Uncertainty seems to be everywhere. How do we live a good life when things are so up in the air? How do we make sense out of things that seem so unclear? How do we feel OK when things don’t seem all right? These and many other questions are going on inside, in our families, in our communities, across our nation and around the world because we are in the midst of a major shift, an evolutionary leap. Unrest in human history indicates change is in their air.
There are a number of indicators that support that there is a shift taking place.
• Look at all the people showing up at the Presidential rallies especially at the ones in support of Obama
• Look at all the early voters
• Look at the chaos in the stock market
• Listen to conversation around your work
• Look at all the job uncertainty
• Look at all the financial instability
• Look at Congress asleep at the wheel in keeping the administration accountable
• Listen to the quiet stirring inside of you and those you love
• Look at the outrageousness of greed and power so much so that something has to be done
• Look at all those who still just follow like sheep
• Look at those who now question what is going on
• Feel the disruption inside from such worry and hurry
• Feel the dissatisfaction within and around you
• Notice the insane profits benefiting the insanely rich
• Look at the majority who struggle
• Sense the true injustice of the most tax breaks for those with the most
• Look up the facts about the shrinking of the middle class
• Listen to the grumbling of those who fear change
• Listen to the experts who can only guess what to go
• Pay attention to the Ice Cap shrinking away
• Read about the retired loosing everything due to health care costs
• Pay attention to the extinction of species
• Look outside and see the houses in your neighborhood go up for sale
• Pay attention to the powerful influence of corporations over those in power
• Pay attention to all the domestic spying, government watching, and the crack down on people in opposition to those in power
All of these points indicate we are near a boiling over point where all that is given will come into question as people rise up for change. Can you feel the temperature staggering upwords? This is the cosmic soup of the human species rising up and ready to pour forward into the next step in our evolution. Chaos even though it can feel unsettling will bring about positive change.
My question is how do we sort through all that is going on and still have a life of meaning, health, joy and love. I have some ideas and I will write a book about: how to deal with this uncertainly. I welcome your questions and ideas and will note them in my book. Over the next 30 days or so I will put this book together as a resource for yourself and those you want to share these ideas with. The goal is to have the book as the New Year comes near.
In 1972 after graduating from college, I began a journey of awareness exploring the human potential and what makes us human beings successful, happy, loving and at peace with ourselves and our world. I will take my study of human life as a counselor, teacher, consultant, and researcher and put together this handbook, which I am confident you will find useful.
As I stated above please share your questions and ideas and I will use them and acknowledge you for the contributions.
Happy Halloween
Take A Break And Expand Your Thinking
Things have been fairly intense lately haven’t they? So I thought I would share with you some other perspectives, points of view, which might expand your awareness or give you more hope. Frankly, I am doing this for myself also because to focus on all that is going on as this election nears can be very tiring. It is always positive to stop and smell the roses or to see things freshly. Check these ideas out and let me know what you think.
First some Cherokee wisdom:
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.
One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."
The wisdom of this teaching is simply profound to me. It is also so relevant to today where it seems the some of the aspects of the Evil Wolf is running our corporations and government. What wolf do you feed on a daily basis?
Second comes wisdom from the Dalai Lama:
We can reject everything else: religion, ideology, all received
wisdom.
But we cannot escape the necessity of love and compassion....
This, then, is my true religion, my simple faith.
In this sense, there is no need for temple or church, for mosque or synagogue, no need for complicated philosophy, doctrine or dogma.
Our own heart, our own mind, is the temple.
The doctrine is compassion. Love for others and respect for their rights and dignity, no matter who or what they are: ultimately these are all we need.
So long as we practice these in our daily lives, then no matter if we are learned or unlearned, whether we believe in Buddha or God, or follow some other religion or none at all, as long as we have compassion for others and conduct ourselves with restraint out of a sense of responsibility, there is no doubt we will be happy.
This too is very timely wisdom. Wouldn’t it be nice if all those that insist we believe as they do could find compassion in their hearts and open their minds? Respect with an open heart is a sure way to real happiness. At a simple level we are all one, are you willing to be guided by compassion for each other?
Hopefully these two sources of wisdom from other cultures will inspire the highest wisdom in ourselves and our nation.
This Is Not Acceptable; We Need to Do Something About It
As the election winds down, here are some concerns we need to attend to soon because they are necessary to protect our democracy from within:
The election is now less than a week away and there is lots of reports of voting problems. There are people who are voting for Obama on machines and then the machines register the vote for McCain. It seems outrageous that we can’t get the elections right. The voting machines are not secure and the scanning machines have problems. These machines all need paper trails. If we can’t get these machines to be right then let’s return to all paper ballots and count them to make sure our democracy is not compromised. This election is so important and if it is manipulated in any way than we our freedom is lost to the pursuit of power. This is not acceptable and we need to do something about it.
Another concern is that spying that is going on and the intrusion into our freedoms. Bush and crew have extended their power in ego driven and misguided ways and our rights continue to be compromised. Last evening on the Thom Hartmann program, I heard the right to search and seizure without the need to show cause is anywhere within 100 miles of our borders. This constitution free zone includes the coastlines and almost all of our major cities. This is the latest Bush assertion and it seems there are no limits to what he thinks he has the power to do. This is not acceptable and we need to do something about it.
Another recent development should have us all concerned is the threats to Barack Obama’s safety. ABC reports over 500 threats and a handful of them very serious. This incredibly negative campaign has charged up those who would do harm because of their misguided righteousness. This is not acceptable in our country and we need to do something about it.
The negative ads filled with lies have to be eliminated. All of us voters dislike these ads and we are forced to watch them. McCain and Palin are just making false statements up as they go and trying to bash Obama. Obama has been forced to be negative too just to fight back. There is a difference between pointing out what a person says and just making up faulty statements. This is not acceptable on either side and we have to do something about it.
The bailout is now being used for banks and other financial institutions to buy up other banks and to continue to give huge bonuses to executives. How is this allowed to happen? This a huge government social welfare funding to make the rich richer. Who is overseeing this and why are they not looking out for our money in a respectful way? This is unacceptable and what are we going to do about it.
When the election is over, we have a lot of work to do.
A Better World Together
There is so much going on in the news these days that it is hard to sort out what matters most for the future of our country. There is the presidential election and the nastiness, which will make a unified effort to fix our nation difficult. There are the financial problems, which are far from resolved. There is a Congress that has sat by and did not represent the needs of the people as if they were in the pockets of corporations. There is government that failed to regulate what needs to be regulated for the good of all. Greed and the pursuit of power seem to be totally running the show.
It seems to be that all of these issues are important and we the people need a shift towards the realization of the importance consciousness, compassion and connection. These three C’s offer a positive and powerful framework for creating a better world.
A world run by expanded consciousness is resourceful in creating solutions. Consciousness means that people are aware of the issues and see the full scope of options while considering what will have the most impact for the good of the majority of people. Shortsighted, limited thinking based on false beliefs have gotten us into a number of messes. Conscious leaders and citizens see what is going on, ask the necessary question, create solutions, and act for the greater good.
When compassion is present the ego shrinks to a minor role. Leader guided by compassion consider all that needs to be taken into account. Citizens with open hearts are passionate about what they do. Government with compassion educate their people, provide health care, protects us from those who would take advantage, and tends to the needs of the less fortune. A compassionate world is a healthy place to live where differences are appreciated.
We are all connected on this small planet in a giant universe. How we care for each other makes a huge difference. We humans have many points of view and beliefs that often seem in conflict. Yet underneath these ideas are some very common shared interests. Every human being wants a better life, wants food and a home for themselves and their families, wants to have a safe place to live and work, and wants to have hopes and dreams for themselves and those they care about. Realizing our connection means doing no harm to each other and hopefully enhancing each other’s lives. People aware of our connection to each other consider that in their actions and also know the importance of caring for the planet.
Can you imagine such a world? I hope you can so together we can make it happen.
Mountain Lion In The Shadows or Fear Clutching The Mind
I am excited because I just past 600 blog posts. That is amazing and I am deeply grateful for the intuitive and creative forces that flow so richly through me. Thank you Thank you Thank you. If you let the light shine through you, it will do so brightly. Peace, Joy and Love to you today and every day.
More Than 100,000 People Have Hope
I just returned from Denver where there were over 100,000 people who came out to support Barack Obama’s run for President of the United States. People are ready for change. Peaceful and friendly people who were so anxious for this country to head in a different direction surrounded me.
The air was electric with excitement as everyone cheered Obama words about a better America where people mattered, where health care for all was necessary, where jobs and a better financial health for the nation were all things he was going to make happen as president.
This was democracy in action. This was people of all colors, points of view, and financial statuses coming together with the hope that new leadership can make a difference.
The disappearance of the middle class caused by rampant profits for the rich and the unregulated corporations must change. The trickle down economics of Reagan and Bush are not working, never have, nor ever will. Instead of that we need the profits of US companies be shared by everyone and it all makes our country richer. There is no need for hunger, homelessness, the lack of health care, poor educational opportunities in a nation as rich as ours. Taxes are to support the good health of the nation and the wealthy must pay their share.
There are only 9 days until we head this country back towards greatness. That greatness as I have written this week is in all of us. Obama challenges everyone to get involved and frankly without that, Obama will not be able to make all the changes necessary. We are all needed. Make sure you vote early if you can. We cannot let this election slip from our fingers in such a critical time. We must return to government by the people and for the good of all citizens.
You do matter; make sure you show up. Peace and Prosperity for all.
We Need People Not Sheeple In This Election
Today I am going to work for the Obama campaign and make calls to voters who are possibly still deciding. In the last presidential election I went door to door and stood on street corners raising money for the Democratic Campaign. Later that summer, I went door to door for my brother who was running for county commissioner. My family has been active in politics since I was a kid. My dad was mayor for 2 years, my brother is now mayor of the town in Oregon where we grew up. I believe in the political process and in being involved.
This election is getting scary with all the nutty people making all the crazy statements and trying to scare the daylights out of people. Fear has always been used to control and manipulate people. That is unacceptable as far as I am concerned. If you look behind the statements of all those who spread fear is the idea that they want to manipulate voters and affect the outcome. Is it because they don’t believe strongly enough in what they stand for so they try to scare people or is lust for power at any cost?
McCain is supposed to be the fighter that will keep us safe. Safe from the bad guys out there in the world I guess. How come Republicans seem to always have bad guys we need to protect ourselves from? Is fear part of that bigger strategy?
The Religious Right is trying to make us feel afraid of the Obama, who is a Christian who actually acts like one, instead of those who claim to be Christians who are full of judgment, condemnation and self-righteousness. Are they not living according to their higher values in using fear to influence voters?
Really to me, the ones we need to be most concerned about are the one that spread the fear. Their intentions are run by the ego’s desire for power. I would argue that we should in fact stop fearing and instead start thinking about how we want to repair this nation back to one of strength. We need governments to be healthy and active to regulate business, to provide essential services, to repair the infrastructure, to look out for the less fortunate, to remake the tax structure so it is truly fair and much more.
This is the time for all of us to work for a better America. The attacks that are most dangerous are the ones from within designed to control people and turn them into sheeple and who just fall into line.
We don’t need sheeple we need people who have compassion, who are willing to question, be courageous, think outside the box and get involved. Are you up to the task?
The Most Important Time In History
When I got home from work last night my wife said Jean Houston is in town and she is giving a talk. We met at a 10-Day Social Artistry led by Jean Houston in 2004. We were excited to see her again and to be inspired by one of the most interesting speakers/storytellers we have ever heard. Her life story is amazing and a true inspiration. She is a psychologist/philosopher who has written and published 26 books, trained leaders all over the world through the UN and has been the advisor to Presidents and First Ladies. If you ever get an opportunity to hear her speak do so because you be forever expanded in your thinking and your heart.
Jean says we are in an incredible time of transformation and that we are all part of making that happen. Each of us has our special gifts to offer the world and that is why we were born into what she calls, The Most Important Time In History. Others have claimed that too but she says without a doubt this is a time unlike any other. What is it you are to do as part of this transformation?
Like the night before with Desmond Tutu, I was again inspired to be all that I am here to be. Intuitively you too know you are to be more than you have expressed in your life so far. Can you hear The Call inside? I often write at this blog to encourage you and I to hear The Call and live it with all the passion we have inside.
Jean talked of a Culture of Kindness that could be our destiny. This time of the heart leaves the dominance of the ego behind. All of these are familiar themes if you read my blog. Jean has been one of the sources of much of my inspiration.
I invite you to take some time this weekend to make contact with that special assignment you have as part of the positive movement forward by all on the planet. This is not a mission impossible but something that is more inevitable if we all come together in full consciousness. This purpose is why you are here and the time is near to step full stride into the aliveness and intention you are here to live.
My thought is that Barack Obama may be the leader we need to partner with us in this transformation. He seems like the choice for president we can work with and together we can grow into the potential for our next evolutionary step. That is my hope anyway, what is yours?
TGIF and have a good weekend.
Desmond Tutu Reminds Us Of Our Greatness
Last night Desmond Tutu was the guest speaker for Insight Speaker series. He is a man who has had such a positive influence over so many who believe in justice. He shared some stories and had the audience appreciating who he was and the history making that flowed from him. The ideas from his talk that had the greatest impact were his reminders that each of us in unique and that we have greatness in us.
Have you forgotten about the greatness lingering in you? Do you know that every person has the powerful possibilities that Bishop Tutu has realized in his life? What keeps you from living your truth, fighting for justice, standing up for what you know is right, making a difference in the world or whatever it is that you know you want to do?
This talk reminds me of what I am capable of and invites me to ask questions about what I am doing, or not doing, or not doing enough of, or whatever insights I can gain. We are here to be so much more than most of us have yet realized.
Who inspires you by their lives and the stands they take, the differences they make?
Desmond Tutu is a Nobel Peace Prize winner and that to me is very inspirational. After the talk I got to shake his hand and he signed three of our peace t-shirts which we will use for fundraising in the future for our peace organization Peace Together. It is my hope and desire that I will live a life in which I would be deserving of such an honor. This kind of life would mean that I chose to be and live my highest and noblest expression.
People have within them an intuitiveness genius waiting to guide them toward their greatness. The secret is to listen inward and allow yourself to be guided every day towards the amazing life that is patiently waiting for expression in you.
Right Thought, Right Heart, Right Action
As I often do, I write my first draft of my blog the night before and sometimes it can be late. The interesting thing is that many times I don’t know what I am going to write about until I sit down and start letting my fingers go to work. That is the same tonight and even in this moment I am unsure what will inspire me. So I take my time to let inspiration rise up in me, a mindful pause.
When I began this month, I called it Follow Your Wisdom month. Today I want to share some further insights about how to best do that.
My insights include the importance of paying close attention to what I know inside is right thought, right heart and right action. Right thought is positive, solution oriented, present focused and open to learning as I go. This kind of thinking is focused on the results I want not on the problems, it is looking forward not blaming or fault finding. This kind of thinking is hopeful and filled with energy and a passion for my ideas and the results I want to create. There is clear intention in my mind that is ever expanding in its search for truth and what is possible. Anything less than right thought will be a barrier to my fullest expression
Right heart is not a concept that drives the marketplace in out nation. Profit is king and values seem more to be rhetoric. Right heart is living according to your highest values. Right heart means all people, living things, future generations and planet are part of your consideration. Right heart means compassion is part of every decision, part of all relationships. Right heart is so needed today as a guiding principle if we are to alter the course of our nation from the greed and power so dominate in our society. We have all seen the destructive results of heartlessness and the lost of higher values.
Right action is being in the moment, awake and aware, and doing what is responsible even when difficult. Right action is being driven by real values and acting accordingly. Right action is thoughtfully guided and heart-fully inspired. Right action feels good in the body because there is no conflict or contraction. We have all seen action that is not right including: polluting our air and water, war making, profit at all cost, dishonesty in business and politics and so much more. Right action is needed today in our government to move from the cult of influence to the ways that are best for everyone and future generations. Daily right action inspires us through such acts as kindness, consideration, caring, thoughtfulness, and the spreading of joy.
When we do what we know inside is right, we will all be so much better off. Be cautious because the ego mind can rationalize what in our heart we know is not right. Have an inspired Wednesday and be present to the positive potential this day presents.
When The Past Is Conquered By The Light
Last night when I was doing group therapy, we were exploring what is called a Family Sculpture. This technique is to help the clients explore issues when they were children or teenagers that shaped who they are now. This exploration always stirs up a lot of emotions and past memories. I have never met a person with a substance abuse problem in over 30 years as a professional who came from a totally healthy family.
That means that most addicts or alcoholics come from families who were substance abuser, physical abusers or sexual abusers. All these wrecked lives had a start in incredible dysfunction. They learned to use and abuse from those that used and abused. Breaking the cycle of use and abuse is very challenging.
As a person counseling the damaged person, I sometimes feel flashes of anger at those who abused them. Too often however the abused feel so poorly about themselves that they in some way think they deserved to be treated in such terrible ways. That is faulty thinking and the heart of one wounded by trauma.
So here is this person struggling in therapy because they have no idea what a healthy function person even looks like. Their models for healthy adults may not have existed in their lives. How could these people turn out to be ok if they mainly experienced abuse?
So what is amazing to me is to hear their stories and to see that the positive possibility in most still exists. Despite the hurt, anger, abuse, shame and self-destruction, there sits a person who in this moment can begin another life. These clients are survivors, they have weathered the storms of abuse that led to self-abuse and still there is this innocent child who wants to be loved, who wants the caring every child needs from their parents.
If the past can be released, and the shame of their own lives can be forgiven, then there is hope for a recovery of the self that came into this life to be more than the pain and suffering they have endured. If even for a moment they can make contact with their original innocence, with their purpose, with their belief in who they can still become, then a light comes on and things start shifting and a life can be rescued and revived.
A life in search of self can be beautiful thing when the light of insight comes on. Then who they came here to be can shine forward into the expression they will become.
It is wonderful to watch that light come on, to in some way assist an awakening, a reclaiming of a life that will now be expressed more fully. In those moments gratitude fills the room and true joy knocks at the door of what can be.
10 Steps To A Successful Week
Today begins another week, are you excited, are you looking forward to see how things will turn out? Or are you dreading the week or just going through the motions? How you start the week will shape your experience of it.
Here are ten ideas to get this week off to a positive start and to encourage the kind of results you want:
1. Start each day with an intention to do your best no matter what the challenges
2. Have a plan to be successful, one that is flexible enough to adapt when needed
3. See yourself as unable to fail. There is no such thing as failure, there is only feedback
4. Do whatever you do with passion, energy and much enthusiasm
5. Keep moving forward even when things seem to be going poorly, determination will succeed when difficulties arise
6. Think of yourself in the effortless flow of the stream of wonderful possibilities
7. Believe and trust in yourself and your abilities and you will be happy with the results you create
8. Have it as your goal to keep improving every day. 1% improvement for 100 days equals 100% improvement
9. Keep your mind open to new ideas and your heart open to the higher knowing with you
10. Make it your highest goals to serve others, to have a sense of humor, and to leave the planet better than you found it
If you live by these ideas, you will succeed, you will enjoy life, and you will make a positive difference in the world. Have a productive and fun week.
Robert Kennedy and Colin Powell
Today is what appears to be the last warm day of fall around here so I am going to get outside and enjoy it. What are your plans for this Sunday. I have a couple quotes I would like to share with you. The election is quickly coming to a close and I thought both of these thoughts were timely.
"I think he is a transformational figure, he is a new generation coming onto the world stage, onto the American stage, and for that reason I'll be voting for Sen. Barack Obama," Powell said on NBC's "Meet the Press." Powell also mentioned that he is a friend of McCain but dislikes the very negative tone of the campaign.
"What is objectionable, what is dangerous about extremists, is not that they are extreme, but that they are intolerant. The evil is not what they say about their cause, but what they say about their opponents." Robert Kennedy said this and if he was living today might say it again about McCain and Palin.
The negativity is not working and not even civil. A recent study said all of McCain’s campaigns on TV were negative. This is not acceptable because it is mean spirited and lacking in positive solutions to the challenges we are facing after 8 years of really poor leadership.
Have a good day and let’s all hope for the best outcome in this election and that we start heading in the right direction.
Should It Be Government Versus The People?
My sister’s surgery went well yesterday and I am hoping to talk to her today. She is in a hospital in Bend, Oregon and I am here in Boulder, Colorado. Living away from family sometimes is very difficult. I sent her lots of love and healing energy and she knows I did. I don’t feel that distant gets in the way of sending love, do you?
I have mixed feelings as this election nears. I love to follow what is going on but I get anxious that something will happen that will cause the election to be in some way manipulated. There is much being done to limit the number of voters who might vote for Obama. You won’t hear about these acts of sabotage of democracy on the major networks but if you go on the Web there is a lot going on to keep a watchful eye. This to me is the sadness of the pursuit of power. People will do whatever it takes even if it compromises their values. Humans too often rationalize what they know inside is not right. That is the ego running the show not the heart.
The whole adversarial role of a political party bad mouthing, spreading lies, saying American don’t like America because the question what is going on is so divisive. We are all people who care about our country. I feel those that question what is going on show an even greater caring. There is much to be questioned as I have covered in past blogs.
Today our government spies on us like we are the enemy. Some try to suppress our votes like we are the problem. They pass laws that limit individual freedom and let corporations go unchecked and unregulated. This is all wrong.
People are the force of this democracy not the danger. Those in power seem to no longer look after the people and instead bail out the rich, the CEO’s who mess up their companies, and the banks and the predatory lending. The wealthiest 20% own 90% of the stocks. So who is really getting bailed out?
This government is by the people and for the people. Whoever is elected, they have to lead us to the place where we the people take back our power. The government against the ordinary people of this nation is no longer acceptable. The tending to the interest of the people is what we have government for, not to control us by fear and other tactics.
If you dislike politics, it is easy to see why. It is however time for everyone to find some common ground and demand that our government work with us to provide: health care for all, the best education possible, and the return to the American dream of freedom, peace and endless possibilities.
Are You Too Critical Of Yourself?
How does a person let go of their past? What does it take to quit beating ourselves up for what we judge as not ok about who we are? I ask this question because the people I work with in recovery tend to be very harsh on themselves for the life they have led. They learned to be so judgmental about who they are because our families, our schools, our churches and society are so full of critical opinions.
Parents spread the judgments they learn from their parents, schools are based on controlling behavior and grading children, which teaches self-judging. Churches with their endless teaching of right and wrong based on narrow beliefs systems, teach people to judge themselves often harshly. My Catholic upbringing was full of guilt tripping for, as far as I can figure, the purpose of control. Society is full of spoken and unspoken judgments about people, society, class, color, education, body size, sexual preference and so much more.
These ways of judging are just thoughts and are not real. Most judgments are learned and of no significant value except for making a person feel bad. Judging is always about good or bad, right or wrong and most things/behaviors fall into neither category although many would have us believe differently.
Let me make a distinction here. There is critical thinking and asking questions in search of the truth, which I often write in support of on my blog and there is judging which is trying to sort everything as good or bad. Those good or bad lesson we have learned should all be questioned because most are beliefs/thoughts based on no reality. Again our thoughts are not real, they are just thoughts.
This topic is important to me because I spend a lot of time trying to help people let go of the past, forgive themselves for their behaviors, and to try and start to love themselves. Stinky guilt caused by judging is a difficult barrier to help people get past.
Today or this weekend notice all the judging you do and all the judging you pass on to the people around you. Do not get critical of yourself as you observe this judging phenomenon. Instead make a commitment to yourself to stop labeling everything as good or bad, then just notice, observe, and be aware of what is going on around you.
Not judging means you are freed up to appreciate what is. Not judging means you are free to be who you are. Not judging means you can open your heart to yourself and others. Make a commitment to free yourself from the past and just be ok with yourself and those you love. Life will be much more enjoyable. Being open to love is a wonderful way to live. Give it a try and let me and my readers know how it goes.
Personal Note: My sister Joan is going to have surgery on her upper back today to bring relief to her almost constant discomfort. Please if you will send her healing energy. We will both be very appreciative.
Debates Over, Hopefully Evolution In Process
Yes the debates are over and there are only 19 days left until the election. McCain is facing a huge uphill battle. He is a fighter and has come back before but the odds are good that the disastrous Republican administration will finally be out of office and a new era can begin. Again, as in Reagan’s time, Bush the supposed conservative has left us with a huge debt. Unregulated capitalism does not work that is clear, yet McCain proposes more unregulated capitalism as our way out of trouble. There is a clear choice in this maybe most important election ever in our history. Obama is the candidate for real change.
I have already voted and I suggest you do as soon as possible. There will be problems at some polls because there is always an effort to suppress voters. If there is a voter machine ask for a paper ballot. Voting machines can be tapped into, that has been proven without a doubt. This election needs to be a clear victory or there will be a Republican manipulation of the results as there has been as far as I can tell in my research of the last two presidential elections. Voter fraud is not the issue it is suppression and the manipulation of the voter machines.
Now to another topic, I hope you found my last two blogs of interest to you. I usually write what I intuitive feel like writing. The last two days were different and I wrote as part of a project and to promote Blog Action Day. Both were good reasons to focus my writing. Today I want to share a few thoughts that seem important.
All this drama about the elections and economy is just the outside of the inner turmoil many of us feel. This turmoil is about change at a very deep level. Am I wrong or do you also feel stirred up, restless and sensing something bigger is in the air. That bigger as far as I can sense is the movement inside, the expansion of consciousness going on, the further realization of the human potential. This is human evolution in motion.
My hope is that this human evolution shifts us from the ego as power and greed as the driving force and replaces it once and for all by the higher motives of compassion and connection to each other. I hope that we as human being will come together and seek solutions rather than continuing to fight. There is much we all share in hopes and dreams that can be collectively moved forward if we work together instead of being at odds with each other.
What are your hopes? What do you see as the next evolutionary step for humans to take? Please share your ideas and have a good rest of the week.
Blog Action Day, You Are Needed To End Poverty
Today is Blog Action Day where bloggers get together to spread awareness about poverty, to inspire action, and to encourage everyone to get involved in making a difference.
Here are some statistics that are unacceptable in world where there is so much wealth:
• 1/3 of the world’s people, three billion live on less than $2.50 a day
• 80% of humanity live on less than $10 a day
• 29,000 – 30,000 children die each day due to poverty
• 72 million children in the developing world are not in school, 57% are girls
• One billion people entered the 21st Century unable to read or sign their names
• Less than 1% of what the world spends are weapons each year would make it possible for every child to be educated
• 2 out of 3 people lack access to clean water
These are just a few numbers of the many that would tell us clearly that poverty is a problem, which we must solve. The amount of human suffering is clearly pointed out in the above stats.
America is a rich and prosperous nation even if we are having some challenging times. These difficulties don’t add up to much if we consider the lives of so many who have no money, no food, no education, and not even clean water to drink. This is unacceptable for all of us who have compassion for our fellow human beings.
What can we do? We live in a time where information is readily available. There are many NGO’s set up to help with the less fortunate. Start by going on the web and search for one of these important issues: hunger, education, water, poverty, or others and find out who is doing something to help. See what is needed and get involved.
In every community there are people who go hungry, start by helping them. There are reading and tutoring programs that need people today. Schools need books in many countries. There is low cost water treatment technology that can be purchased and sent to places so people can have water to drink.
You are needed. Whatever touches your heart the most as far as helping others, pursue that and give of your time and/or resources. There are always great rewards for giving. Giving always makes you feel good. Find out your interests and where you are needed and get involved today.
A Balanced Life
These times we live in can bring out the best in us. Never in human history has the opportunities been greater for us to realize our potential no matter what it is. We have unlimited options, information and resources available to make what we want happen. The full expression of who we are is best realized by attending to all aspects of our life. This attention to all aspects is called living a balanced life. Here are the six aspect of a balanced life and practices for growth:
1. Mental – Our minds shape our experience of life. How we think about things, how we talk to ourselves, cause us to be either satisfied with our lives or disappointed. A healthy mind is one that is aware, thoughtful and open. The practice of mindfulness is a powerful way to assure a positive mental state.
2. Physical – Our bodies are an important part of the quality of life we live. A well body eats healthy food, stays fit and gets enough rest. The body is the place of feelings, of action, of health and energy. Illness can come from being out of balance. The practice of walking in nature is great for the body and if you slow the walk down, at times, it becomes a calming meditation.
3. Emotional – We are emotional beings, we feel in response to our thoughts and environment. Emotions are energy moving through our bodies, neither good nor bad but simply us in relationship with the world around us. Our heart is our feeling center. Loving is a wonderful practice of opening our heart and feeling our aliveness.
4. Social – Humans are social animals that thrive on interactions. We live longer and are happier in supportive relationships. We belong to social groups, churches, organizations, and volunteer our time to be with others. We greatly value friendships and count on them to center our lives. The practice of getting together to share a meal and conversation is been around for a long time because it is so satisfying.
5. Financial – We go to work to make money; to provide for ourselves and our family. Working for others is often more secure. Working for ourselves can be challenging and rewarding and has greater potential for financial freedom. A financial practice encouraged by most every expert is to put at least 10% of your income into savings and investments and over the long run you can create financial security.
6. Spiritual- Each of us has a spirit/soul that is the life force that was here before we came into this body and will be there after we pass on. This spirit is not member of any religion but in union with the Source of all of creation. Nurturing your spirit is the practice of listening to the quiet wisdom within and being guided by your higher self.
If each as these six aspects of our life is cared for and grown, we will feel our life is in balance. The suggested practices for the different aspects are only one of many to explore. The value of the practices is that they expand the possibilities within us and serve as a reminder about the importance of living in balance. A balanced life is truly one of joy and freedom.
This article will be part of an October writing project on creating balance in our lives at Createablance.com
In Times Of Uncertainty, Do What Matters
What does matter most to you? In times of uncertainty like we live in today, this question is even more important to ask. Is you life really about creating security for you and your family? If so, how do you do that when things are up in the air? These kinds of times are really challenging but less so if you have your priorities straight.
If you look into the lives of the poorest in other nations, you will find that many seem to have found an abundance of love and joy. Maybe it is because they have their priorities straight?
If you want love in your life, do you love yourself, is your heart open to giving and receiving love? Do you have compassion for struggles of those in your life?
If it is joy that you want, how do you go about having that in your life? Can you be joyous no matter what the outer circumstances are?
If you want peace of mind, is that dependent on what is going on in your life or is inner peace an inside game? Can you be peaceful inside if you mind is focused on what you don’t have?
If freedom is your goal, can you have it with lots of possessions (home, car, playthings etc.) or without financial security? Is freedom dependent on an open mind and heart?
Is your spirit limited in any way right now in your life? Is your spirit free to love without conditions, can the Higher You be happy no matter what?
These are all important questions and they need to be asked. Take your time to figure out what is most important to you but in the mean time: you can still be happy, you can still love lots, you can still feel free in the moment, and if you align with your spirit you can really soar. Whatever you do to connect to your higher self, your spirit, your heart, do so today. Tomorrow never comes so today is the best way to get to where you want to go.
Have a good week and be open to your intuitive guidance that is available right now to show you the way.
What Really Matters To You?
Today is a quiet and contemplative day for me so I thought I would share a few questions that are on my mind.
What really matters most in our lives, is it joy, freedom, love, our spiritual life or what?
How do we go about, starting today, to create the life we truly want?
Does the news, the elections, the financial crisis really matter in the larger scheme of things, does it affect our ability to be joyous, to love or to live according to the desires of our soul?
This upcoming week I will talk more about these questions and probably wonder off into politics. I will be glad when the election is over and we can focus more on moving forward to get The Positive Change Show on the road.