim they know directly from somebody they call God. This God they claim communicates with them is the same delusion that caused the Crusades and a long history of wars up to an including the war in Iraq. Under this present leadership of misguide power thirsty fear dominators, we the people must stand up for the higher good which seems obvious to anyone who can think and feel on their own.
The obvious is:
That war is insane and starting one is insanity
That power corrupts and ultimate power corrupts totally
That influence through money leads to the compromise of democracy
That God is personal, not the phony force misused by men in lust for power
That love and compassion for each other is the higher way
That hate only creates more hate
That we are all deeply connected to each other in hopes, dreams and desires
That the care of the planet is all of our responsibility
That those who spread fear are using it to have power over others
That most corporations put profit before people
That if we leave others to suffers on the planet we all suffer
That in each person is an unlimited potential and a unique purpose
That the time is long overdue to fully wake up and be a conscious
human being
That belief in yourself is a powerful way to live
That you being authentic is a gift to everyone
That the mind is very powerful because it can rationalize the worst behavior and imagine the best in human possibilities
That being quiet is a doorway to true enlightenment
What is obvious to you?
Sunday Contemplation About Emotions and Dreaming
Today was a restful day and I have taken most of the day to feel this stream of emotions that have been flowing through me. I more and more realize that I must tune into when my heart is guiding me, when my instincts are showing me the way, or simply pay attention to the times of not knowing, or emotions erruption. That is all part of me and it is not always smoothly packaged and pleasantly affable. My neck sometimes tells me I feel heavy, my stomach tells me I feel fear or anxious, my shoulders feel weigthed down at times by the world. All of this is in me and I am one with all living things. So I have to believe that I too am affected by all the others who share the consciousness of earth. I don't mean to sound out there, I am speaking of the knowing inside.
I hope your weekend has been a good one. I came upon the following quote and thought I would share it with you today because it is so full of possibilities. See you back here tomorrow. Have a peaceful, passionate and prosperous week.
"The moment one begins dreaming-awake, a world of enticing unexpected possibilities open up. A world where the ultimate audacity becomes a reality. Where the unexpected is expected. That's the time when man's definitive adventure begins." Florinda Donner
Questions That Need To Be Asked With An Election On The Way
As you know I am all about asking questions and encouraing you to get involved in your life, this country and as a planetary citizen. Here are some questions that need to asked as we all consider the future of our nation. Important questions with a presidential election coming soon:
What are your biases?
Do you believe everything you hear and read?
Do you question mainstream media; if not, why not?
Are you able to sort out the truth for yourself?
Do you need to have others tell you how to vote?
How to think?
What to believe?
Have you had enough of this war?
Is our nation’s role to kill as many Iraqis as possible in the name of their freedom?
Should we continue our occupation of Iraq?
Should the rich be given more tax breaks than you?
Should oil companies be given tax breaks to insure huge profits?
Do you really believe that high oil prices have nothing to do with record profits?
Should those with the most money for influence be dictating policy in Congress?
Should the president be held accountable?
Should the president be allowed to pocket veto?
Shouldn’t the Congress and the President represent the needs of the people?
Are you tired yet, of the government being run by fear mongers?
How come there are so many Americans in prisons and we keep building more?
Have you heard of the secret prisons being built, the prison ships, the CIA prisons in other countries?
How come so many Americans are on medications? How come many medications cause people to take more medications? Drug companies have huge profits at what cost to people?
How come every other modern nation has universal health care and the US does not?
How come conservative religious fanatics in this country are allowed to influence the political process?
How the 5% of the people have 90% of the wealth?
How come banks basically are allowed to steal from their customers with fees and inflating rates in credit cards and mortgages?
How come the health of the Earth doesn’t matter to the leaders in the White House when it matters in most other nations?
Are you getting tired of the endless lies that come from politicians?
Do you believe Americans should support torture?
Is it ok with you that your government is spying on you?
Do you still believe in Democracy?
Do you believe that people can make a difference?
Can we count on our government to make a difference?
How do you have in mind to make this country and our planet better?
Play To Live Life Fully
Today is Friday and the weekend is ever so near. What do you have planned for the next two days? I look forward to another relaxed few days. Maybe we will even play golf. I enjoy playing golf because it is just plain fun for me. I have played off and on my entire life and I enjoy it as both a challenge and as playful game. Golf can be very frustrating if you take it too seriously. If I am relaxed and try to do my best on each shot than I usually do pretty well or at the least have fun.
Golf is a great metaphor for life.
If you relax and try to do your best than things usually work out pretty well.
If you don’t take what you are doing too seriously, you often enjoy what you are doing.
If you show up and put in good effort than you can have a positive experience.
If you don’t get too invested in the results you seek than things work out ok even if not exactly how you wanted it to be.
If you don’t have too much ego in what you are trying to accomplish than you can just be with what is.
If you are willing to work at it you will get better.
If you keep a positive frame of mind than you will enjoy yourself no matter what happens.
If you don’t tighten up than things flow more easily.
If the score doesn’t matter that much than you will have more joy in life
If you laugh with friends while playing than you will know the enrichment of good company.
If you finish satisfied than you will know the way to feel at the end of each day.
Play golf or tennis, enjoy the outdoors, go for a hike, run a race, write a song, express your creativity, make love, share a meal with friends, dance to live music, take a class on something you want to learn or experience and you will find yourself learning and growing wiser from the play of life.
Enjoy, play, be passionate, love often and be free.
Golf is a great metaphor for life.
If you relax and try to do your best than things usually work out pretty well.
If you don’t take what you are doing too seriously, you often enjoy what you are doing.
If you show up and put in good effort than you can have a positive experience.
If you don’t get too invested in the results you seek than things work out ok even if not exactly how you wanted it to be.
If you don’t have too much ego in what you are trying to accomplish than you can just be with what is.
If you are willing to work at it you will get better.
If you keep a positive frame of mind than you will enjoy yourself no matter what happens.
If you don’t tighten up than things flow more easily.
If the score doesn’t matter that much than you will have more joy in life
If you laugh with friends while playing than you will know the enrichment of good company.
If you finish satisfied than you will know the way to feel at the end of each day.
Play golf or tennis, enjoy the outdoors, go for a hike, run a race, write a song, express your creativity, make love, share a meal with friends, dance to live music, take a class on something you want to learn or experience and you will find yourself learning and growing wiser from the play of life.
Enjoy, play, be passionate, love often and be free.
Thought Jail or Thought Heaven
My busy life has been too full of doing and less full of being. I don’t understand where all the time goes and why I have such little time to just enjoy life. I keep on thinking it will get better and I am sure it will. I have tried the best ideas and studied the experts, affirmed lots of positive phrases, and still my thoughts try to tell me that I am not where I want to be.
Of course any sense of hopelessness is only a set of thoughts. I have found that the more I focus on what isn’t working the more I find myself frustrated. If I instead focus on what is working, what I have to be grateful for, and all the beauty and wonder of life then my life feels better and I see all the positives that are happening.
My thoughts shape my reality. My feelings are the results of what I think. If doubt creeps in and I start feeling worried or afraid then it is my thoughts that get me off course. I am sharing this variety of thoughts and their influence because I am hoping to help you see that all thoughts are just thoughts and only as real as you make them. I am struggling if I think I am. I am fearful if I think I am. I feel alone if I think I am. I feel dissatisfied if I focus on what isn’t ok.
I feel as if I am rambling on but for the purpose of letting you know that thoughts are not real, just what we make them. They only hold as much meaning as we give our thoughts. My invitation to you is to pay attention to what you are thinking. Is the thinking making you upset, afraid or angry? If so, it is time to change your thinking. If you are thinking thoughts that make you happy, peaceful, free and loving then keep up the good work.
Keep your thoughts focused on the results you want and how wonderful it will be to achieve the life you desire. Remember what you focus on expands.
Obama Wins And So Do We, If We Get Involved
Last night Barack Obama got the delegates he needs to be the nominee for president of the Democratic Party. This was a very historic night and as usual he rose to the occasion with a rousing speech including many kind words about Hillary Clinton. He is an inspired speaker so much better than we have heard in so long.
Senator Obama and by November President-elect Obama has run an incredible campaign with a record number of small donors and many people passionate about his campaign. His campaign is about change and it doesn’t take long to figure out what needs to be changed after the 8 years of really disappointing leadership in the White House.
Together with Obama we citizens must work to bring about these absolute necessary changes if our nation is to thrive once again:
• We need universal health care for all Americans so we can catch up with all other modern nations and show compassion for every citizen
• We need to join with the other nations to protect the planet or our quality of life on the Earth will be ruined for us and future generations
• We need to get out of Iraq and end the occupation that is only about the pursuit of power and greed led by this administration
• We need to stop putting so many people in prison and on medication for their behavior and find better ways to deal with those who need healing
• We need to take care of the infrastructure of this country or it will cause major problems
• We need to limit the influence of money and corporations on Congress, the Executive Branch and the election process.
• We need to make the tax laws fair to everyone not only for the advantage of the rich
• We need to stop living in fear about terrorist and instead join with all nations and contain these small radical movements
• We need to encourage the free expression of all points of view and be guided by wisdom not extreme beliefs.
• We need to fill our education system with leading edge ideas, the best science, creativity, critical thinking, emotional well-being, health and self-care and the ways of compassionate understanding
• We need to come to some kind of fair policies for all immigrants
• We need to stop creating more debt with other nations and have sound fiscal policies for the good of all citizens
• We need to alter our trade agreements so the people benefit not the corporations
• We need to better regulate banks, the mortgage business and their credit cards profit centers
• We need to stop giving tax breaks to oil companies with record profits
• We need to better distribute the wealth because it is not working as it is set up now unless you are very wealthy
• We need to end the influence of religion in politics. Religion is personal practice not a political force
• We need to encourage the sheeple of the nation to become people again and be educated citizens not ponds of rigid thinking and closed minded points of view
• We need to end hate, unkindness, injustice, hunger, poverty, and ego driven greed and the pursuit of power
• We need to plan and act for the good of the people and for future generations
• We need to join the world community and work together for the good of all.
What else would you add to this list? Let’s return this country to greatness while we encourage the greatness of all nations. You are needed to join this mission for change. Are you ready to contribute?