Tag Archive | transformation

Prosperity: How to Recognize It! Part 5 of 5 Series

# 1: We need to recognize that there is NO Universal Genie!

First of all, unlike what the book, The Secret teaches – there is NO Universal Genie! There is however, a loving Divine, Universal Creator or Lifeforce that at ALL times, wants the very highest good for us. Therefore, we must recognize that while asking for and desiring a million dollars to be dropped into our laps is not necessarily wrong – it may be wrong for our highest good, at least in the moment.

How do we put ourselves in a position to receive what the Universe does desire to bestow upon us?

When we begin planting seeds for prosperity by writing and saying affirmations, we need to first look at our core beliefs about money and success. The Universe (or God) gives us what we can manage – and manage well. If we have not been that exceptional with money – either by not saving it or getting ourselves in debt – it is unlikely that the universe will send us a great deal of money all at once because in its infinite wisdom, knows that this is not the best thing for our spirit. We also know this.

However, what it will do is respond to our desire for prosperity and abundance by immediately sending us small signs that it intends and desires to lavish us with abundance.

What we must do, however, is keep our eyes and ears open to these signs.

For example, abundance may begin to show up in our lives in many forms:

1. A gift certificate from a friend

2. A favourite item of ours that just happens to be on sale

3. Several friends call us in one day and invite us somewhere

4. Opportunities to make money suddenly begin to come our way

5. Creative ideas begin to pour into our minds regarding how to make money

6. A friend offers to buy us our lunch or dinner

7. Someone comes into our lives just at the right time in order to carry out a favour or job that we don’t have the money for and they offer to do it for free or at cost

8. We begin to find pennies or loose change every where we go

9. We get a break on a bill payment or credit card payment out of the blue

10. We are given a gift from someone

All of these are signs that we are in the flow of abundance and prosperity. The problem with books like The Secret or any number of books that promise us that if we just do enough affirmations, the Universal Genie will show up and plop a million dollars in our laps is this:

# 1: Our belief system – our core thoughts about money or whether we deserve or feel we are good stewards of money may be blocking us from this type of abundant gift at the moment.

#2: Secondly, it may be that we haven’t been that great at saving our money and so we truly do not believe we deserve or would be able to manage that amount of money just yet.

#3: Thirdly, it may be our spiritual journey to earn that type of money through a creative idea of our own instead of simply being given it.

For example, if you have always wanted to step out and begin a business of your own and your fear has been holding you back – it is unlikely that a million dollars is going to be simply given to you. What kind of spiritual growth comes from that? It may be that the creative idea or business plan is given to you so that you can overcome your fear of stepping out into your dreams – and that is what earns you your first million.

The most important thing we must realize about our Divine, Universal Creator is that it knows what is best for us at all times and that it is NOT a genie – it is love and will bring to us what we desire in the form that is for our highest emotional, mental and spiritual good.

In the meantime, we must begin to recognize the first signs of abundance and to rejoice in them. The more grateful we are in the small things, the more we will be bestowed with greater things. We will also begin to trust ourselves more in regard to money, prosperity and abundance and this will begin to shift our core beliefs that perhaps we are not trustworthy or deserving of large amounts of money.

If you want abundance in your life and you are given a five dollar gift certificate or find a penny on the street, rejoice. If you want love and you are asked out on a date, rejoice. If you want a job and someone offers you a chance to make money – even if its something you may not like, rejoice. If you want new friendships and a stranger speaks to you on the street, rejoice. All of these are the tiny buds that are coming to the surface. We do not cut off the bud just because it isn’t yet the flower – nor do we curse at it and tell it, it’s not enough! Rejoice in the small things and greater things will be given unto you!

I challenge you to begin not only repeating a mantra or mantras for what you desire as if you have already received it in the present, but also to create a vision board with pictures and words and cheques for exactly what you want and put it in a place that you look at or see every single day to remind you and your subconscious of the things you are already grateful for receiving from the universe!

Here are some examples of prosperity affirmations to get you started:

Mantra # 1:

I have more than enough money to pay all of my bills NOW and lots left over for fun and travel!

Mantra # 2:

I am in abundance NOW and am wealthy and prosperous and financially free to _____________________!

Mantra # 3:

Money is attracted to me and comes to me easily and effortlessly!

Next Post Series: How to love ourselves THROUGH our mistakes!

Prosperity: Obstacles to Success – How to Overcome Them! Part 2 of 5 Series

Feb11

Money, does in fact, grow on trees!

What obstacles get in the way of us manifesting the things we desire most in life?

In reality, only ourselves and our limited thoughts and beliefs can get in the way of us manifesting the things we desire.

Some of the obstacles are:

1. Undeserving Belief: We do not always believe we deserve what it is we are asking.

The only solution is to convince our psyches or our subconscious that we DO deserve these things.

How do we do that?

We simply form an affirmation that suggests it and begin to repeat it to ourselves daily and as often as possible. At first, we do not always believe the affirmation. This is why we have to say it repeatedly. The areas where we already believe positive things are usually areas where we are having success.

It is necessary to repeat affirmations regarding areas that we are not having success because we are literally re-programming our neuro-pathways – our brain – to think and ultimately feel differently about our finances, love and health. This ultimately brings about different and more positive results. If we wish to accelerate this process, we can do mirror work, which can be very difficult at first but is highly productive.

What is mirror work?

We repeat affirmations to ourselves in the mirror.

Why is this effective?

It’s effective because we are faced with our true selves – our inner child if you will – who is the part of us who has the limiting beliefs. Often as children we were told by our parents limiting statements regarding prosperity and money, such as “money doesn’t grow on trees, you know!”.

In regards to mirror work, you may want to begin with saying, “I love you _______” to yourself as many times as possible. It is even more effective when you use your first name. If this is too difficult for you as we often do not truly love ourselves at the core, you could back up to where you are comfortable and say, “I am willing and open to loving you ________”.

After we begin to love ourselves, we can then progress to affirmations in the mirror that say,

” _________, you deserve to have the love, job, prosperity, dream house, and body you desire.” Over time this will re-program our consciousness to believe these things and in time will bring about these manifestations we have been desiring.

2. Discomfort: We feel the discomfort of the last 500 metres and give up and throw away the paper or tape recorder with our affirmations on it (yes, I’ve done this!).

This goes back to #1 in that we often meet obstacles or blocks in areas for a reason. We want to blame circumstances or say that we “have no luck” or “this is the story of my life”. These are the things that we absolutely have to refuse to say to ourselves. Instead, we have to look within.

Everything that is going on in our lives, good and bad (remember bad is only a perspective) is a reflection of our inner-selves and beliefs.

For example, most people who have money issues have inherited long-standing beliefs about money. They have received messages in their childhood, usually from their parents but not always, regarding money such as the aforementioned, “money doesn’t grow on trees“, or “money is the root of all evil.” If we believe this, how is money or the energy around it suppose to respond to us? It will avoid us like the plague. If we said to a friend or partner, “you are the root of all evil” how long do we think this person would be attracted to us or want to stick around in our lives?

There are many limiting beliefs regarding finances. Again, if you want to identify what is blocking you from prosperity or abundance in your life, simply look in the mirror and say, “My biggest fear about money is __________________” and notice what comes up. Write it down and as much as you might resist it or not want to deal with it or face it, you must. If we do not deal with our fears or limiting beliefs in areas of our lives, we will never be free to accept and receive the very things we desire.

3. Indecisiveness: We change our minds as to what we want, thinking that this will bring about “something” close to what we want.

An example of this, is vacillating between what we truly want and what we are willing to settle for. For example, in a time when I was renting my house I had tenants that did not pay their rent for six months. In awaiting their eviction, I vacillated between re-renting or selling my home many times. Once they were finally evicted and I had my house back, I worked very diligently to clean it, paint it and put it back into the condition in which I had it before my renters took it over. I was still undecided about whether I wanted to rent it again or sell it. I had it on the market to sell for almost three months at that point, with no interest. Well, no wonder.

I was sending mixed messages to the Universe as to what I truly wanted. Single focus is very important in allowing ourselves to receive the things we want. Once I saw my house restored to its original beauty I knew that I could not bear to rent it again only to have to restore it again. I decided to sell. I made up my mind. Interestingly, during the first few days after I made my decision to sell, I had people come to view it during Open Houses and some mentioned that if I did not sell it they would be interested in renting it. Curiously, I was open to that for a brief moment in time; mostly because meeting these people, I realized that there were responsible people out there that wanted to rent and would pay their bills. However, these people were simply symbolic of that part of me that doubted I would sell it and thought, “Maybe I should rent it just in case I don’t sell it”.

What did I truly want at my core? To sell it, to move on and bless someone else with it, while I re-focused my money somewhere else rather than continuing to pay its mortgage and utilities. At that point, I firmly made up my mind to sell it. I was determined. I was single focused on one goal: To sell my house and bless someone else with it in the meantime.

4. Settling for Second Best: We settle for less than what we want, not having enough faith to believe we can and will get exactly what we ask for.

Which leads me to a very important point: If there are people in your life who negate what you think, believe or aspire to – these people do not share your positive energy and will most definitely create if not in your life, then in your own consciousness a seed of doubt which inevitably, despite our best efforts can lead to a full-fledged weed within our minds. Avoid people like this. Obviously people mean well and want to give you advice. However, while humans cannot open certain doors that the Universe can; humans too can keep doors shut with their own minds that the Universe cannot open. Be wary of the company you keep and the thoughts that you entertain!

5. Being the Victim: We are stuck in negative patterns.

Even though we might say three affirmations a day for prosperity, we continue the rest of day thinking or speaking negative thoughts that negate the very positive ones we have worked on. For example, we might affirm in the mirror that “we are in abundance and prosperity is coming to us from many different sources.” Later that same day, however, we repeat negative phrases such as, “I can’t afford to go out for lunch” or “I have so much debt” or “I’ll never be able to afford that new car”. Even insisting on shopping all of the time at discount or used stores sends a message to the Universe that we are in poverty and need to accept second-hand things. There is nothing wrong with shopping at these places (I do it all of the time) as we may find a great treasure.

The problem exists when we only shop at such places and refuse to buy ourselves anything new or expensive. Another obstacle lies not in our words but our actions. For example, if we steal anything there is a strong message to the Universe that we cannot afford to buy things. If we borrow or use the copier at work for personal items, it sends the same message. We must live a life of the utmost integrity to send the utmost positive messages to the Universe that we can afford and believe we deserve the very best. In the next blog I write about manifesting love and the obstacles in which we create for ourselves in that area.

10 Things Your Authentic Self Wants to Tell You: Forget Your Shoulds! Part 6 of 10 Series

Feb2

“You SHOULD!”

How many times have we shaken our fingers at ourselves about something we should have done, should be doing, or should do soon? We are often “shoulding” ourselves about something; and this is not surprising as most of us could not count how many times we have been told in our past about something we should do. We have heard it from our parents, adults, teachers, authority figures, siblings, peers in the past and perhaps even now; and more often, from ourselves. We are carrying on a tradition that others began inside of our minds and we should stop! Okay, this is the one should you can listen to!

For example, how many us are able to accomplish our New year’s resolutions? Most of us are not successful because we often try to change things that are so well-established not only as a habit and part of our life-style, but in the neuro-pathways of our mind.

One exercise that I completed in my four years of training to be a psycho-therapist was extremely helpful in helping me begin to make changes – albeit small changes at first – in my life and getting rid of my shoulds and turning them into accomplishments.

Many of us have a long list of shoulds:

I should go to the gym

I should go on a diet

I should be more patient

I should travel more

I should save my money for travel

I should save more! Work more! Work less!

…and the list goes on.

For some reason, the word “should” continues to resonate in our minds as a non-committal, sit-on-the-fence mentality that rarely ever brings about action, let alone change. Hence, we continue to tell ourselves that we should do this or we should do that; and we almost never get around to it.

The exercise to change this kind of mentality is very simple – and yet it works. It entails making a list of our shoulds. Then, after reading it through, we need to decide whether we WILL or we WON’T take the action. After we decide, we need to literally cross out the word “should” and write above it (or below it) the words “I will” or “I won’t”. For example, if you have on your list, “I should eat less” cross out the should and write what you’ve decided to do: I will eat less or I won’t eat less.

After you’ve finished “correcting” your list, then tuck it away somewhere and leave it for a month or two months – however long you can wait. I did this for one month and when I returned to my list – I could barely remember what I had written on it – I had accomplished all but one of the things that I had previously, so many times said I should do.

For some reason, our brain is able to make connections to our commitment to take action and either consciously or subconsciously, we begin to make small – and sometimes big – changes in our lives. What can an exercise like this one hurt? Perhaps, if you return to your list and you still have things to change, you can redo the list and re-commit. I know for me, this was the beginning of changing my entire language around accomplishing anything.

For example, another non-committal word is trying. “Trying is lying” to ourselves. As long as we are in the should stage or the trying stage, we do not accomplish the things we want. Instead of saying, “I should work out three times per week,” say, “I will or I am working out three times per week.” Instead of saying, “I’m trying to change” simply say, “I am changing ________ about my life” or “I will change _________ in my life.” Period. We wouldn’t want a non-committal reply from people we are relying on, so why do we accept it from ourselves?

Next Post: 10 Things Your Authentic Self Has to Tell You: You Don’t Have to Like Your Family! Part 7 of 10

10 Things Your Authentic Self Has to Tell You: You’re Okay! Part 2 of Top 10 Series

Jan30

One of the best statements I’ve ever heard – and from one of my closest friends – who is often thought of as eccentric and “different” and yet is one of the most intelligent, nicest people I know – is this:

“I’m Okay Because I Say, I‘m Okay!’

He states this because he believes – as do I – that one can get so wrapped up in all of the self-help, new-age philosophy and advice from people, resources, books, television programs, columns etc. that we tend to live in a society where it is actually weird to say we feel “normal” or “okay” or “good” or that our life is balanced. To feel normal and that we are actually doing “okay” just cannot be accurate. There must be SOMETHING wrong with us, because doesn’t everyone have issues, baggage, need a therapist, need to read a self-help book?

At particular times in our lives, we may very well benefit from reading a good self-help book – I know I have – that helps us along our journey or gives us new perspective on our lives or revelation about ourselves. However, what our Authentic Self knows and wants to tell us is this: “______, you really are okay! You have everything within you – the wisdom, guidance, strength, creative ideas to help yourself and lead and live a great life!”

Imagine that we were on a deserted island for a moment and there was no one to guide us or help us survive. We have everything we need within us in order to figure it our for ourselves. The problem isn’t that each one of us does not have this inner wisdom to tell us how we can begin to feel better, heal ourselves, think differently; it’s simply that we are too busy – or too uncomfortable to sit with ourselves long enough to listen – or talk – or journal with that inner voice and let it actually have its say. We drown it out with our work, our errands, cleaning, running around, music, phone calls, texting, etc.

And all the while it sits within us; like the patient little buddha (or Yoda or spirit) and waits for us to enter into a conversation with it. Sometimes we get fortunate enough to hear it anyway or the Universe sends someone to tell us the same piece of advice we should have taken from ourselves – but more often than not, we don’t listen and we end up going down a path or making a decision that is not the best choice for us; or we find ourselves in a health crisis, before we are forced to stop and listen.

Why wait? Have you got 10 minutes? 5 minutes? How about 30 seconds to close your eyes and begin to practice getting in touch with your inner self? She or He would love to reconnect with you and tell you that yes, you are okay and you can be even better, healthier, happier if you will listen to her/his advice, wisdom, guidance, creative ideas – because she/he can help you get on an even better, more efficient – and probably a lot easier – and healthier path.

I am including an exercise from one of my Post Series under, Senses & Intuition:

Below is a 5-10 minute activity to help you connect with your Intuitive Inner Voice: (It’s fun and relaxing!)

Sit comfortably with a straight spine, yet relax the body. Feel yourself connected to the ground as you breathe deeply through the nose. Close your eyes, inhale deeply and travel in your imagination through a little boat in your bloodstream to your 3rd eye (a point about 2.5 cm above the bridge of the nose). Here you see a ‘House Of The Senses’. Allow it to be as it is. Open the door with a golden key and enter. Have a look around. What can you see, hear, smell? What is beneath your feet? Enter a room on the right and explore. This is the Room of Sight. If any improvements, cleaning etc. are needed here, ask your angels or guides to appear and do the work. Make it sparkle, and set it up just the way you want it. Then progress through each room in turn – they lead off each other, in a circle going around the house, as follows: Sight, Hearing, Smell, Taste, Touch. Visit each room in turn, notice how it is, clean and clear it, improve as necessary, let your guides help.

Now, you return to the centre of the house. Ascend the stairs to the room above. This is the room of the Sixth Sense. Again, notice how it is, clean and clear it, ask your guides to make any needed improvements. Now, breathe deeply in the clean fresh air, and then blow, blowing through all the doors and windows, the rooms of your senses, several times. Then leave the house through a new door, knowing you can return any time. Come back to the conscious world now, and notice how your senses may have changed. Bite a crisp apple, notice the scents in the air, hear the sounds… (This meditation is adapted from ‘The Possible Human’ by Jean Houston.)

Now watch Tom Hanks in a clip from the movie, Cast Away use his OWN wisdom and sheer determination to bust open a coconut for water! You will also notice that it is NOT force, but ingenuity and skill that eventually helps him be successful!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEfp7um-ONk

Next Post: The FOURTH thing your Authentic Self Has to Tell You!

F.E.A.R: Fighting Everyone And Regretting it – How to Respond – Not React! Part 3 of Top 5 Series

Jan24

F.E.A.R. Fighting Everyone and Regretting it! (Reactionary Response)

Many of us make decisions or react out of fear in regards to a present situation because we are triggered by a memory – either consciously or subconsciously – of a past experience where we were hurt or offended in some way.

It is similar to when we have a wound or a cut that is in the process of healing; and someone comes along and bumps into us or pokes us in that exact spot. We react involuntarily in order to protect ourselves. Have you ever had someone say or do something to you and you react before you even realize what you are doing and you think to yourself, ‘why did that upset me so much?’ Sometimes we are aware of why we had such a reaction; and sometimes we just know that we are really hurt or really angry.

Many times, we have emotional wounds that were never addressed – usually from our childhood as we were not in a place to speak up for ourselves; nor was it safe to cry or get angry and so we either buried these hurts or these wounds scabbed over and left an indelible mark, but we do not think we carry this pain anymore because the scab has made that area numb to any more pain.

However, when it comes to emotional pain, it will continue to be triggered over and over again until we are able to face it and overcome it. This is why we often attract similar people or situations to our lives; our subconscious is aware of the underlying hurt and it wants to be free of it and therefore sends out vibrational messages to the universe about the pain and inevitably attracts to us the very instances we need in order to finally heal.

An example: If we had a parent who was emotionally neglectful and we are carrying pain from this – of feeling rejected – we will continue to attract the same kind of relationships to ourselves. This is why there is so much advice to always look within in and not without. In essence, it is not the other person we need to change – it is ourselves. I mention this phenomenon in greater detail in my other posts under the topic, forgiveness.

My experience is that I attracted this kind of relationship last spring – I was frustrated and angry because I had been hurt and deceived by a good friend and refusing to deal with that pain, lo and behold, I later attracted an another individual to my life who was also frustrated and angry towards people and towards me.

In many ways, he said things to me that I was feeling towards my friend and towards myself for having been foolish enough to trust this friend. It wasn’t until I was willing to revisit the original hurt that I not only was able to forgive my friend but also had the strength to extricate myself from this new unhealthy relationship. Thank goodness, because I am more open now to attracting and meeting someone who is healthy and loving.

What happened in the meantime however, is that hanging on to that original pain and anger since last January, I inevitably continued to attract more and more frustrating situations and people to my life. I was bombarded in 2012 with situations that led me to be hurt, frustrated and taken advantage of. I became reactionary to these events, instead of being able to respond in a healthy manner. These people with whom I was angry went on with their lives; I however, found myself stuck in this perpetual well of frustration.

However, the good news is that one day in the early fall, I awoke – my subconscious I suppose shook me awake – and I was able to become free of this pattern. How did I do it? I have discussed in many of my posts that there is a process to getting past painful experiences and finally being free of them. Here is a simplistic outline of this process that I have found works for me:

1. Sit down and ask yourself when this issue began: You may get an answer that it was in your childhood, or like me, I knew it was about a year ago.

2. Face your true feelings: I had to admit that I was hurt and angry with my friend.

3. Express these feelings honestly: I wrote an email to this person (always DRAFT your email – which is not reacting, but responding) outlining what I perceived happened and how really hurt and disappointed I was. I would normally simply draft it, read it a few times and then delete it. This time, however, I sent it to the person. I would highly recommend that you write the email or letter and then wait for a few days before sending it. You may find that simply writing it and expressing your true feelings is enough. Sometimes, simply reading it and re-reading it and validating your own feelings can be sufficient. If however, you feel that you need the other person to know of your hurt; or you genuinely feel this person could benefit from hearing the truth, then it will be up to you whether you choose to send it or not. If it is a boss or employer where it could put your job or career in jeopardy, I would highly recommend you don’t send it – especially from a reactionary standpoint. Get a second opinion – have a friend or a colleague (that you REALLY know you can trust) read it over and ask them what they would recommend.

4. Forgiveness: Like most of us, I don’t always feel like forgiving; but we do this for OURSELVES, not for the other person. The adage, “bitterness is like drinking rat poison and then waiting for the rat to die” is so true. We cannot hang onto bitterness as it only poisons ourselves; meanwhile the other person goes merrily on their way.

5. Visualization Technique: One way that I achieve forgiveness is through visualizaton. I imagine a lake with a dock and a boat – the size of the boat varies depending on how angry I am at the person. I imagine that this person (or situation) is sitting in the boat. Now, sometimes, if I am really angry, I get in the boat and I pummel this person until there is nothing left of him/her except a little pebble. Sound awful? Well, I encourage you to do this if you have that much anger – remember, this is only a visualization technique and cannot hurt the other person; but it a safe way for you to express all of the frustration, anger or disappointment you are carrying. You can also punch pillows on your bed if that seems less aggressive.

However, lying to ourselves, trying to pretend we aren’t that angry, does not do us any good. Let’s get good and honest with ourselves. Sometimes, I am able to simply untie the boat and send it on its merry way with that person in it (I don’t always give them paddles!). The last time I used this technique, I simply got in the boat, picked up the pebble (what was left of this person) and threw it into the lake and I kept the boat! There have even been times, that no matter how much I expressed my anger or beat them into a little pebble, I was still not able to push off the boat and let them “go”.

Hence, I have asked Jesus (insert Buddha or whomever you associate with a stronger ability to love) to push the boat off for me. This may seem silly to you; but I know it has worked for me. You have to find what works for you – you may visualize something entirely different. However, I do believe there is something very powerful about actually visualizing the “letting go” or “sending off” or “freeing of” this particular person or situation. In essence, we are letting off the hook for hurting us. Another wonderful way to get to the heart of the matter and be truly free from triggers is to use E.F.T. Emotional Freedom Technique. I have discussed this technique in my other posts and I highly recommend that you read more about it or watch a video on it on the internet to learn more about it!

Step # 6: Rejoice – be thankful for the lessons or the revelation that this person taught you and then rejoice that you are free to move on with your life – free of the trigger and now free to attract more healthy situations to your life. We can learn just as much from a healthy, wonderful person or relationship as we can from a negative one!

How can you be sure you have really let it go?

The next time someone similar comes into your life, you will find yourself much less attracted or not wanting to spend time with this person; or you may simply respond to what they say or do in a more healthy manner. Sometimes, you may have to go back again and revisit the hurt – I have had to go back to the boat and go a few more rounds with some people! In any case, you will notice when you begin to respond and not react to similar situations. You can pat yourself on the back and know that this particular trigger is no longer causing you the same internal F.E.A.R.

Remember: “Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know.” ~Pema Chodron

Next Post: F.E.A.R: False Expectations Appearing Real – How to Not Worry So Much!

Our SIXTH Sense – Are We Listening? – Part 4 of Top 5 Series

Jan21

This voice is what you hear when you are quiet – when you take the time to tune out all the other voices, advice, criticism of others and listen to your inner guide. I was once told, “You don’t need to ask anyone else for advice – you only need to sit with yourself and ask yourself – your Internal, Intuitive, Inner Voice (notice all of the words include the word “I” and “in” ) – meaning if you look within; you will find the answers you seek.

Our inner voice is like a good friend – an inner Yoda if you will – who cares for us very much and who wants to guide us in the right direction. In fact, when any circumstance first visits us, is when this voice is the strongest. We do not think it so much as we feel it. It will be the first voice or sense we have about a situation – whether the person, event or circumstance is safe or not; whether we feel excited or fear regarding it (or him/her) – and it will be the loudest. However, like a good friend who tries to give us wise advice – if we refuse to listen or do not pay attention – like a good friend – our inner voice will eventually give up and let us go in the direction we choose.

This inner, wise voice often gets drowned out by our ‘second thoughts’; by our fears or by the voices of others and hence, we often find ourselves going down a path that becomes difficult or unpleasant. If it’s unpleasant, you can be sure you ignored your inner voice somewhere along the way – it will never lead you astray or down the wrong path – ever!

We sometimes lead ourselves down a particular unpleasant path in order to learn or teach ourselves something – but we probably could have learned the same lesson on a more enjoyable path. We often think that we have to suffer in order to learn a lesson – and of course, we do learn things from experiencing suffering – but we can learn things through pleasure or accomplishment as well.

For example, when we learn to drive, we do not have to have an accident to learn this skill. However, if we do not listen to the wisdom of our parents or what the Driver’s Education instructor teaches us, we may end up getting into an accident. Thus, we finally learn to put their advice into practice to avoid the same mistake next time. However, had we simply listened to the original warning, we would not have had to suffer the accident at all. This is why we come equipped with our own inner, intuitive voice – to keep us away from and out of ‘accidents’ and on the safe, more pleasurable path in life.

Buddhists say that to live is to suffer – not because we have to, but because there is an understood premise here – we are human – we do not always listen to wisdom, which creates our own suffering and hopefully helps us to be more wise or spiritually aware in the future. Of course, this does not actually work for everyone. Some people are doomed to repeat the same error over and over and inevitably end up having their last accident.

In fact, sometimes what we do also causes suffering for others; for example, a person who drinks and drives often results in someone innocently being killed and therefore many others suffer. In every way our suffering comes back to a human ignoring their inner, intuitive voice. It’s kind of like imagining we all have a little Buddha or Yoda within us. If God or the Universe or Divine Creation has equipped us with this wise being within us – to lead us and guide us – why on earth would we ignore it? But, ignore it, we do! (This is my attempt at Yoda’isms)

How do we get better acquainted with this inner voice – this wise sage that lives with us?

Below is a 5-10 minute activity to help you connect with your Intuitive Inner Voice: (It’s fun and relaxing!)

If all else fails and you find yourself in a situation that you’re not sure of what to do, listen to the following song. It always helps me remember that there is something beyond me that is leading me and if I wait (for example, draft that email, don’t send it or don’t say “yes” right away to someone you’re not sure about) there WILL be an answer, just let it be, for now!

Let it Be by the Beatles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0714IbwC3HA

Related Articles:

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/6_secrets_to_develop_your_six_senses

Next Blog Series: The Gift of Fear

Our Senses – Are We Mr. or Ms. Potato Head? Part 3 of Top 5 Series

Jan20

Are you connected with your senses or are you a Mr. Potato Head?

Mr. Potato Head is one of those toys that most of us either had as a child or we are familiar with; his head has parts – eyes, ears, nose, mouth and hands that can be removed and replaced as a child sees fit. Mr. Potato Head has these sensory parts; but cannot perceive anything through them. In essence, he is disconnected from his senses.

How are we like Mr. Potato Head sometimes? We know we have eyes, ears, a nose, a mouth and hands but we do not always use them to their full potential. We are too often “in our heads” thinking, pondering or worrying and as a result, we remain disconnected from our senses and the rest of our body.

What are our senses? “Our senses are the physical means by which all living things see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. Each sense collects information about the world and detects changes within the body. Both people and animals obtain their knowledge from their senses, and that is why our senses are so important.

All senses depend on the working nervous system. Our sense organs start to work when something stimulates special nerve cells called receptors in a sense organ. We have five main sense organs. They are the eyes, nose, ears, tongue, and skin. Once stimulated, the receptors send nerve impulses along sensory nerves to the brain. Your brain then tells you what the stimulus is. For example, your sound receptors would be bombarded by billions of sound waves. When these signals reach the part of the brain called the cerebral cortex, we become conscious of the sounds.” Quoted from http://library.thinkquest.org/3750/ ***This website is generally for kids, but it is an informative website that simplifies what our senses are, how they work and the cool things about them. You also get to click on Mr. Potato Head!

The interesting thing that I have found while researching the internet is that there are numerous sites with information and activities for children regarding their senses; but very few for adults. I suppose this is symbolic of how as adults, we have become disconnected from our senses.

As children, we are encouraged to not only understand them, but to connect and have fun with them. Then as adults, with responsibility and the stress of life, we forget this simple wisdom – to take time to look at something beautiful, stop and smell the flowers, listen to wonderful sounds, savour our food and drink, and to touch and be touched daily.

This is extremely important in getting re-connected with our bodies and as a result, to our authentic self and inner child. According to scientist George Burns, when people are given an opportunity to list what things they enjoy the most, in regards to their senses, he “notes in his book that depressed people tend to have the shortest lists; the healthiest, happiest people tend to have long lists. After therapy, or even as part of therapy, people tend to develop longer lists.”

( http://www.wilderdom.com/games/descriptions/SensualAwarenessInventory.html )

Practical Sensory Activity:

Do you have 20 minutes to get to know your senses? Want to have some fun with a friend or partner? Follow these steps:

What you will need:

1. Blindfold

What to do: One person chooses from the following list of these five items. The other person is blindfolded (save the visual one for last) and relates what they hear, smell, taste, and feel AND how it makes them feel (or think) while experiencing each one. Then exchange.

1. Sight: Go through a photo album (book or on your computer) and find a beautiful picture. Print it out. (You could also use a painting in your home).

2. Hearing: Find a cd or radio station with music that you enjoy and put it on.

3. Taste: Fruit or any type of food that has a distinct or citrus flavour

4. Smell: A flower, fragrant oil or anything with a strong smell

5. Feel/Touch: A feather or something with a very soft texture

Say goodbye to Mr. Potato Head and hello to Mr. or Ms. I-stop-and-smell-the-roses!

Next Blog: Practical Ideas to Connect with Our Senses and the Healing that Can Come from It.

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Sep28

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The Renaissance – To Be Reborn

Sep28

Michelangelo’s David – Varasi described David as “certainly a miracle that of Michelangelo, to restore to life one who was dead.”

I chose David in my Blog as he is the quintessential piece of art that truly represents what the Renaissance period was about – to be reborn – to be created and revealed out of the stone that one surrounds oneself in.

Michelangelo believed that within each block of marble was an art form already contained. Before beginning any sculpture, he studied the block of marble for days. He rose before dawn so that he could go outside and look at the block in the first rays of the day’s sunlight.

He believed that light would reveal the most about the block of marble. He would be able to see the direction of the grade, the flaws, the air bubbles, and the natural inclination of the rock. He then perceived his job as the sculptor to gently carve away all superfluous material so that the art inside could reveal itself.

This is what it entails to become reborn – not to hammer away at a rock (ourselves) to force it into a form – but to gently remove the blockages so that the art or genius within can reveal itself. This is what I intend to do this year and in so doing, to teach others how to accomplish it as well.

The Renaissance period which means, “to be reborn” is thought to have been a cultural movement that spanned the period roughly from the 14th to the 17th century, beginning in Italy in the late Middle Ages and later spreading to the rest of Europe.

This is what I intend this Blog to be – beginning with my own Renaissance – to allow my perspective in life to be continually reborn and hopefully, like a pebble in the water, whose ripples spread out and affect the multitude of molecules of hydrogen and oxygen around it – sharing my knowledge and experiences will inspire and help others to have a Renaissance of their own.

The beginning of my Renaissance Period began approximately ten years ago when I began reading a self-help book, entitled, You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. Hay. Her basic premise was and still is, if we begin to change our thoughts and our words from destructive or negative to creative, positive ones, we will begin to see changes in ourselves and eventually in our lives – we will begin to manifest the things we want, instead of continuing to create more of what we don’t want. I am here to tell you I have seen living proof of this power in my own life over the last ten years.

I have been able to find employment as a teacher when all the odds were against me – to have a job taken from me, only to be given it back one hour later, to travel and live in Colombia, South America for three years, to write and publish two novels, to travel around the world, to attract many friends and wonderful experiences to my life.

However, there are times in our lives that we can go backwards on our journey of spiritual growth or at least become temporarily stuck in a situation that we cannot seem to get out of very quickly. This has happened to me a few times along the journey even though I am convinced that I am thinking, saying and acting in accordance with my innermost desires. However, as Louise Hay states when she finds many of her clients in this position she asks them how many positive affirmations they are saying each day. They usually say about three a day. Her next question is, how many negative affirmations or thoughts do they have during the day that negate these positive messages. On further reflection, most clients find that when not focusing on saying their affirmations, they are often ruminating on their problem rather than the solution.

I have come to the conclusion that this is what has caused my re-lapse into a ‘stuck situation’. Hence, I have reflected on what it is that I ultimately want. In essence, to not look at the canyon I have to cross and all of the obstacles and fears of crossing it; but rather, focus on the other side AND most importantly, envision myself already on the other side celebrating that I have made it.

Consequently, I have begun – and this is why I am beginning this Blog today – because I am giving myself time as well as having a written, firsthand account of my Renaissance from where I am at present to where I am going…I hope that you will read along with me…

Please see sidebar for Topics Of Interest regarding your own Renaissance!

Affirming What You Want – Part 5 of Top 10 Series

Sep26

Journey of a Thousand Steps Begin with a Single Step

I am watering the flower today…by beginning with my mantra that is my end goal. I wish to be financially prolific so that I can travel and write at leisure. I challenge you to think about what it is that you want your final goal to be – is it an overall feeling of freedom or a specific goal or manifestation such as a new car or home or relationship. Choose your end goal and then begin to work backwards from there.

#1: It is even better when you can include the word NOW within your mantra, because every time you write, “I want” or “I will have” your subconscious hears the longing for something in the future and almost always will keep you in the “want” or “will have” position. You have to program your subconscious to believe that you already have what you desire and that you are grateful for having it. Then your subconscious will begin to go about sending out vibrational energy in order to manifest whatever it takes towards your overall goal.

#2: In addition, think of an adjective that conveys emotion as the universe is not simply responding to your words, but the positive vibrational energy you are sending out into the world.

#3: Always include a reference to your health. Our subconscious at the very base level, is most concerned with our health and survival. Hence, it automatically keeps all of our internal organs working, our heart beating and our brain active even when we are asleep. So when we pair our desire with the fact that having it will bring out a more peaceful or joyful or healthy existence for us, our subconscious works even harder to bring it about. Here is my example.

It is EASY, HEALTHY and JOYFUL for me NOW to be financially FREE to TRAVEL and to WRITE! Thank you!