AM I HEADED TO ENLIGHTENMENT
This may sound like a weird question, but the fact is we should ask this more often. I once wrote that there is a huge difference between buying a train ticket and getting on the train. This analogy is perfect for the many who believe they have achieved spiritual enlightenment by the number of books they read or workshops they have attended. While education is helpful to move forward in the world, to grow spiritually we need wisdom which comes from experience. Not only do many believe spirituality can be achieved academically but they also have a perception on how it should look. If you speak slowly, with a low tone, and use the right words you are enlightened. How scary to think the speed or volume of your speech could some how make you closer to God. This is really more a matter of style and delivery. If you feel connected to God and feel at peace with yourself and others at any given moment that is what really matters. If God were standing right in front of you he’d say ”be yourself, love yourself, and your fellow man.” I can’t imagine God saying “you speak much too quick to love others or me!” or “wow you read so much you may now enter my kingdom.” I have been in the presence of people who have read all the so called right books and have all the right things to say but still don’t make life transforming changes. How can we overcome our trials if we are so busy trying to look good to those who surround us? We can’t heal that which we are unwilling to bring to the table and there are no extra points for looking good when we go home at night. So I say to you do not get hooked on a million books, workshops, psychics, healers, ect. But take chances, be honest, and live life a moment at a time.
AND THE AWARD GOES TO……
You. The award goes to you for waking up today and choosing to be you. Its for daring to be different and at times the same. For caring when no one else seems to. For reaching out to the person in need and even those who may appear not be. The award goes to you because at this very moment there is no one more or less deserving. Celebrate yourself and all those who surround you knowing at the core we are all the same. Give yourself a hand the next time someone yells and you realize it is for cry for help and not an attack. Give yourself a hug the next time you catch a lonely glimpse in some ones eyes and you take the time to smile. Take a bow of graciousness the next time you allow a person the joy of giving to you. Cheer when you are given an opportunity to be a giver. In that moment where you acknowledge the innocence and love that dwells in all of us, that part which makes us human, accept this award for being just where you should be.
BAD LUCK? BAD LUCK?
God does not get angry about being ignored. He loves us way too much to ever be mad. He simply speaks a bit louder and if that doesn’t work God knows just what to do to get out attention. That black cloud you think is following you is God’s lessons you’ve been ignoring becoming more apparent. Slow down to listen to what these clouds have to say, be amazed at how quickly they can clear up. Behind every cloud lies a beautiful sky waiting to be seen. The answers to what appears to be your problems are not being withheld, but in order to get the right answers you must first ask the right questions. There are no victims here, just day dreaming participants. God knows your just sleeping, that is why he allows you to create situations that can wake you up. All you must do is stop, open up your eyes, and wait long enough to here your answers. You may even find yourself asking, “How long have I been asleep?”
BOUNDARIES BOUNDARIES
How can you respect my boundaries if I haven’t told you what they are? I wonder what the world would be like if we weren’t responsible to relay our emotions and boundaries to those around us. But, since we have not as of yet mastered mind reading, we are responsible to inform the people that surround us of our boundaries and emotions appropriately. In my own life there have been many times where people I loved had crossed the invisible lines I had created without even knowing it! At the time, knowing what they did was not as relevant to me as that they had crossed lines. It had not occurred to me that defining my boundaries was even an option. I thought, “Well you should know.” But how should they have known. The judgments in my own court of law were less than fair. It would be like sitting kids down for a board game say “now play with out the rules” and then getting angry because they cheated. If of course we define our boundaries and they are still crossed we must then decide on a appropriate action. For all of us that is different. Some of us give second and third chances while others will only give one. What is most important is that everyone who is included be given a fair chance to know the rules. If the rules change at any given moment a memo should be posted! I know I too have been held responsible as a mind reader. I felt blind sided from the attack of what seemed to me like a harmless act or words on my part. We all have boundaries which need to be respected even when at times to the rest of the world they seem unreasonable. None the less we created them for a reason defined by our own experiences.
BOWL OF CHERRIES BOWL OF CHERRIES
Life is not a bowl of cherries. Well I do agree on that account, my life is not a bowl of cherries… it is just a bowl. Everyday I may choose something different to fill my bowl with. This is called free will. One of our most precious gifts by far. Some days we just feel like putting lemons in the bowl and choose to have a sour face. On other days we may feel like enjoying the sweetness of life by throwing in some strawberries. What’s in your bowl? Are you letting others decide what’s in the mix? Don’t worry if you just realized that what’s in your bowl doesn’t appeal to you. Everyday and every minute can be a fresh start, new choice, and a better menu! Don’t get distracted by what’s in someone else’s bowl, it’s easy to confuse it with your own. Remember that the universe is abundant and its menu is limitless.
CORRECTING ERROR CORRECTING ERROR
The only place error can truly be corrected is at its origin. An example would be if a house was sinking I wouldn’t fix the roof. Of course it makes sense to start at the foundation even if the roof does need work. The roof is not the cause of the house sinking therefore it is secondary. I myself have seen first hand the insanity of people who believe working on things other than the cause of the problems some how help. For years I have worked in the fashion industry as a hairstylist and am here to tell you that even though you may leave my chair feeling good it is very temporary. There is no style in the world that can heal or fix problems that originate from the inside. To believe so will only put you on a never ending chase for superficial happiness. It is my firm belief that working on the core issues will not only heal you but spread through you entire life including your appearance. I think it to better for your outside to reflect your insides in a beautiful way than your outsides made beautiful to hide your insides.
DEAR GOD Dear God,
I bet if I got a dollar for every letter ever written to you I surely would be the richest man in the world. I’m pretty sure if I got a dollar for every answer you’ve given, unheard by those same people who wrote, I would be even richer. It has been said that prayer is like a letter to you and meditation is when you respond. Even with all that money I couldn’t buy the discipline I would need to listen or write for that matter. Perhaps then if I truly want to be the richest man in the world, discipline is the answer to the answer. Countless times I have uncontrollably ranted to you without the slightest intention of listening to your answers only to curse you because I didn’t hear you. Looking back on those times I had an idea of what my answer should look and sound like. I wanted a burning bush and you light up the forest for me. But I ignored the forest because I was much too busy staring at the bush. Forgive me for being so one sided. I have asked for so much in life and cursed you for not giving it to me. The problem was not that I didn’t get what I asked for as much as I didn’t realize what I was asking for in the first place. Instead of asking you for what I want, today I ask you to help me achieve what you want for me. My way hasn’t worked so well to date. I am ready to hand over the steering wheel as they say. For all the times I wanted to pretend to be you I know now there is a reason you haven’t retired and handed me the keys to your office. I am very excited to start this new relationship with you and I am realizing a relationship is a two way street of talking and listening so I am done talking. Now I will sit and listen…..
FACADE OF BEAUTY FACADE OF BEAUTY
I have just a woken (or have I?) and feel inadequate, ugly, and unloved. I decide in order to fix this I will get dressed up and go for a walk in the city. I stand in my closet carefully choosing an outfit that will draw just the perfect amount of attention. At last I am some what satisfied and start my transformation (or do I?) The process goes on for about 30 minutes as I get dressed, fix my hair, put on jewelry, and all the other necessary accessories. Now I walk over to the mirror and gaze a moment at my reflection only to see the same sad face but a much prettier package. Far be it for me to judge what I see alone, so off I go to see what the rest of the world thinks of me. At last my car is parked and the journey begins for walking down the street. First thing I do is make my way over to the busiest area as to increase my chances of being noticed. Slowly walking down the street I focus on creating an ever so slight smile, widen my eyes for a hint of innocence, hold my head up for the illusion of confidence, and start the flirting eyes game. You know the one, I look at you and look away quickly and back again only to delivery a hint of smile and satisfaction if you are still looking. I have no intention to talk or stop, only to know I am on some level desired. For over an hour I continue to walk from store to store, café to café, not interested in anything I am pretending to be scanning other then another chance to be admired. So far today proves to be a success (or is it?), inside nothing has changed and my conquests fade quickly till finally I grow bored. Why do I not feel beautiful after some much attention? Surely these people know beauty when they see it, yet I end up at the diner sitting alone and feeling even lonelier than before. Thirty minutes of wasted time to doll up this pathetic soul with no meaningful outcome. It is at this precise moment I look to my right and take notice of someone other then me only to see she is crying. My heart skips a beat as we meet each others eyes except this time our eyes meet not with lust or passion but rather humanity. I don’t know what comes over me as I extend my hand with a smile of comfort and say “can I help?” Inside the emptiness that lingered before disappears in an instant replaced with love and compassion. She now smiles like an angel and says” you just did… you helped both of us.” With that she graciously make an exit, I sit knowing that someone today really thought I was beautiful and just as important so did I. The moral of the story is you can take four hours working on your outside beauty but if you want to feel beautiful you must act beautiful coming from a place of love. Now I am wake.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER... KNOWLEDGE IS POWER…
Knowledge is power but not without action. Knowledge alone is only half the equation. True power comes only after we apply what we learn. So often I have seen the mistake of those who thought themselves wise yet they rarely changed. The simply answer is they never applied what they knew; only preached it. If power came from knowledge alone the worlds libraries would have waiting lines.
LEADER OR FOLLOWER LEADER OR FOLLOWER
Are you a leader or a follower? There has been at least one time in all of our lives in which we or someone else has asked weather we lead or follow. There is an old saying “Too many chiefs and no Indians” that comes to mind. But when it comes to our own lives this philosophy can be dangerous. Although at times it my look like an easier path to follow the beat of someone else drums, we must consider what works for one may not work for another. In some situations in life there must be a leader to create direction and order. If no one followed orders nothing would ever get done. But the one place in life where we all must be leaders is our own destiny. Your destiny is too special and unique to put into someone else’s hands other than God’s. You are the leader of your own choices. You must lead when it comes to your thoughts and actions. You are a leader even when you follow because it was a choice to do so. Leaders make decisions, organize, and over see things. If at this point in your life that doesn’t describe your personal journey take some time to reevaluate who is getting that power? Remember that power was given to you. There is nothing wrong with being a follower at work if that is your path, but make no mistakes that when it comes to your personal journey in life you were meant to lead.
LET YOURSELF FEEL I have an image of a forest which represents the soul. I watch water run through this forest nourishing it. The water represents emotion. Without water the forest is bound to dry up and catch fire. Fire is anger. Rage is anger held back way too long. In order for us to grow much like the forest we must allow emotion to naturally flow. No matter the emotion it must run its course. We are told very early on that we must control our emotions and repress them. Then the damage begins as we tranform into what society expects from us rather than what our heart screams! If ever you want to know what is right or wrong for you just sit.... quiet your mind... listen to your heart. Sure there are many voices in our heads from those who love us or taught us, but their voices should not be leading our paths. The heart is the one true voice and a powerful leader when all the other voices are quieted. This takes time to undo and there will be temptation to be robotic, following the voices, views, and ideas of others. But remember this is your unique adventure that was designed for your heart alone to trust and follow.
LOVE IS WHOLENESS LOVE IS WHOLENESS
Love is wholeness because love is the very essence of God. We were meant to be whole and to bring wholeness into all aspects of our lives. We spend so much of our lives compartmentalizing that often we also fall into a pattern of doing the same with love. Love is also unity and connection. One example of trying to separate love is sex. I have heard people say there is nothing wrong with a one night stand. Well I am not going to judge their choice bet here is something to consider… if likeness attracts likeness then what have you just created? By entering anything with emptiness only results in emptiness. Have you ever eaten food by someone that loves to cook? Notice the difference of someone who cooks without love. To truly feel peace, love, and joy we must bring wholeness (love) in to whatever it is we do. It is said the when cancer forms in the body it creates its own community so to speak. It functions separate from the rest of your system dividing unity and creating sickness. If you take this example into your life and ask where you create separation in situations you will see how the results are not surprising. We can be creating disease or disharmony by not bringing love into any given equation. The best we can shoot for is to be conscious of our intentions and choices at any given moment. We deserve to be whole and to feel joy in all areas of life.
PERSONAL CHARACTER PERSONAL CHARACTER
Our personal character is not based on what we or others say about us. What really does determine our character is the choices we make and the actions we take. Words by them selves mean little in comparison to the steps we must take to bring truth to what we speak. With every conscious choice we make that is not in accordance with out hearts we damage our character and self-esteem. Fear not, for as long as you carry another breath within you, opportunity awaits and a new choice can be made. However do not live today with the thought my choices mean nothing if tomorrow I can choose again without the guarantee that tomorrow will come at all. Not all of actions or choices will come easy but if they are guided both heart and soul the outcome is sure to manifest both strength and self-esteem, in turn creating good character.
SEARCH FOR A SOUL MATE SEARCH FOR A SOUL MATE
The search for a soul mate seems to be a great source of stress for so many people. I myself had great struggles with this quest and had asked myself many times “who and where is my soul mate?” Many people believe and put strong emphasis on there being only one possible soul mate and it must be their husband, wife, lover ect. But why must this soul mate be limited to one person let alone the one with a specific title in our lives, usually a romantic title. Perhaps our soul mates surround us, but because they don’t fit the role we decided on we don’t even recognize them. The people in our lives all have a role and serve a great many purposes, but I have come to realize that God knows who is best for what role. I have also come to recognize that some of my soul mates have been close friends. You may have noticed that I have been using plural when writing soul mates. In truth we have more than one soul mate. We have what I call soul clusters. They are other people sharing the same energy or karmic experience. Words can’t describe that sense of knowing and sharing that flows within these clusters. Have you ever had someone complete your sentence or vice versa? Know what you were thinking before you said it? Truly what defines a soul mate is not their title but rather the feeling and familiar energy exchange in which you share. Another point I’d like to make is just because you know and recognize a soul mate, it doesn’t mean you have to get married. It could be someone you’re not even sexually attracted to. In some cases this proves to be better than a romantic relationship. Although a soul mate could become your life partner. Just don’t get attached to one role for them. I believe I have learned more from those who do not share my thoughts, energy, or feelings. Soul mates have provided me with feelings of connectedness, comfort, unity, strength, love, and understanding. These things are wonderful to share but I never discount the power of difference, the unknown, diversity, and challenge for which all have helped me grow as a person.
THE RIGHT CHOICE THE RIGHT CHOICE
A question many of us have often asked, “Was the choice I made right?” I found that when a situation causes pain that outlasts the joy it’s a pretty good sign that a reevaluation is in order. This of course only serves a purpose if the situation can or will arise again. We must learn from our choices and not waist valuable time punishing ourselves or rehashing the event in our minds over and over again. To learn and choose again correctly is strength. To punish and dwell in yesterday is weakness. One example for some people might be the two minute feel good candy bar used to avoid or cover up feelings. In this example the two minutes of false bliss to the three day guilt and one hour treadmill run afterward is a no brainer. The problem isn’t that we don’t get this concept but rather we don’t take the time to evaluate the situation and reflect back on prior consequences. Was it worth the guilt and avoidance the last time I made this choice and did the joy outlast the pain. We might even ask why the pain ever existed. In this situation the guilt arises from the subconscious knowing that to avoid our feelings is not self love. It’s ok, just choose differently next time.
THIS TOO SHALL PASS THIS TOO SHALL PASS
This to shall pass may sound cliché but in truth… good, bad, or indifferent does pass. How much awareness do we have of our own power to keep good situations in our life or even bad ones for that matter? Doesn’t our perception of any given situation help prolong or help it pass? Change is inevitable but our pain comes from our resistance to it. If we let go of the pain then we allow the good to come to us that much quicker. Living in the now allows us to enjoy the moment. Fear lives in the future and the past, never the present moment. How will you perceive today? This too shall pass… quicker if you let it.
WHO'S FEELINGS WHO DO THESE FEELINGS BELONG TO?
This is an interesting question and one that would serve many of us well. Have you ever felt great and then out of the blue you were met with sudden misery or gloom. Maybe a sudden sense of financial insecurity or nervousness crept in from who knows where. The first thing we should do is ask ourselves “are these my feelings?” There have been many times when in fact what I felt made no sense or didn’t relate to me at all. Have you ever woken up feeling what the person who sleeps next to you was feeling the day before? When you are in crowds do you get nervous or a feeling of overload. If you can relate to any of these experiences then chances are you were born empathic. An empath is a psychic sponge if you will. People will be drawn to you much like water to a sponge. They don’t know why they feel some much better after being around you, they just do. Maybe you don’t know why you’re exhausted after being around them. I’m not saying that every time we feel something undesirable it isn’t ours but rather it would be wise to ask some questions. Where is this coming from? Did this originate from me? Next question you are asking by now is “what do I do with this knowledge?” In the perfect world we would find the source and support them through what their feeling. As a result we too would be lifted. Sounds good right? But not everyone can or will acknowledge their pain or insecurities in which case we must move this energy by any number of exercises. Here I will list a few that maybe helpful.
At times it will feel like a curse having the ability to take on the energy around you. But with practice it can be transformed into a gift. In order for us to stay healthy it would be wise to continue to ask questions and put this energy in its proper place. I have come to see myself as a psychic circuit breaker. I take on the excess energy of those who can’t manage and help transform it. I hope you too will come to know this ability in a positive light.
WHY DO I HOLD ON TO THE HURT? WHY DO I HOLD ON TO THE HURT?
Holding onto hurt in the rational mind is an insane concept. So why do we hold on to hurt of past memory’s? Be it 10 minutes ago or 10 years ago. On some level the only reason we would hold on to hurt is because we feel it serves us. But the question then really is “how does it serve us?” Now I am not saying if I put my hand on a burner and get hurt to forget. I am however saying to embrace the lesson and move on without dwelling on it. When we stay in the pain or hold onto resentment it weakens us. We begin to react rather than to act in the moment. In order to be the leaders of our own destiny we must come from a place of peace and confidence. Living from yesterday’s memory’s can only keep us in the past therefore never truly moving forward. So does holding on to hurt really serve us or is it a lie our ego tells to hold us back? The only power a person or situation has over us is the power we give it. Being anger does not keep us safe but encourages us to give our power away and become weak. The next time you want to re-act stop and take a breath, bring yourself to the moment and see if you’re more in control. Calmly ask where the emotion is really coming from. Is it coming from the now or the past? For that matter does the belief still hold true or are you on auto-pilot. Take your life and your emotion back!
YOUR VIBRATIONS AT THEIR HIGHEST YOUR VIBRATIONS AT THEIR HIGHEST
Have you ever witnessed the power of a small child? It is one of the most powerful forces I have ever seen. In a Childs innocence they call upon the love and spirit of all those who surround them. They don’t demand it or take it with force, but instead radiate a magnetic energy that seems to draw people in. We all started out this way in life being innocent, loving, and at our highest vibration. So then what happens? We come into this world as puzzles put together perfectly by God and then slowly but surely our puzzle pieces separate. In some cases or pieces are taken, lost, or even given away. This process lowers our vibration. We suddenly feel incomplete, weak, empty, and maybe we even feel like a people repellent. A universal law states “likeness attracts likeness.” The question then is “what pieces are we missing and what are we attracting?” If you don’t like what you see in your life, take a moment to find where your puzzle pieces (power) have gone. Would your soul mates even recognize you in such an incomplete state? Reclaim your power, for you were meant to have it and be whole. Watch as your life transforms to joy. I stated in the beginning that the innocence of a child was one of the most powerful forces I have seen. What has been even more powerful to see than the innocence of a child is the innocence of an adult. A child hasn’t seen the world yet or what can go wrong. Most adults have. Imagine the power we would have by tapping into that magnetic energy. A kind person gets more help than an unkind person. By far the power of attraction is greater than aggression. Most of us rebel against force. Look at the simple relationship between a flower and a bee. The flower does not clobber the bee or force it into pollinating it. In its perfection it simply attracts the bee in like a magnet. If the flower could swat the bee the story would look much different. Our goal is to put our piece back together and harness our original and perfect power of attraction.
This may sound like a weird question, but the fact is we should ask this more often. I once wrote that there is a huge difference between buying a train ticket and getting on the train. This analogy is perfect for the many who believe they have achieved spiritual enlightenment by the number of books they read or workshops they have attended. While education is helpful to move forward in the world, to grow spiritually we need wisdom which comes from experience. Not only do many believe spirituality can be achieved academically but they also have a perception on how it should look. If you speak slowly, with a low tone, and use the right words you are enlightened. How scary to think the speed or volume of your speech could some how make you closer to God. This is really more a matter of style and delivery. If you feel connected to God and feel at peace with yourself and others at any given moment that is what really matters. If God were standing right in front of you he’d say ”be yourself, love yourself, and your fellow man.” I can’t imagine God saying “you speak much too quick to love others or me!” or “wow you read so much you may now enter my kingdom.” I have been in the presence of people who have read all the so called right books and have all the right things to say but still don’t make life transforming changes. How can we overcome our trials if we are so busy trying to look good to those who surround us? We can’t heal that which we are unwilling to bring to the table and there are no extra points for looking good when we go home at night. So I say to you do not get hooked on a million books, workshops, psychics, healers, ect. But take chances, be honest, and live life a moment at a time.
AND THE AWARD GOES TO……
You. The award goes to you for waking up today and choosing to be you. Its for daring to be different and at times the same. For caring when no one else seems to. For reaching out to the person in need and even those who may appear not be. The award goes to you because at this very moment there is no one more or less deserving. Celebrate yourself and all those who surround you knowing at the core we are all the same. Give yourself a hand the next time someone yells and you realize it is for cry for help and not an attack. Give yourself a hug the next time you catch a lonely glimpse in some ones eyes and you take the time to smile. Take a bow of graciousness the next time you allow a person the joy of giving to you. Cheer when you are given an opportunity to be a giver. In that moment where you acknowledge the innocence and love that dwells in all of us, that part which makes us human, accept this award for being just where you should be.
BAD LUCK? BAD LUCK?
God does not get angry about being ignored. He loves us way too much to ever be mad. He simply speaks a bit louder and if that doesn’t work God knows just what to do to get out attention. That black cloud you think is following you is God’s lessons you’ve been ignoring becoming more apparent. Slow down to listen to what these clouds have to say, be amazed at how quickly they can clear up. Behind every cloud lies a beautiful sky waiting to be seen. The answers to what appears to be your problems are not being withheld, but in order to get the right answers you must first ask the right questions. There are no victims here, just day dreaming participants. God knows your just sleeping, that is why he allows you to create situations that can wake you up. All you must do is stop, open up your eyes, and wait long enough to here your answers. You may even find yourself asking, “How long have I been asleep?”
BOUNDARIES BOUNDARIES
How can you respect my boundaries if I haven’t told you what they are? I wonder what the world would be like if we weren’t responsible to relay our emotions and boundaries to those around us. But, since we have not as of yet mastered mind reading, we are responsible to inform the people that surround us of our boundaries and emotions appropriately. In my own life there have been many times where people I loved had crossed the invisible lines I had created without even knowing it! At the time, knowing what they did was not as relevant to me as that they had crossed lines. It had not occurred to me that defining my boundaries was even an option. I thought, “Well you should know.” But how should they have known. The judgments in my own court of law were less than fair. It would be like sitting kids down for a board game say “now play with out the rules” and then getting angry because they cheated. If of course we define our boundaries and they are still crossed we must then decide on a appropriate action. For all of us that is different. Some of us give second and third chances while others will only give one. What is most important is that everyone who is included be given a fair chance to know the rules. If the rules change at any given moment a memo should be posted! I know I too have been held responsible as a mind reader. I felt blind sided from the attack of what seemed to me like a harmless act or words on my part. We all have boundaries which need to be respected even when at times to the rest of the world they seem unreasonable. None the less we created them for a reason defined by our own experiences.
BOWL OF CHERRIES BOWL OF CHERRIES
Life is not a bowl of cherries. Well I do agree on that account, my life is not a bowl of cherries… it is just a bowl. Everyday I may choose something different to fill my bowl with. This is called free will. One of our most precious gifts by far. Some days we just feel like putting lemons in the bowl and choose to have a sour face. On other days we may feel like enjoying the sweetness of life by throwing in some strawberries. What’s in your bowl? Are you letting others decide what’s in the mix? Don’t worry if you just realized that what’s in your bowl doesn’t appeal to you. Everyday and every minute can be a fresh start, new choice, and a better menu! Don’t get distracted by what’s in someone else’s bowl, it’s easy to confuse it with your own. Remember that the universe is abundant and its menu is limitless.
CORRECTING ERROR CORRECTING ERROR
The only place error can truly be corrected is at its origin. An example would be if a house was sinking I wouldn’t fix the roof. Of course it makes sense to start at the foundation even if the roof does need work. The roof is not the cause of the house sinking therefore it is secondary. I myself have seen first hand the insanity of people who believe working on things other than the cause of the problems some how help. For years I have worked in the fashion industry as a hairstylist and am here to tell you that even though you may leave my chair feeling good it is very temporary. There is no style in the world that can heal or fix problems that originate from the inside. To believe so will only put you on a never ending chase for superficial happiness. It is my firm belief that working on the core issues will not only heal you but spread through you entire life including your appearance. I think it to better for your outside to reflect your insides in a beautiful way than your outsides made beautiful to hide your insides.
DEAR GOD Dear God,
I bet if I got a dollar for every letter ever written to you I surely would be the richest man in the world. I’m pretty sure if I got a dollar for every answer you’ve given, unheard by those same people who wrote, I would be even richer. It has been said that prayer is like a letter to you and meditation is when you respond. Even with all that money I couldn’t buy the discipline I would need to listen or write for that matter. Perhaps then if I truly want to be the richest man in the world, discipline is the answer to the answer. Countless times I have uncontrollably ranted to you without the slightest intention of listening to your answers only to curse you because I didn’t hear you. Looking back on those times I had an idea of what my answer should look and sound like. I wanted a burning bush and you light up the forest for me. But I ignored the forest because I was much too busy staring at the bush. Forgive me for being so one sided. I have asked for so much in life and cursed you for not giving it to me. The problem was not that I didn’t get what I asked for as much as I didn’t realize what I was asking for in the first place. Instead of asking you for what I want, today I ask you to help me achieve what you want for me. My way hasn’t worked so well to date. I am ready to hand over the steering wheel as they say. For all the times I wanted to pretend to be you I know now there is a reason you haven’t retired and handed me the keys to your office. I am very excited to start this new relationship with you and I am realizing a relationship is a two way street of talking and listening so I am done talking. Now I will sit and listen…..
FACADE OF BEAUTY FACADE OF BEAUTY
I have just a woken (or have I?) and feel inadequate, ugly, and unloved. I decide in order to fix this I will get dressed up and go for a walk in the city. I stand in my closet carefully choosing an outfit that will draw just the perfect amount of attention. At last I am some what satisfied and start my transformation (or do I?) The process goes on for about 30 minutes as I get dressed, fix my hair, put on jewelry, and all the other necessary accessories. Now I walk over to the mirror and gaze a moment at my reflection only to see the same sad face but a much prettier package. Far be it for me to judge what I see alone, so off I go to see what the rest of the world thinks of me. At last my car is parked and the journey begins for walking down the street. First thing I do is make my way over to the busiest area as to increase my chances of being noticed. Slowly walking down the street I focus on creating an ever so slight smile, widen my eyes for a hint of innocence, hold my head up for the illusion of confidence, and start the flirting eyes game. You know the one, I look at you and look away quickly and back again only to delivery a hint of smile and satisfaction if you are still looking. I have no intention to talk or stop, only to know I am on some level desired. For over an hour I continue to walk from store to store, café to café, not interested in anything I am pretending to be scanning other then another chance to be admired. So far today proves to be a success (or is it?), inside nothing has changed and my conquests fade quickly till finally I grow bored. Why do I not feel beautiful after some much attention? Surely these people know beauty when they see it, yet I end up at the diner sitting alone and feeling even lonelier than before. Thirty minutes of wasted time to doll up this pathetic soul with no meaningful outcome. It is at this precise moment I look to my right and take notice of someone other then me only to see she is crying. My heart skips a beat as we meet each others eyes except this time our eyes meet not with lust or passion but rather humanity. I don’t know what comes over me as I extend my hand with a smile of comfort and say “can I help?” Inside the emptiness that lingered before disappears in an instant replaced with love and compassion. She now smiles like an angel and says” you just did… you helped both of us.” With that she graciously make an exit, I sit knowing that someone today really thought I was beautiful and just as important so did I. The moral of the story is you can take four hours working on your outside beauty but if you want to feel beautiful you must act beautiful coming from a place of love. Now I am wake.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER... KNOWLEDGE IS POWER…
Knowledge is power but not without action. Knowledge alone is only half the equation. True power comes only after we apply what we learn. So often I have seen the mistake of those who thought themselves wise yet they rarely changed. The simply answer is they never applied what they knew; only preached it. If power came from knowledge alone the worlds libraries would have waiting lines.
LEADER OR FOLLOWER LEADER OR FOLLOWER
Are you a leader or a follower? There has been at least one time in all of our lives in which we or someone else has asked weather we lead or follow. There is an old saying “Too many chiefs and no Indians” that comes to mind. But when it comes to our own lives this philosophy can be dangerous. Although at times it my look like an easier path to follow the beat of someone else drums, we must consider what works for one may not work for another. In some situations in life there must be a leader to create direction and order. If no one followed orders nothing would ever get done. But the one place in life where we all must be leaders is our own destiny. Your destiny is too special and unique to put into someone else’s hands other than God’s. You are the leader of your own choices. You must lead when it comes to your thoughts and actions. You are a leader even when you follow because it was a choice to do so. Leaders make decisions, organize, and over see things. If at this point in your life that doesn’t describe your personal journey take some time to reevaluate who is getting that power? Remember that power was given to you. There is nothing wrong with being a follower at work if that is your path, but make no mistakes that when it comes to your personal journey in life you were meant to lead.
LET YOURSELF FEEL I have an image of a forest which represents the soul. I watch water run through this forest nourishing it. The water represents emotion. Without water the forest is bound to dry up and catch fire. Fire is anger. Rage is anger held back way too long. In order for us to grow much like the forest we must allow emotion to naturally flow. No matter the emotion it must run its course. We are told very early on that we must control our emotions and repress them. Then the damage begins as we tranform into what society expects from us rather than what our heart screams! If ever you want to know what is right or wrong for you just sit.... quiet your mind... listen to your heart. Sure there are many voices in our heads from those who love us or taught us, but their voices should not be leading our paths. The heart is the one true voice and a powerful leader when all the other voices are quieted. This takes time to undo and there will be temptation to be robotic, following the voices, views, and ideas of others. But remember this is your unique adventure that was designed for your heart alone to trust and follow.
LOVE IS WHOLENESS LOVE IS WHOLENESS
Love is wholeness because love is the very essence of God. We were meant to be whole and to bring wholeness into all aspects of our lives. We spend so much of our lives compartmentalizing that often we also fall into a pattern of doing the same with love. Love is also unity and connection. One example of trying to separate love is sex. I have heard people say there is nothing wrong with a one night stand. Well I am not going to judge their choice bet here is something to consider… if likeness attracts likeness then what have you just created? By entering anything with emptiness only results in emptiness. Have you ever eaten food by someone that loves to cook? Notice the difference of someone who cooks without love. To truly feel peace, love, and joy we must bring wholeness (love) in to whatever it is we do. It is said the when cancer forms in the body it creates its own community so to speak. It functions separate from the rest of your system dividing unity and creating sickness. If you take this example into your life and ask where you create separation in situations you will see how the results are not surprising. We can be creating disease or disharmony by not bringing love into any given equation. The best we can shoot for is to be conscious of our intentions and choices at any given moment. We deserve to be whole and to feel joy in all areas of life.
PERSONAL CHARACTER PERSONAL CHARACTER
Our personal character is not based on what we or others say about us. What really does determine our character is the choices we make and the actions we take. Words by them selves mean little in comparison to the steps we must take to bring truth to what we speak. With every conscious choice we make that is not in accordance with out hearts we damage our character and self-esteem. Fear not, for as long as you carry another breath within you, opportunity awaits and a new choice can be made. However do not live today with the thought my choices mean nothing if tomorrow I can choose again without the guarantee that tomorrow will come at all. Not all of actions or choices will come easy but if they are guided both heart and soul the outcome is sure to manifest both strength and self-esteem, in turn creating good character.
SEARCH FOR A SOUL MATE SEARCH FOR A SOUL MATE
The search for a soul mate seems to be a great source of stress for so many people. I myself had great struggles with this quest and had asked myself many times “who and where is my soul mate?” Many people believe and put strong emphasis on there being only one possible soul mate and it must be their husband, wife, lover ect. But why must this soul mate be limited to one person let alone the one with a specific title in our lives, usually a romantic title. Perhaps our soul mates surround us, but because they don’t fit the role we decided on we don’t even recognize them. The people in our lives all have a role and serve a great many purposes, but I have come to realize that God knows who is best for what role. I have also come to recognize that some of my soul mates have been close friends. You may have noticed that I have been using plural when writing soul mates. In truth we have more than one soul mate. We have what I call soul clusters. They are other people sharing the same energy or karmic experience. Words can’t describe that sense of knowing and sharing that flows within these clusters. Have you ever had someone complete your sentence or vice versa? Know what you were thinking before you said it? Truly what defines a soul mate is not their title but rather the feeling and familiar energy exchange in which you share. Another point I’d like to make is just because you know and recognize a soul mate, it doesn’t mean you have to get married. It could be someone you’re not even sexually attracted to. In some cases this proves to be better than a romantic relationship. Although a soul mate could become your life partner. Just don’t get attached to one role for them. I believe I have learned more from those who do not share my thoughts, energy, or feelings. Soul mates have provided me with feelings of connectedness, comfort, unity, strength, love, and understanding. These things are wonderful to share but I never discount the power of difference, the unknown, diversity, and challenge for which all have helped me grow as a person.
THE RIGHT CHOICE THE RIGHT CHOICE
A question many of us have often asked, “Was the choice I made right?” I found that when a situation causes pain that outlasts the joy it’s a pretty good sign that a reevaluation is in order. This of course only serves a purpose if the situation can or will arise again. We must learn from our choices and not waist valuable time punishing ourselves or rehashing the event in our minds over and over again. To learn and choose again correctly is strength. To punish and dwell in yesterday is weakness. One example for some people might be the two minute feel good candy bar used to avoid or cover up feelings. In this example the two minutes of false bliss to the three day guilt and one hour treadmill run afterward is a no brainer. The problem isn’t that we don’t get this concept but rather we don’t take the time to evaluate the situation and reflect back on prior consequences. Was it worth the guilt and avoidance the last time I made this choice and did the joy outlast the pain. We might even ask why the pain ever existed. In this situation the guilt arises from the subconscious knowing that to avoid our feelings is not self love. It’s ok, just choose differently next time.
THIS TOO SHALL PASS THIS TOO SHALL PASS
This to shall pass may sound cliché but in truth… good, bad, or indifferent does pass. How much awareness do we have of our own power to keep good situations in our life or even bad ones for that matter? Doesn’t our perception of any given situation help prolong or help it pass? Change is inevitable but our pain comes from our resistance to it. If we let go of the pain then we allow the good to come to us that much quicker. Living in the now allows us to enjoy the moment. Fear lives in the future and the past, never the present moment. How will you perceive today? This too shall pass… quicker if you let it.
WHO'S FEELINGS WHO DO THESE FEELINGS BELONG TO?
This is an interesting question and one that would serve many of us well. Have you ever felt great and then out of the blue you were met with sudden misery or gloom. Maybe a sudden sense of financial insecurity or nervousness crept in from who knows where. The first thing we should do is ask ourselves “are these my feelings?” There have been many times when in fact what I felt made no sense or didn’t relate to me at all. Have you ever woken up feeling what the person who sleeps next to you was feeling the day before? When you are in crowds do you get nervous or a feeling of overload. If you can relate to any of these experiences then chances are you were born empathic. An empath is a psychic sponge if you will. People will be drawn to you much like water to a sponge. They don’t know why they feel some much better after being around you, they just do. Maybe you don’t know why you’re exhausted after being around them. I’m not saying that every time we feel something undesirable it isn’t ours but rather it would be wise to ask some questions. Where is this coming from? Did this originate from me? Next question you are asking by now is “what do I do with this knowledge?” In the perfect world we would find the source and support them through what their feeling. As a result we too would be lifted. Sounds good right? But not everyone can or will acknowledge their pain or insecurities in which case we must move this energy by any number of exercises. Here I will list a few that maybe helpful.
- Acknowledge this isn’t your baggage (works for some people)
- Wrap yourself in white light
- Visualize a mirror around you facing outward
- Take a dead sea salt bath
- Send love and light to the one in pain
- Visualize your feet as tree roots and anchor yourself to the earth for support and healing. (always give thanks afterward)
- Take deep breaths while seeing these foreign emotions collecting into a ball of light, transform the ball to pure love and send out to the universe to share with all
At times it will feel like a curse having the ability to take on the energy around you. But with practice it can be transformed into a gift. In order for us to stay healthy it would be wise to continue to ask questions and put this energy in its proper place. I have come to see myself as a psychic circuit breaker. I take on the excess energy of those who can’t manage and help transform it. I hope you too will come to know this ability in a positive light.
WHY DO I HOLD ON TO THE HURT? WHY DO I HOLD ON TO THE HURT?
Holding onto hurt in the rational mind is an insane concept. So why do we hold on to hurt of past memory’s? Be it 10 minutes ago or 10 years ago. On some level the only reason we would hold on to hurt is because we feel it serves us. But the question then really is “how does it serve us?” Now I am not saying if I put my hand on a burner and get hurt to forget. I am however saying to embrace the lesson and move on without dwelling on it. When we stay in the pain or hold onto resentment it weakens us. We begin to react rather than to act in the moment. In order to be the leaders of our own destiny we must come from a place of peace and confidence. Living from yesterday’s memory’s can only keep us in the past therefore never truly moving forward. So does holding on to hurt really serve us or is it a lie our ego tells to hold us back? The only power a person or situation has over us is the power we give it. Being anger does not keep us safe but encourages us to give our power away and become weak. The next time you want to re-act stop and take a breath, bring yourself to the moment and see if you’re more in control. Calmly ask where the emotion is really coming from. Is it coming from the now or the past? For that matter does the belief still hold true or are you on auto-pilot. Take your life and your emotion back!
YOUR VIBRATIONS AT THEIR HIGHEST YOUR VIBRATIONS AT THEIR HIGHEST
Have you ever witnessed the power of a small child? It is one of the most powerful forces I have ever seen. In a Childs innocence they call upon the love and spirit of all those who surround them. They don’t demand it or take it with force, but instead radiate a magnetic energy that seems to draw people in. We all started out this way in life being innocent, loving, and at our highest vibration. So then what happens? We come into this world as puzzles put together perfectly by God and then slowly but surely our puzzle pieces separate. In some cases or pieces are taken, lost, or even given away. This process lowers our vibration. We suddenly feel incomplete, weak, empty, and maybe we even feel like a people repellent. A universal law states “likeness attracts likeness.” The question then is “what pieces are we missing and what are we attracting?” If you don’t like what you see in your life, take a moment to find where your puzzle pieces (power) have gone. Would your soul mates even recognize you in such an incomplete state? Reclaim your power, for you were meant to have it and be whole. Watch as your life transforms to joy. I stated in the beginning that the innocence of a child was one of the most powerful forces I have seen. What has been even more powerful to see than the innocence of a child is the innocence of an adult. A child hasn’t seen the world yet or what can go wrong. Most adults have. Imagine the power we would have by tapping into that magnetic energy. A kind person gets more help than an unkind person. By far the power of attraction is greater than aggression. Most of us rebel against force. Look at the simple relationship between a flower and a bee. The flower does not clobber the bee or force it into pollinating it. In its perfection it simply attracts the bee in like a magnet. If the flower could swat the bee the story would look much different. Our goal is to put our piece back together and harness our original and perfect power of attraction.
