Happy New Year to you! I am really excited about 2009 and the many positive possibilities in each and every one of us. Yes in you and I and everyone we know are endless and wonderful possibilities. Here is what I think is possible in you for 2009:
• You can create a wonderful loving relationship with all the people that matter to you
• You can have great prosperity by listening inward to your higher nature
• You can become more fit, strong and flexible
• You can step into the stream of well-being and be healthier than ever
• You can be more successful in what matters most to you
• You can open your heart to the world
• You can open your mind to new and wonderful ideas
• You can have more fun and happiness in your life
• You can make you life a creative expression of your unique genius
• You can have all the freedom you need to live the life you desire
• You can be a magnet to all the good things you want
• You can explore your purpose and make a difference in the world
• You can become a more conscious and aware person
• You can live a deeply spiritual life
• You can encourage the best in yourself and all those around you
• You can help change the world for the better by just being yourself as fully as you can be
• You can play your unique and wonderful notes in the musical of life
• You can be an inspiration to all who know you
• You can experience your oneness with all living things
• You can step into the ocean of consciousness
• You can awaken from your dream and live the most amazing life
• You can walk on the beach, in the mountains and/or through nature and open to the flow of all life
• You can discover the pure joy of each moment
• You can find peace of mind inside your own silence
There is no limit to what you can explore and become in the New Year. Live as if there are no limits to what is possible.
Say Goodbye To 2008
The wind has now been really blowing for over 12 hours causing the house to shake through the night. The air is very clean from this windstorm as if to blow all the mess out of air of 2008 so that we can start fresh in 2009. Can you feel this year coming quickly to an end? Are you happy or sad to see it go? What are you glad to leave behind? The past is over and the New Year is almost here. What are you looking forward to experiencing in 2009? Are you optimistic, fearful, excited, worried and/or hopeful about the next year?
Maybe we should start by saying goodbye to the past 364 days with only one more day left. Goodbye to all that didn't work out as well as we had hoped. So long to all the good things that happened and all we feel grateful for this past year. It is a time to release, let go, forgive, and whatever else we need to do so we can go into this next year without anything holding us back. Time to finish the unfinished business so that we can start anew in 2009.
This past year has been historic because of the problems and the election of a new leadership. The way we look at what is ahead will shape our experience of it. If we think we are heading into more of a mess that is what we will see and experience. If we think positive about the new leadership and the changes that are bound to happen then we will experience those results.
What kind of future do you want? Do you want a year you feel good about and look forward to or do you want one that you live in fear and worry about in 2009? The choice is yours. You can focus on what you want and how well things are working out or you can focus on what is going wrong and how awful things are. Seems the choice is clear unless you like feeling lousy.
5 Suggestions:
1. Don’t watch so much news, it just pollutes your outlook on life
2. Stop seeing what is wrong and instead look for what is right
3. Turn off talk radio and listen to music you like, it will make you feel better
4. Be realistic and optimistic about the results you want especially from our government
5. Stop blaming and instead look at what you can do to make a difference
Put your mind on positive cruise control and enjoy the ride we are about to go on.
Positive Feeling Thoughts Are Very Powerful
“Positive feeling thoughts are very powerful in setting up vibrations to attract what you want in life.” “Focusing thoughts and feelings on what you do want will make it possible for you to have it”. Both of these statements are obvious and clearly indicate that you are the creator of your own life experiences. Yet your thoughts too often wander away from the positive and spin off on a downward slope of fear, doubt and not deserving. How come that happens?
You and I are conditioned to think the way we do from the earliest years of our life right on through until now. Schools teach you that you can fail; families teach you their incorrect beliefs, doubts and fears; churches teach you how wrong you are and society gives you many confusing ideas and beliefs. So it is so easy to think negative thoughts about yourself and the world. None of those thoughts are true. They are just thoughts.
Thoughts are not real but they do have a real affect on our lives. The thoughts that you have are nothing more than a collection of words which you give meaning to. If the meaning, you give this collection of words, is negative then you collect negative results. If on the other hand the meaning you give the words is positive then you create positive results.
The slippery slope of negativity is a powerful attractor of lousy results. If you focus on what is not ok, the lack of what you want, you will find much to be dissatisfied about life. Don’t be an expert at creating a lousy life; change your thinking.
Today as an experiment, focus totally on what you want as if you are already living it. No false pretending here, instead have positive feeling thoughts about your life, as you want it. Focus on how it will be to live this life you desire. Every time your mind wanders from the positive bring it back and direct it toward this ideal live that you want. Feel it, think it, live it.
As you go to bed think and feel restful sleep. Then tomorrow when you wake up start anew and begin to positively think and feel the life you want. Do so for the entire day and see how you feel and what kind of results you manifest. The more your practice with clarity and positive thoughts and feelings the better and more powerful the results.
Let me know how it goes. This experiment may take a few days or a few weeks but before long you will find yourself living the life of your positive thoughts and feelings. Try this positive and thoughtful approach and you will love the results.
Be Part Of A New Story For Our Nation
Hi my fellow citizens, I want to invite you to join me in helping our country head in a more positive direction. Let’s write a new story of our nation. Today you and I and everyone who wants to join us can start our country in a new direction by rewriting our story from where it is now to how it can be in the future.
Here are the positive aspects that we could all share in:
• We now have new leadership in soon to be President Obama and his thoughtful and skilled team, let’s help them move our country forward by being positive and supportive
• The financial situation now begins to respond to our efforts and things began to flow in a positive direction
• Our economy fully embraces the green movement and the benefits start have a positive effect immediately
• Commerce within the bounds of health regulation starts to thrive again
• Health care is now provided to every American and this shifts our nation to greater health
• Prosperity now becomes available to every citizen and this brings about a financial harmony the benefits everyone
• Our improvement of the infrastructure of the nation creates jobs that make a difference to many and to our country as a whole
• People feel empowered again to participate in governing and this changes the balance of influence for the good of all
• Election reform has eliminated the power of money over manipulating our elected officials
• Open mindedness and thoughtful involvement has reduced the fringe elements who previously had too much influence
• The housing market begins to grow again once the over inflated prices comes back into balance and the mortgages have fair rates
• Investments become available to all citizens and once again they thrive in relationship to what is good for the people and the environment
• The rule of law again guides us because the administration respects what is right and ethical
• Power now resides in the collective wisdom of our nation and it’s compassionate and thoughtful citizens
• The rehabilitation of our troubled citizens has reduced imprisonment and made our nation safer within.
• The active participation of our nation as fellow global partners has brought a greater collective way of creating solutions to planetary problems
• The past threat of terrorism has been replaced by a world effort to bring peace and understanding to all
• The return to real news including all the good things happening has reduced the fear for many.
• The ending of all wars has become possible because people begin to truly value all human life
• The creative influences of music, writing, art, dance and theatre once again thrive and inspire the masses
• Education reform has once again awakened the human potential in all students challenging and encouraging the best in them
• Mental and emotional health has become a priority and those in pain have found comfort and renewal
• The return of the power of the heart in our citizens has brought kindness and compassion to all that we do
What would you add to this list? How will you get involved and be part of the new story? What part of your individual story will inspire the nation? Are you ready to be a positive influence in a new direction for our nation? January 20th is the inauguration but you don’t have to wait until then, why not start writing your story today?
Do Your Thoughts Energize You?
How are you doing today? It is the weekend and you must have plans to do something different than the workweek maybe even something you enjoy. Last night we cashed in on a Christmas gift and both got a massage. When was the last time you had a massage? I use to have them more often but I got so caught up in doing I forgot to have my body taken care of in this way. We signed up to have a massage a month just to keep this good thing happening.
I always read this time of year and I have been very inspired by my readings. This book I am reading is from the Abraham/Hicks series on Money and Attraction and I find myself really fired up about 2009 and what I want to make happen. So many thoughts and ideas are flowing through my consciousness and I feel very alive and in touch with the clear more expansive Higher Self.
I want to share some of my excitement with you today. I now further understand there is nothing stopping you and I from having what we want except you and I. The time is today to stop limiting yourself. Take your thoughts and feeling away from what you don’t have and place them on what you want. Feel the joy and relief from having what you want. Feel the flow of focusing on what you want and the energy of living in this higher vibration. Raising your vibrations to reflect what you want is the key to manifesting the life you desire.
My insight around these ideas is that if you and I let the ego run the show we will only create from a level of satisfying ego’s needs. This is not the higher path.
The path of higher consciousness is the one guides you toward the realization of your heart and soul’s desires. There is a big difference here. Your full expression from you innermost being is to live a life filled with prosperity, joy, love, freedom and purpose. Your ego cannot deliver this quality of life nor can someone else give this to you. This fullest of self-expression comes from the inside out. This inner knowing, guidance and energy is flowing effortlessly down the stream of aliveness and well being. Give up the struggle today and focus instead on flowing towards what you want. Effort is on needed in the directing of your thoughts.
So to wrap this up: focus on what you want and imagine it being the life you have now. No more thinking about what isn’t happening because that just makes disappointment continue. Throughout the day be focused on what you want and how it will feel. Feel it, vibrate it, think it and watch it arrive in your life
These are not new ideas but in each of you these ideas can be practiced and refined so that you create the life you want.
I will write more about this tomorrow. These ideas energize me so I know they are right.
Time To Relax, Refresh, Renew, Reenergize, Recharge and Realize
How was your Christmas day? Mine was restful, not counting my long run, and full of good food and being with my wife’s family. Too much good food as a matter of fact and soon I need to up my workouts and reduce the sugar intake. I said soon because this week of Christmas and New Years is full of lots of stuff to eat and enjoy. Many of you have been going through some struggling times so taking time to enjoy, play, have fun, eat well, rest often is needed. It is time for more self-care and taking it easy.
There is plenty of time to get focused on 2009 and the amazingly positive results you are going to create. However not yet because this is a great time to relax, refresh, renew, reenergize, recharge and realize. As we think about gearing up for next year you can use this time: to incubate some new ideas; to explore your intuitive sense of what you want to do; to set up ways to experience the further realization of your potential; and to create strategies to be even more successful in 2009. This is the time when you nurture the seeds of greatness waiting inside of you.
Some ideas for nurturing your seeds of greatness:
• Quiet time during this next week is important, hear the inner messages that want to guide you.
• Tune into the heart and be guided by it’s impulses to love and act with kindness and compassion
• Pay attention to your thoughts and self-talk and make sure they are positive, supportive and encouraging
• Take time for contemplation; do some reading on topics that call you towards new insights
• Be open to opportunities that will uplift you and inspire you, which could include: getting together with others, inspirational movies, stories, being creative etc.
• Go for walks especially in parks and nature and be present to the beauty that surrounds you and is inside of you and those you love
• Take good care of your feeling center which is your body, help it relax and let go of any tension or tightness, express your emotions in healthy ways, stretching is powerful way of releasing
• Be playful, sing, dance, laugh often, listen to some great music and join in, get some funny movies and laugh
• Breathe with awareness, be conscious of yourself and the world around you, tune in and be fully present to each moment.
Over the next few days I will share more about preparing you and your potential for greater expression. Together we will ready ourselves for the opportunities on there way, so that we might be the best possible expression of ourselves.
Christmas Is About Love
Tomorrow is Christmas, a time of lights when there is the darkness of winter, a time of celebration for the birth of a great teacher of love. I am not an expert on the person Jesus but he was known for his teachings were about love and compassion. That to me is one of the main reasons to celebrate Christmas, which is about giving and receiving as acts of love. Christmas is a holiday about expressing love and being compassionate.
What is Christmas to you? If not Christmas, what do you celebrate this time of year? What past family traditions did you carry forward and enjoy to this day? What were your favorite memories? Who were the family members that spread love?
When I was a child we would all gather on Christmas Eve at my grandparents house where my dad and his sisters and their families all came together. There were 14 of us grand children so the evening was full of energy. There were lots of wonderful cookies and other treats made by my grandmother. Under the tree presents were pilled high and everyone was excited. At some point early in the evening there would be some ringing of bells and a knock at the door. Santa then came in with a bag of even more presents and all of us kids would receive a gift. After Santa left with a plate of cookies, the presents were then passed out from under the tree. This was so much fun and with many fond memories. I still to this day open presents on Christmas Eve because that it that way it has always been done in my family.
Have the best Christmas ever and enjoy the lights, music and friendship of those you share love with in this time of giving and receiving in honor of the greatest teacher about love.
Merry Christmas and I will be back on Friday for more blogging about love, consciousness, progressive and compassionate politics and living life as fully as you can.
Peace on Earth and in your mind and heart full of love.
Here are some Christmas quotes I thought you might appreciate:
Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas."
~ Peg Bracken.
Remember, if Christmas isn't found in your heart, you won't find it under a tree."
~ Charlotte Carpenter.
It is the personal thoughtfulness, the warm human awareness, the reaching out of the self to one's fellow man that makes giving worthy of the Christmas spirit."
~ Isabel Currier.
I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."
~ Charles Dickens (1812-1870), English author. From 'A Christmas Carol'
Christmas, my child, is love in action."
~ Dale Evans (1912-2001), American film actress, singer and songwriter. Wife of Roy Rogers
My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?"
~ Bob Hope, American film actor and comedian.
Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love."
~ Hamilton Wright Mabie (1845-1916), American author, essayist and critic.
I truly believe that if we keep telling the Christmas story, singing the Christmas songs, and living the Christmas spirit, we can bring joy and happiness and peace to this world."
~ Norman Vincent Peale (1898-1993), American Protestant religious leader, author.
Time For Distraction, Fun And Renewal
It was a late night in Denver watching a Nuggets vs. Blazer game. If you know what I am talking about you must be a fan. I grew up in Portland and have remained a fan for many years even through the tough times. Now they are headed in the right direction.
Professional sports doesn’t really matter in the greater scheme of things but it sure can be fun and a good distraction in times when things seem so chaotic and uncertain. To be a fan and to enjoy when things are going well is a joy. Celebrating a great game or a great season can feel so uplifting even if it is so temporary.
Life keeps on happening as the sports play on. When I need a break from reading what is going on in the world and feeling upset or outraged at what seems so wrong, I can go to another website and read how my team is doing. Then life seems to become at least more ordered. Like I said a distraction can serve a positive focus away from what can be so unsettling.
How do you get distracted when you need a break from the intensities of life? Maybe it is a good book, music or movies. Maybe a night out or a good massage changes your frame of mind. The best self-care at times may be to do something different, fun or a diversion from the direction what you are doing or what weighs heavy on your mind.
The holiday season can be a welcome distraction from the doing and productivity of life. Yes it can be busy but also full of enjoyment especially if you have fun friends and family. It is a time to relax, eat, share and take it easy. Are your ready to indulge in some self-nurturing and fun? Are you ready for some Christmas cheer? Does the Holiday spirit happen at work?
There are just two days until Christmas and the child in me still feels the rush of anticipation. Does your inner child get excited too? Giving and receiving is the fun part for me and it has been since my earliest memories of Christmas. It is not quite the same now as an adult because my Grandmother is no longer here and there house now is the home of another family. I maybe miss most her cookies and other wonderful desserts she made. That early tradition seems still so fresh in my mind.
I hope you early memories are positive and filled with anticipation. Have fun getting ready because soon the tree will be surrounded with presents and the stocking stuffed with good things. Enjoy the distractions and pleasures of this season. Soon 2009 will be here and there is much to do to head our nation back to health and prosperity. You assistance will be needed, so get charged up fun times and take the time to relax and get in your best state of mind.
Things To Look Forward To In 2009
That was a long but good day with 5 hours of choir singing, soloist, and beautiful symphonic music. The evening ended around 10pm and I went home and went to sleep. It is very nice to sleep after singing because the tunes kind of flow through you and still this morning they are vibrating in my cells. Singing has to be healing because it puts the body into such an alive state.
What is up for you this week? Do you have some or most of the days off? Are you looking forward to seeing people? Are you ready for some play and relax time? This has been quite a year hasn’t it? There is much to be concerned about and much to be grateful for as you and I wind this one down and prepare of 2009. What are you glad to be leaving behind? What are you looking forward to in this next year?
There are many things I am looking forward to and many things I am glad to leave in the past. Today I want to share with you what I am excited about in 2009 but before I do I want to be thankful for: living another year surrounded by good people; making a difference; being loved and loving; having excellent health; and living in a place that nurtures my soul with so many wonderful trails and beautiful nature to hike, bike and run.
Now here is what I look forward to in 2009:
• A new direction through new leadership in this country
• A new priority for this country of going green and taking care of this gem of a planet
• Many people feeling empowered and continuing to participate in governing
• Having a thoughtful and compassionate leader in the White House
• The challenges ahead will bring out the best in people
• A shifting of focus toward regulating commerce away from unchecked greed
• Winding down the war in Iraq
• Having the US again join the world as a partner not the big bully
• The chaos of 2008 transforming into the settling focus and inspired action of 2009
• Cooperation of forces for the good of all and divisive voices ignored
• Health care for all
• More open hearts and compassion for each other and people realizing that we are all connected to each other
• Stopping the torture, closing Guantanamo, returning legal rights etc.
• The return to the rule of law and away from the lawlessness of the past 8 years
• The retirement of Dick Chaney and his disastrous sidekick George
• More awaken to question their thoughts and beliefs and join the fully living
• The continual evolvement of human wisdom and consciousness and we move toward our potential to be positive forces for change
Overall to have hope again.
These are a few of my hopes for 2009. What do you hope for this coming year globally, nationally and locally?
Have a fun week whatever you do.
A Cold Walk In Nature With Pax
Last night’s concert/sing-along seemed to go very well and the audience really got involved. Handel’s Messiah is such a masterpiece of choral music that it naturally lifts you up if you participate. This music has been inspiring people around the world since 1742. There are two more performances today at 2 and 7, so the rest of my day is busy.
Is it cold where you are today? It is 8 degrees here this morning and very dry. Welcome to the first day of Winter. I am trying to get motivated to take out my dog Pax for a walk. He needs one no matter how cold it is. I very much enjoy the walks myself. Even in cold weather walks seem so nurturing to my whole self.
When I walk, I let nature nurture me. I live in a green space where there is much to appreciate. My mind is calm walking along a stream even though it will be frozen today. The flowing of water seems to have a soothing affect. My body appreciates the movement and energy that comes form a good walk. My emotions are given a time to just be noticed in a peaceful place. My spirit always seems to soar when I am in nature. These walks allow time for contemplation about life and what matters most.
Walking my dog is an extra benefit because I get to watch his effortless joy, his playfulness, his exploration, the raw energy and speed of a young living thing unbound my any self-imposed limitations of thought or emotions. Sure he thinks and feels but no way does he let his head get in the way of his having fun. I watch in awe sometimes and am grateful for Pax as a teacher for fully living in the moment. You and I can really get in our way from enjoying life.
I hope your Sunday is one of quiet contemplation, energetic movement and joyous interactions with those you care about.
Saturday Cheer and Self-Government Needed
Most of my Christmas shopping is done. This morning was spent running around and it went well. I sent off a package the other day and my sister is the only one left to buy for. Do you love the giving and receiving of Christmas, I sure do. There is no pressure just enjoyment in it for me.
Tonight I have the first of three Boulder Messiah Choir Concert/Sing-alongs. Tomorrow there will be two and that is about 5 hours of singing. Singing is wonderful but that is a long day of singing. The audiences will be large and the music and all of our voices combined makes for a really special event.
Are you in the holiday spirit yet? If not when will you open up to the joy and fun of this season of lights, good eats, family and giving? As I was about today, I noticed there was good cheer in the air.
Yesterday on my blog I let out some frustration with the nature of politics these days. I am sure that I am not the only one frustrated by the mess that has been created. Excuse my political rant but it was in me and needed to come out. There is much that has gone wrong over these past 8 years and it is now time for you and I and every citizen to get involved. We are ultimately responsible and if we don’t participate in governing things will not change.
Obama was elected because he represented change. He cannot do it by himself and he has said he wants very much to partner with the people. That is you, your friends, family, neighbors, community, state etc. Everyone is needed to get involved and turn our country back in the right direction.
Whether it is governing and politics or the holiday season, it is time to open your heart and your mind to making a difference and having some fun along the way. You at your most focused and most cheerful best are needed now.
Have a good Saturday.
More Boldness From Democrats, Less Bullying From Republicans
Most of the elected Democrats in Congress lack the courage to be bold. The Republicans in Congress tend to be bullies who insist that things go their way. Where does that lack of courage come from? Where does the inflated ego of a bully come from?
There are important questions because both have cause a lot of problems over the past 8 years. The Dems have sleep walked through the Bush years as if they were too afraid to stand up for anything that mattered. I am a Democrat and I am embarrassed by this lack of courage.
The Republicans have insisted they have their way. They will do whatever it takes to get what they want. It appears that ethics or what is right does not enter their minds. There has been so much conflict of interest and that it now seems normal rather than wrong.
The Democrats try too hard to get the approval of those in power and influence. They seem to have totally forgotten that they were elected to represent the people. They cave into whatever those in power want. They lack courage and do not live by any higher values.
The Republicans listen to Limbaugh and get madder, more closed minded and even more determined to do what is best for those that are rich. They are the party of the rich and they will lie, cheat and do what ever to get and hold power. The only reason they didn’t steal this election (like the last two) is that Obama had such a strong margin of victory that the results could not be manipulated.
The insanity of the war happened and the Dems just stood by; the torture happened and the Dems stood by; the spying on Americans and the loss of legal rights happened and the Dems stood by; the raping of the environment happened and the Dems stood by; the President and VP made a huge grab for more power and the Dems stood by; the deregulation and unaccountability left us a mess and that Dems stood by why their rich friends got richer and more.
The Republicans supported by the supposed moral forces of the Christian Right gave no bid contracts to friends; started a murderous war to get the oil and build bases in the Middle East; oversaw torture and rationalized it; spread discontent and fear to gain power over the people; blocked out Dems from all active participation in legislation in the House of Representatives; ran the FCC with an iron hand against the wishes of the people and for those wanting more control and power.
So what does all this mean? Here are my theories and I welcome yours. First Dems in general are confused about what they stand for because most have lost the connection to their hearts because they spend too much time seeking the approval of others. The Republicans have no need for approval, they are always guided by the needs of power and of greed.
What can we do? We the citizen of this country must be the voice of truth, of a higher knowing, of compassion, of caretaking for the planet, and of future generations. We must stand up to the old ego driven model of power hunger and endless greed. Those forces must always be regulated or we end up like we are now.
The new Democratic Party must have the larger view and govern with boldness for the people.
The new Republican Party must push out the forces that want the status quo and the past to dominate and especially the supposed morality driven by ego, greed and power.
Let’s hope both parties grow up and act like mature conscious people. Let’s end the nasty partisanship that especially the Republicans are good at and please turn off your radios and quit listening to those who spread nothing but hate, anger and fear.
What is your take on the two-party disaster in Congress?
Emotional Health For The Holidays
How is your emotional state this Holiday Season? There is so much going on around us, in our country and around the world. How do you keep emotionally balanced? How do you deal with the fear that comes from uncertainty? Do you feel anxious? Are there past memories that cause you to feel sad, hurt, disappointed, angry or other difficult emotions? This time of year and the state of the economy could have you all stirred up and that would be appropriate to all that is confusing and uncertain.
Here are some ideas to tend to your emotional health; to help you keep in balance when there is so much going on that can knock you off center:
• Pay attention to what you are feeling and let those feeling be felt. The more you allow yourself to feel the more those feeling will be experienced and the sooner they will change.
• Feelings come and go on their own. If you acknowledge what you feel soon those feeling will transform into others. If you ignore the feelings they will become tension in your body.
• The center of your emotions is your body. Your body is what feels not your mind. If lots of emotions are making you feel upset; do something physical like go for a walk, do a workout, get a massage, do some yoga or tai chi or whatever you like. Just move some energy.
• Your heart is often seen as your center for love, kindness, compassion, caring, and even joy. Taking care to express your heart will free you to enjoy your life and to enrich the lives of those around you.
• Be aware of the following ways you can stuff your emotions: smoking, eating, drinking, denial, avoidance and more. Stop stuffing yourself, you not a turkey; instead start appreciating you being alive enough to feel so much.
• Make spreading love and joy your task this holiday season. Be cheerful and supportive. Listen with compassion and be encouraging. You will feel good helping others feel better.
• Try expressing important emotions by talking about how you are feeling. If that doesn’t work, keep a journal so you can let go of what needs to be felt and shared. Creative expression can be a great healer for emotions that seem to be hard to discharge. Write and sing songs, do paintings of emotions, and move in ways that free you up and help you release.
• Take time to slow down and tune in. In this time of stimulus overload, quiet time is a great soother of the mind and healer of the heart. Listen, learn, feel, express and free yourself.
Emotional well-being is part of taking good care of yourself. It is as important as keeping fit, as eating a healthy diet, as keeping your mind clear and open, and as nurturing your spirit.
Feel and experience the true freedom of being fully alive.
Are You A Rule Follower?
Do you have a rule follower type personality? Or are you a questioner and risk taker? Or can you have some of both? We were all raised as rule followers in our families, churchs and in schools. The importance of rules is that it keeps things orderly and under control. Having all these rules seems to make sense with children so they benefit from structure. As we get older are rules as important?
Yes and no would be my response. Yes we need rules and laws to keeps things safe both in our community and in our world. Police and Armies are their to support rule following. Corporations need regulations to keep them in line. Governments need rules to help them function for the good of its citizens. Families need rules so everyone knows how to behave.
The idea that Capitalism is best unregulated goes against the way the rest of society is structured. That would be like going to a school where children were told they could do whatever they wanted and eat as much sweets as they desired. That would be chaos as is our economy today.
The “no” of rule following is that since we are so conditioned as children to follow rules, that as adults we feel the need to follow rules without question. I had a friend in the past that got very uneasy if in a parking lot I didn’t park within the lines even if the parking lot was mostly empty. We get conditioned to do what we think the rules are and oftentimes we don’t even know why we do what we do.
As adults we worry if a police officer is behind us while driving because we don’t want to break any rules. Churches are big on rulemaking. Companies and organizations we work for are big on making rules. In general we just go along with the rules because we don’t want to get in trouble, be noticed or cause problems. All of this is part of doing what we think we are supposed to do. There is nothing wrong with that. It brings order to our society.
However what happens if our orderly society is not working? What happens if our structures are supporting disorder and the shrinking of the middle class? What happens if our nation is a big polluter and we ignore the rest of the world that is trying to clean the air? What happens when a group of people try to tell us what we are suppose to believe in? Is it ok for our government to break treaties and ignore laws by torturing unlawfully kept people and spying on its own citizens? What happens if no one really questions a president and he does whatever he wants to benefit those that got him elected? Is starting a war ever ok without a thorough questioning about why? Is it ok for banks to charge whatever rates on credit cards they want to? How come people in this very rich nation go hungry and most of the rest struggle? How come there has not been more shoe throwing at this President and Congress?
Yes there are many times the rules need to be questioned. Don’t we have a mind so we can exam what is going on and make changes when they are necessary. It seems that in the times we live in today there are lots of questions that need to be asked and rules to be changed.
Would it be better to follow the rules in these times or ask what will work better and make it happen?
Don’t settle for what is because it is easier to be invisible, to not cause problems. Today causing problems with what is may be exactly what is needed.
Change Is A Positive Force At Work In Your Life Today.
The Dalai Lama is one of the great spiritual leaders of modern times. The following is a collection of some of his inspirational wisdom and my ideas related to what he has to say:
* Spend some time each day alone; become acquainted with yourself. In the quiet moments you can find your inner wisdom and strength, you can hear the calling of purpose, passion and desire that wants to propel you forward toward an extraordinary life.
* Have respect for yourself. The number one impairment in most people for creating the life they want is that they do not believe in themselves. This lack of self-confidence leads to a mediocre life. This is just faulty thinking. Change your thoughts and you will be free.
* Take responsibility for your life; no more blaming or complaining. Responsibility means you have the ability to respond and you do. It is time to see that in your life what does not work out is your responsibility and what does is to your credit. Be bold in your actions.
* Be open to change. You live in an ever changing world so if you are not open you will find yourself unhappy and out of touch. Change is always for the better even when you don't see right away what is better. Change is a positive force at work in your life today.
* Spread love as your primary way of interacting with family, friends and the world. As a loving person your open heart will make wonderful contact with the world around you. To give and receive love is the best way to live and by far the most joyous.
* Be kind to the Earth. Your home is this planet and it needs to be cared for to make sure you and everyone has clean air to breathe and clean water to drink. Caring for the planet means caring for yourself and future generations. That just make good sense to care for our home.
* Break out of patterns and go to new places. People tend to do what is familiar and to break out of the daily groove is healthy. The planet is a beautiful place and there is much to see. Variety and new experiences enrich your life and move you toward and more expanded awareness.
* Share your knowing and your insights. What you understand can help others awaken to who they are and help them become more conscious human being. Your consciousness can be a light for those who want to expand their awareness.
* Live a life you can look back at proudly. The life you create for yourself can be a masterpiece of expression and purpose. When you tap into your human potential your life will be enriched and so will those around you.
I hope you find these ideas helpful and thought provoking. Please let me know which ones seem most important for you at this stage in your life and which ones you feel you do well already.
Here is a little something to help you see how we are all much more alike and help put a smile on your face while getting you up and dancing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY
Modern Day Scrooges
Burrrrrr it is -12 outside this morning. Last night I saw A Christmas Carol in Denver and it was a wonderful and insightful production. I very much enjoy live theatre like this and I was struck by the timeliness of the message. How can we take these lessons and make them of value today, was my question as I sat there watching.
There are a number of Scrooges today and I hope we can use the lessons of the recent past, today, and plan for a better future. Here are some Scrooges that need to gain a heart and a larger understanding:
The Republican Party seems full of the scrooge mentality with its attitude of survival of the fittest. Give as little as possible to those in need because they don’t deserve help, seems like a predominate theme. Ba humbug seems like their cry to those less fortunate whether it is the poor, the auto workers, the slaughtered Iraqi families, those loosing homes etc.
The Conservative Christians say they follow the teaching of Jesus except for the ones about love. Believe like we do or you will be judged as unworthy. We have the right to tell you what to believe and you are a heretic if you question us. Ba humbug sinners repent.
Credit Card Companies have an attitude, if you don’t do what they want they charge you whatever they feel like; even if you do what they want they keep charging you more through all these fees. They are not about customer service, they are about taking as much money from you as they can. Ba humbug here is another credit card offer, won’t you be our customer so we can take more money.
Bankers and financial professionals have gotten these huge unregulated amounts of money from the bailout and they won’t loan or let people have access to it. They are not asked to take lower wages as the auto workers were as part of their bailout. Ba humbug says the financial industry as they go predatory in their loans, fees, mortgages, hedge funds etc, and still they want more as they seem to want to control the world.
The Congress has sat there for the last 8 years actually starting with Reagan and have let big money do all the law making, allowing the rich to claim that capitalism must be set free and through deregulation we now have this mess we are in. They were elected to represent us and look out for the needs of the people. Ba humbug let’s make sure we do what those with the money want; we’ll tell the people one thing and do another.
Corporations and their CEO’s have gone crazy in their greed driven need for power and profits. CEO’s now make 100’s of times more money then their employees. They don’t care what they have to do as long as they can show profit. People are just resources that are easily replaced or eliminated. Ba humbug all that matters is getting more money into the hands of the rich since that is who owns most of the stock in companies.
Won’t it be really interesting if they could all see The Christmas Carol and understand Scrooges lessons of the importance of kindness, compassion, understanding, caring and generosity as if they applied to the way they conducted themselves. Well let’s hope so because we need them to understand, to learn from the lessons of the past and to make the wise and compassionate changes necessary to save our nation and the planet.
One last thought, what has become of our freedoms when in Bagdad a reporter could throw a shoe at Bush but in this country if that happened the person would be labelled a enemy combatant and held indefinitely without rights? Shouldn't we all be throwing shoes at Bush and Congress?
I will try not to rave so much, about the situations we have allowed to happen to us, the rest of the week and spread more cheer.
Does Religion Have Anything To Do With Spirituality?
Today is Sunday a day usually set aside for going to church by many people in this country and in other places around the world. Religion and going to church has been the part of many or our lives. Is going to church spiritual? Is spiritual religious? There seems to be a lot of people who go to church: is it because they are nurturing their spiritual nature or is it because they believe they are suppose to go? Is walking in nature mindfully as spiritual as going to church. Are religious institutions really spiritual or big business? Today’s blog is about exploring being spiritual, about going to church, and about the purpose of religions.
I must first admit to being a recovery Catholic. I am a grad of 12 years of Catholic schools and I have lived to tell about it. Never once was I smacked on the wrist by a ruler but I did live in fear of those people with bad habits (nuns) ☺. I think my years of therapy have finally rid me of my screaming nightmares. Just kidding. I like my schooling in those days because it was all I knew and I wanted to go to heaven.
Things have changed since those days of hot lunches and stern looks for the ladies in black. I must admit it took awhile to leave behind some of what I was taught about being a sinner, how to feel guilty, and destiny of either golf in heaven or burning in hell for eternity. As I went off to a Oregon State University, I found out people had different points of view. A religion class I took in my first year look at things from a very different point of view and I was fascinated.
That journey of new ideas has continue now for over 30 years and today I am very far away from where I started. My viewpoints have evolved and still I know there is further learning. In my present understanding I have major questions trying to understand why people believe what they believe. The following are a few of those questions.
How come religion has lost touch with finding one’s own truth and shy so sharply away from encouraging a personal experience of God and instead have focused and organize around group thinking? I use the word “God” here very reluctantly because it has been so misused by people who call themselves ministers, priests and servants of God. Also I shy away from this humanization of God that is way to encumbered by biases, dogma and faulty beliefs.
How come almost all religions are dominated by a older white male hierarchy that looks almost identical to the corporate world in makeup? Are churches and religions really more business organizations their spiritual sources?
There is a huge movement on the planet of people wanting to explore their spirituality and most can’t seem to meet this longing in traditional churches. Are most churches for the followers not the thinkers and explorers? Do people prefer the comfort of something familiar over the journey of self-exploration?
Aren’t religions really social control institutions whose real mission is to control their flock of sheeple? Yes many churches do good deeds but is it because of kindness or to direct the people away from questioning?
Having faith and being a true believer seems to mean you have checked your thinking mind at the door and instead given yourself over to the guidance of others who have little or no relationship with any higher power other that money and power. Is that nurturing your spirit or relieving your guilt?
How come so many born again people are on antidepressants if they have truly connected with the infinite joy of their spirit? Is it really healthy to give up your own search for the truth and instead believe the ideas of others? If you give your life up to God, how come it isn’t blissful?
How come in this country and all around the world fundamentalist are trying to make us believe like they do or they terrorize those who do not in various ways from unkindness, to excommunication, to bombs at clinics, in buses, in neighborhoods, hotels, businesses and planes into towers? Is this really acting like a religious person or a loss of an open mind and heart?
Would any God really support a war? Isn’t war about ego, greed and power and not about religious belief? Hasn’t religion been used for rationalizing the worst human behavior?
Sorry if any of this offends you; it was only meant to invite you to examine your beliefs to see which ones are worth holding on to and which ones are meant to evolve. I have lots of question and in the new year I will publish a book that will offer a perspective on these questions and offer you an invitation to expand your mind and find your own truth.
Have a spiritual Sunday and an enlightening week.
Have A Good Read Today.
What has your interests lately? What do you want to know more about? Where do you feel you can make a difference? What new direction do you want to take in your life? As you may have noticed, the world is ever changing and to keep up means to be informed. How do you keep up? The answer is you get to read, read from a variety of sources, read for fun and to be enlightened about life and living more successfully.
The TV is a source of information but usually only enough to wet your appetite and as always the sources of that information need to be explored. Bill Moyer’s show on PBS is one where you get an in depth information from experts. Fox news is often misinformation, which has political slant and a shock value but should be questioned. There are informative local programs. All of that information is valuable but too often passive unless you primarily learn from listening.
The Web is rich with endless information. You can find almost anything you can imagine there by going to Google.com, Dogpile.com, and Wikipedia.com is a great source for information. Questioning the sources of the articles is also good to do. Bloggers like myself share opinion and points of view and these can be valuable and need to be questioned also. There is lots of reading to do on the Web and exploring can be very enriching.
Newspapers, Magazines and books are still major sources of information and where more in depth study can be made. The bookstores and libraries are filled with interesting stuff to read. If you really want to learn a lot about some topic get some books and go exploring. Of course books have slants too and you can find writers who make stuff seem real that isn’t. In general though most writers try to do a good job of informing their readers. Fiction is a different story but also can be very enriching.
All of this is about reading; reading is one of the great sources of human growth and understanding. If you don’t read much, you may not know much of what is going on inside or around you. If you want to try to stay tuned in and informed, you have to read often. Reading can help you become an expert, inform your conversations, reshape your career, send your off to explore new potential, lift your spirits, and send you on a journey. What you read shapes your opinion, colors your interactions, guides your choices, causes you to get ahead or change direction, invites you into self-awareness, and makes you think.
Today in this world of constant change reading is a great asset. To be an informed citizens of the Planet, you need to read. To be a difference maker, you need to read. To be a good parent, you need to read. To continue to grow, you need to read. To make it through these challenging times you need to read.
Finding good sources for reading is easy if you go to your local bookstores and libraries. Sometimes you may not even know what information you want but just going to the library or the bookstore will present you with books and magazines that will invite you to explore. If you think of your life as an experiment and exploration then you will want to be informed and reading is a wonderful way to expand your wisdom.
This time of year is great for reading a good book and for enriching your life as you do so. Have a good read today.
I just read the American Shaolin about the China and Martial Arts by Matthew Polly a good read for those interested in these topics. I was just reviewing some of the ideas about thinking in The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. The magazine Ode (for “intelligent optimist” is their tag line) this issue has some very good article on the economy.
Take A Breath, It’s TGIF
It is a TGIF day and I have a day off from work because I had to use up my floating holiday before the end of the year. Nice problems to have. This is a great time for taking breaks from the regular routines of work and go, go, go. When I lived in Oregon I use to go to a hot springs up in Columbia River Gorge Area and soak in a hot bath and them get a massage. The holiday season can be a time where you really take a break and allow the body and mind to relax and recover from a busy year.
Has 2008 been a busy year for you? Is there some built up tension or tiredness from all you have been up to? Maybe it is time to break the stress cycle and relax, get a massage or other body work, have a juice fast, soak in a hot tub, go for relaxing walks in the forest, sit by a fire and read a good book, and step away from the routines of life. You deserve to be treated nicely and you are the best person to make that happen. You know what you need, so go do it.
The simplest and one of the best forms of relaxation and taking a break can be done now or anytime and most anywhere. That is the practice of breathing with awareness. As I write this blog today, I consciously breathe and let the calmness of this practice flow through my body and my writing. Following the breath with awareness goes like this:
Sit back comfortably in your chair and bring your awareness to the inhale and exhale of your breath. . . . . . . Feel the chest as it expands on the inhale. . . . . . . Notice the moment where you move from inhale to exhale and pause there. . . . . . . . Then allow the breath to flow out completely and feel the chest relax. . . . . . . . Notice again the moment between the exhale and inhale and pause there. . . . . . . . Then allow the healing energy of the breath in to fill your body. . . . . . . . Imagine this healing energy as source for bringing your body into balance and vibrant health. . . . . . . . Enjoy the expansion as you fill up with this life force. . . . . . . With you body full of air allow it to feel the soothing affect of the healing energy of oxygen as it fills your heart and mind with aliveness. . . . . . Pause again before your exhale and feel the joy of being alive. . . . . . Then exhale out as if you are letting go of all that needs to be released like tension, tightness, blocks, unexpressed emotions, old holding patterns, trauma and negativity. . . . . . . . The exhale it the perfect time to relax and let go of the past. . . . . . . Continue following the healing and releasing breath with awareness for at least five minutes and twenty minutes would be excellent. Basking in the soothing vibrations of this mini-spa practice of breathing with awareness.
You can do this at your work, your desk, while driving in traffic, in a meeting, waiting in a line at the bank, and basically anytime you remember to do so. The more you practice this the better you will get at feeling the affects and the more conscious you will be of yourself and the world around you. This practices slows you down and yet makes you more alert.
Each breath out can be a time of release and each breath in a time of renewal. Your breathing is a gift of life that keeps giving.
Have the best TGIF, enjoy your weekend, and feel the joy of breathing with awareness.
Bleeding Heart Liberal, A Badge Of Courage
For some reason, I got to thinking about the use of the term bleeding heart liberal and decided it was a badge of courage. The term was most likely invented by political strategists who wanted to label people in some offensive way and therefore deride them for their point of view. I would suspect those politicos were closed hearted and unable to understand ideas that didn’t fit into their narrow thinking.
My reason for feeling positive about this Bleeding Heart Liberal label is that having a heart means to me that I am able to love and have compassion. The bleeding part means I feel for others and actually want to help those in need. In my heart I have compassion for those that struggle, suffer, feel loss, are hurt, lonely, and live in fear. In my profession my caring and compassion allow me to work with and counsel those whose lives are a mess.
Yesterday I read about the awful jet fighter plane that crashed into the house in San Diego this week and about the man who lost his wife, a newborn, a sixteen-month-old child and his mother-in-law in that destroyed house and I felt such compassion for his losses. Those losses are more than I can imagine. I thought how will this man every get past all the grief he must feel. I then felt real gratitude for my wife and my life.
The opposite of having a heart are people who have little or no compassion for the suffering of others especially those who think and believe differently. These conservative religious types seem to have little if any sign of an open mind or heart, even thought they claim to be followers of Jesus, a legendary Bleeding Heart Liberal.
Without an open heart, humanity is lost. All wars are heartless acts of ego’s insanity. The war in Iraq started by heartlessness has slaughtered 100,000’s of innocent Iraqis. I feel great sadness for the losses of those who live in that hell we created. Where is the compassion of our nation’s leadership for the Iraqi people? This is the work of the rationalizing mind cut off from the heart.
Yes I am glad to be labeled a Bleeding Heart Liberal because it means I have the courage to live by an open heart, an open mind and to live according to the higher ideals of compassion, caring and kindness. These are the qualities so needed as we move forward as a nation and a planet. The past influences of blocked hearts include greed, lust for power, war making, ego dominance and arrogance must come to an end for the good of all, today and in future generations. Peace and a compassionate world is the higher evolution of humanity.