Like Fresh Air - DAILY INSPIRATION

Video: Whose Business Am I In?

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 05:49:00 +0000

This is a really short video by Byron Katie on being mentally centered in your own business. You may be familiar with the concept already, but it is a great one to practice and internalize!

I love the "turnaround" part of Byron Katie's four step process called "The Work"; it always brings me back to my own business. Mental complaints like, they should accept me, or, they should like me, or, they should believe in me, all turn around to: I should accept me, I should like me, and I should believe in me. Clarity! In reality, you don't need anything from others in order for you to feel good - that is, until you believe in thoughts that say that you do. Whenever you are off worrying about the thoughts of others, you have given your power away. You leave your opinion of yourself, up to their determining. If we really were to do this with everyone we met, and occasionally we do, we would have hundreds and hundreds of different opinions about ourselves. And then our mind has the job to juggle them, rate them, and decide who might be right? It's no wonder our self-esteem lowers, or we begin to feel lonely and confused! There really is never any way to know for sure what others are thinking and feeling, so why waste time wondering! And besides that, the only way people can form opinions other than love, is through their own confused projections; so you never have to take anything personally. Like yourself, believe in yourself, accept yourself, and even love yourself. It is always enough! And if ever you begin to feel otherwise, I suggest putting your stressful thoughts up to The Work.

Just A Thought.. Spiritual to Feel Good!

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Sun, 16 May 2010 05:46:00 +0000

"Feeling good is feeling God—our good feelings align us with Spirit." ~ Dr. Wayne Dyer

I believe it's important to be conscious of our motives for spirituality. Sometimes the ego can creep in with it's various forms of perfectionism and self-righteousness. The ego is always about building up a false sense of self, or deteriorating a healthy sense of Self. When either is occurring, if you are really in tune with your feelings, you will notice both situations weaken your sense of well-being. When you become aware of this occurrence, simply recognize it as ego and shrug it off; it is not Who You Really Are. No person is above you or below you. Love sees with eyes of equality.
I believe that our only motive for Spirituality should be to feel good! If it doesn't feel good, then the ego's stepped in somewhere. Don't worry about your own progress in relation to others. There would never be any real way to judge that anyway. Why serve others? Because you love the way it makes you feel. Why love others? Because you love the way you feel when you love them. Why pray and meditate? Because you love the way it feels to be present and connect with inspiration. Why be grateful? Because it feels so good to give thanks. Be "spiritual" to feel good.

Quote: Powerful Peaceful Action

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Sat, 15 May 2010 02:53:00 +0000

"Action you take on the basis of acceptance of Now is far more powerful than action that arises out of denial of Now. Action that arises out of a dissatisfaction or denial of Now is poisoned and will have many karmic effects. Action that arises out of a state of acceptance has no poison to it, no side effects--and is far more powerful. Peaceful action is much more powerful than fearful action or self-seeking action. You will not become a passive vegetable by accepting the Now. A state of presence is one that has risen above thought, in which thought can still operate beautifully if it's needed. You will no longer have your home in thought." ~ Eckhart Tolle
Oftentimes, when a certain moment requires action, our action can tend to come from a low-energy sense of duty or drudgery. At times like this we must know that we are taking life much too seriously. Don't work because you need the money, don't eat to simply satisfy your growling stomach (and these are just examples). But if you are hungry, or have a low bank account, the first step is to accept the circumstances as they are. The seemingly parochial saying, it is what it is, actually contains deep wisdom. Once the Now is fully accepted and there is peace, one can decide to proceed with a new energy; an energy that is proactive, creative and meaningful--rather than one that is simply reactive. With acceptance, you can go to work to be creative, to interact with others, or to enjoy utilizing specific talents or skills. You can eat to actually enjoy the food, and to experience all the different flavors and textures it has to offer. Life becomes much lighter when you choose in, make peace with the Now, and act out of acceptance.

Focus: Letting Go of Attachment

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Thu, 13 May 2010 15:26:00 +0000

I heard this podcast by Marianne Williamson the other day and thought it was a great reminder. A lot of the time in life, we can tend to just rely on ourselves: our plans, our thoughts and ideas, what we want. When really, if we were to just stop and listen, we'd discover much easier routes, and even better routes. When we let go of our attachment to things, the fear is that everything will fall apart, when really, things are allowed to fall into place. The universe doesn't work with force or control; the universe simply allows. "By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try, The world is beyond the winning. When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be." - Lao Tzu
So along with the previous post, simply find ways to go with the flow, follow inspired action, and enjoy the present moment as you do so!
CLICK HERE: for the 3min Marianne Williamson podcast.

Quote: The Flow of Life

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Fri, 07 May 2010 06:16:00 +0000

"That is your only choice. Upstream or not. Of course it's nice when you're choosing downstream and you're so good at it that you can really choose it. But your choice in any moment is really, to feel worse or better. Worse or better. I could beat the drum of this situation and make it worse, or I could just stop talking about it and make it better." ~Abraham Hicks (on moving with the flow of life)
I love this quote. Today I had a couple of things not work out exactly as I would have wished them to, and I was beginning to feel worse and worse about them as I continued to "beat the drum" of how bad I thought my situation was. When I caught myself. I realized I had a choice in that moment, to either let petty circumstances affect me and distort my view of the world, or to just let them go and feel good anyway! Upon this realization, playing the victim started to seem a little bit silly, which honestly frustrated me a little, but there was only one obvious answer. So I let it go! Or rather, "it" let go of me; the story inside my head that is.
If what we desire more than anything is to feel good, then we have to accept that feeling anything else is a trade-off we are making, for something we think is more important at the time. If you want to feel bad, or sad, or angry, then by all means feel it! Just know that you're choosing it. Once there is the space and knowledge of the choice regarding our reactions to circumstances, the emotional suffering immediately begins to lessen; we are no longer the victim. When we realize we have choice, we are liberated and empowered. Know that you always have a choice.

The Work - Byron Katie

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Sun, 02 May 2010 05:51:00 +0000

Byron Katie

So I just wanted to share a new "tool" that I was recently introduced to. And I love it! Byron Katie is a spiritual teacher who developed the brilliant process called The Work. It's purpose is to cut through the pain-causing thoughts and stories our minds like to play with or hold onto, and to help us uncover truth. It's so simple; just four questions to honestly ask yourself, in regard to something that is causing you pain.
1. Is it true?
2. Can I absolutely know that it's true?
3. How do I react when I think this thought?
4. Who would I be without this thought?
And then a turnaround...

To watch some short video examples of The Work in action, visit her homepage here: THE WORK (or just YouTube her name). Also on her web page is a link to an hour-long interview with Oprah that is really worth checking out.
After seeing how it works, I highly recommend taking out a pen and paper and trying it yourself —but only, if you want more peace and clarity in your life.

"I invite you not to believe me. I invite you to test it for yourself. I invite you to the work." ~Byron Katie

Focus: Peaceful Decision Making

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:36:00 +0000

~ Thank you, I love you, but I choose not you. ~

When making decisions between two or more things, choose to do it with love. Whether it's deciding which house to buy, which school to attend, or which friends to spend time with, pay attention to your thoughts after you've made your decision. Do you feel a need to prove that you made the "right" or best decision by vilifying the other options? I've personally discovered that decision-making is a big opportunity for the ego to come in. The ego is interested with being "right" while making others (people or things) wrong. One of the enjoyable aspects of life is developing preferences, and the ability to seek out and create more of what we prefer. It is from the opposites in the universe that make this possible. However, the ego would have you believe that you have the ultimate preferences, that your way is the only right way, because you prefer it. The above statement came to me in a meditation and I found it to be an excellent reminder while making decisions, to do it in a way that doesn't harbor resentment for what I do not choose to create or participate in. I believe it's important to thank and honor all non-chosen pathways as they help us to more finely determine what it is that we individually prefer. Rather than seeking to make "the right" decision, seek to make the best decision for you. True freedom to choose (without ego), is to do so with peace and love.

Quote: Remember Who You Are.

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:35:00 +0000

“The stream of thinking has enormous momentum that can easily drag you along with it. Every thought pretends it matters so much. It wants to draw your attention completely. Here is a new spiritual practice: don’t take your thoughts too seriously.” ~Eckhart Tolle
Remember as often as possible, especially in moments of suffering, that you are not the thinker inside your head. You are the limitless, expansive awareness behind it.
Oftentimes our thoughts that cause us pain, are far from reality, but we become so identified with them that we can't see outside of them. When a pain-causing thought comes into your mind, it's most likely not aligned with what is, or truth. It probably has a should or shouldn't tagged in it somewhere. "This should be happening instead of this (what is)", or "this (what is) shouldn't be happening at all." To the universe there is no such thing as should or shouldn't, there is only what is. It's normally your negative response to your thoughts that alert you of their false nature. Don't allow passing thoughts to dictate your reality; but rather recognize them for what they are: simple passing thoughts.

Just a thought... Releasing the past.

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:35:00 +0000

My personal life situation is currently undergoing some pretty large changes. I know that change is simply an aspect of life and that all things are transient. But the biggest question I've been asking recently is, "Why can letting go of good things in the past be so hard?" In asking this question in my prayers and meditations, these are the answers I've received:

The main reason we refuse to let go of the good in the past, is we doubt we'll find something just as good or better in the future. It's this fear of scarcity that creates the inner-resistance. Life is eternal. There are infinite amounts of beautiful experiences and relationships to be had in our future. However, it is our openness in the Now that allows them into our life.

Letting go of good things in the past does not diminish their meaning or value in any way, but liberates them to contain more.

It sort of goes along with the old saying, "When God closes a door, somewhere he opens a window." If our main focus is on the closed door, we will never notice a new opportunity. Don't fear change, and be patient with it. As ACIM says, "Infinite patience produces immediate results." Embrace the Now fully, and you'll discover that the door to life, peace, and possibility is always open and waiting. There are infinite amounts of beautiful experiences and relationships to be had in your future. Be present, and they'll discover you.

AFRM: I love and am grateful for _______. I embrace the new and do so now. More good is coming my way.

Focus: Live Stress-Free!

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 21:45:00 +0000

Is this REALLY what I want?

A lot of the time in life, when we are not clear on what we want, we can tend to settle for something less. Subconsciously we realize we are not aligned with what we truly desire, and this shows up in our lives as an unpleasant background emotional nuisance or stress. Oftentimes when we are complaining about a situation in our life, it is totally within our power to change it and do something about it! But so often we'll settle for something else because it seems easier. Check yourself anytime you feel like complaining about your situation and ask, "Is this REALLY what I want?" After reasoning, you may realize that it is the best situation for you, and then acceptance can enter. But if not, you can begin changing the situation. The emotional resistance will dissolve once clarity is reached. It's really quite simple. Decide and become clear on what is most important to you in life. Nothing feels more stress-free than when you know your actions are aligned with what you value the most.

Meditation: You Are Powerful.

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:52:00 +0000

"Act as if what you do makes a difference.

It does." ~William James

"If you want to feel your power, use your power." ~Marianne Williamson

I love both of these statements. No matter how small or insignificant you may think you are at times - you are powerful. Every thought you think, every word you speak, every action you take sends out a ripple into the world. Unseen it may be, but do not undervalue it's power. Imagine the type of direction your personal expression would take if you lived out this realization: that every single thought, word, and action you make, directly affects and changes the world. Today, recognize your power by consciously using your power. You are powerful.

Presence Tip: One Conscious Breath.

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:52:00 +0000

This video is a short, but powerful reminder. Never undervalue the present moment - for in reality, it contains all value. If you are viewing this message in an e-mail, CLICK HERE to view the video. Have a present weekend.

Quotes: Radiance!

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:53:00 +0000

"All things radiate forth an intense aliveness." ~ David R. Hawkins

"It is a realm of deep stillness and peace, but also of joy and intense aliveness. Whenever you are present, you become "transparent" to some extent to the light, the pure consciousness that emanates from this Source. You also realize that the light is not separate from who you are but constitutes your very essence." ~ Eckhart Tolle

Today take time to connect with the energy of life. Consider how you would act as a completely vibrant and radiant person. Watch children, as they tend to possess this trait naturally. Present yourself and feel the infinite amount of energy that is life. Then put that vibrance and energy into all of your action, and be a light unto the world. Be radiant!

Focus: Life Is A Mirror

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:20:00 +0000

"He who experiences the unity of life sees his own Self in all beings, and all beings in his own Self, and looks on everything with an impartial eye." ~Buddha

A close friend recently declared to me, "I love my judgements! They are great learning tools for me. They show me how I'm holding back the love in my life, for myself and others." I really enjoyed her perspective. Every time you realize you are are having judgmental thoughts, instead of turning them inwards, ask yourself what part of another are you refusing to accept? The essence behind non-judgment is forgiveness. Normally what we refuse to forgive in others, is something we ourselves are guilty of. Outward condemnation is a sign of inward condemnation. A good way for me to dissolve my judgments of others is to put myself in their shoes - to remind myself that, no matter how well I think I know them, I never have the full the story. Once judgment and unforgiveness is dissolved, love can flow freely. No one enjoys the feeling of being judged by another. Today, "do unto others, as you would have them do unto you."

Affirmation: I Always Have A Choice.

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:20:00 +0000

"I can elect to change all thoughts that hurt" ~ ACIM.

This is yet another superb Course in Miracles exercise. All of our emotions are directly connected to our thoughts - conscious or subconscious. Every time we are feeling an emotion that we do not like, we should consider the thoughts we are choosing to think. There are definitely some thoughts that hurt - that may seem to come unwanted and from outside sources. But we must always remember still, that they are a choice. If certain thoughts are hard to relinquish, seek Divine Guidance and listen. Always remember to never enter a state of resistance. Do not fight your thoughts. How insane it is, when the mind attacks itself. Choose to be the silent observer and awareness. If we realize we are thinking thoughts that do not serve us, we should either change them, or simply allow them to play out and pass. For we know that they are only thoughts. Peace and joy are your natural state to claim, and they are always only a thought away.

Quote: Believe Your Growth!

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:05:00 +0000

No mirror ever became iron again;
No bread ever became wheat;
No ripened grape ever became sour fruit.
Mature yourself and be secure from a change for the worse.
Become the light.

~Rumi.

So much of the time in self-growth, we tend to sabotage our own progression by clinging to our past experience. As soon as positive growth begins to emerge, we stamp it out and say, "No, no, that's not me. That's not the me I know." And we deny the change. This is the ego at work.

Your self-image is only a result of past experiences and the way you perceive them. Only your beliefs make up who you think you are or aren't. Know that you can choose to believe differently at any moment. You are not your past.

Because change is normally an evolutionary process, it's important to notice every small change for the better, and celebrate it! Make a strong point to do this. And say to yourself, "See? I can change! I perfectly love and accept myself exactly where I am. I am always becoming."

Louise Hay Affirmations - A New Day

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:02:00 +0000

In the infinity of life where I am, all is perfect whole and complete.
My life is ever new. Each moment of my life is new and fresh and vibrant.
I use my affirmative thinking to create exactly what I want.
This is a new day - I am a new me. I think differently; I act differently.
Others treat me differently. My new world is a reflection of my new thinking.
It is a joy and a delight to plant new seeds, for I know these new seeds will become my new experiences.
All is well in my world.

Focus: Acceptance Ushers In Change.

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:50:00 +0000

"Wherever you are, be there totally." ~Eckhart Tolle

Today, observe any inner resistance that occurs in relation to your inner state or life situation. Once the resistance is recognized, bring your present awareness to the circumstance. Know that the only time you feel resistance is when your mind takes over - when your old patterns are seeking to take over. You are not your mind, or its thoughts, and all it takes to diffuse resistance is your present awareness.

The quickest way to change any situation is to fully accept it for what it is. Acceptance invites real change, quicker than any other power. When we are trapped in resistance, inspiration and empowerment are beyond our reach. Find a way to love the moment and whatever might be causing the resistance! We all know that there are certain imperfections in others that we can come to adore as it adds to their personality. We can also choose to look this way at ourselves, and our life situation. A minor example: having a leaky roof to some people could be completely tragic - whereas to others, it could be fun! There is always another way of looking at any situation. I repeat Eckhart's advice, "Wherever you are, be there totally." And love it! Acceptance of the Now, opens it for change.

Just A Thought... Speak With God!

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:58:00 +0000

~God's Voice speaks to me all through the day~

"There is not a moment in which God's Voice ceases to call on my forgiveness to save me. There is not a moment in which His Voice fails to direct my thoughts, guide my actions and lead my feet. I am walking steadily on toward truth." ~ A Course in Miracles Workbook

I love this excerpt from the Course in Miracles. God is always there to guide us and for us to confide in. We often forget this and think we have to do and figure out everything on our own. If you don't already, start talking to God today. Start with expressing gratitude. Share your thoughts, concerns, and questions.

God wants to be your friend. Imagine everything you'd do with a close friend: spend time with them, trust them, ask them for favors, give to them, share with them your deepest feelings. This is the type of relationship we can have with God. God can also speak to you through a variety of means - through a song you hear, a person you talk to, a radio program, or even directly to your thoughts and heart. The more we open ourselves to this type of communication, and listen, the more we will realize that God never stops speaking to us. We are never alone.

Note To Readers..

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:53:00 +0000

***The past week has been really busy for me, so it's been hard to find time to post. I just moved to Samoa, and will be here for the next two months to help out with the tsunami damage. The internet here is really slow, but I'll do my best to make posts! Hope you are all well.

Namaste.

Quote: Giving and Receiving are the Same!

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:22:00 +0000

"I don't 'hold onto' anything that I have! I've learned that it's when I hold onto something that I lose it. If I 'hold onto' love, I may as well not have any. If I hold onto money it is worthless. The only way to have the experience of 'having' anything is to give it away. Then - and only then - can you know that you have it."

~Neale Donald Walsch

The interesting thing about truly giving and receiving is that the distinction between the two is only made in the brain. Without labeling the situation, the only thing that exists is the actual experience of what is being given and received. For example, if I were choosing to extend love to another, the experience would be the same--as if that individual were extending love towards me! When you truly give (from a state of love), nothing is ever lost. The act of giving is pure perpetuation, and multiplication. When we hold onto things, we actually stagnate life. Examples of this concept are everywhere in nature: the earth receives rain and in turn nourishes foliage, flowers receive sunlight and radiate the light of beauty, trees receive nourishment and breathe life-giving oxygen into the world. It is on the giving/receiving principle that all life operates. If ever you find that you are lacking the experience of anything, whether it's abundance, kindness, service, or especially love, the best way to induce receiving it is to give it! Abstain from being a victim of the not enough mentality, for it is only that. Choose to be a creator.

Affirmations for Balance!

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:47:00 +0000

Work and rest are properly balanced in my life. Wisdom and enthusiasm are properly balanced in my life.

Faith and reason are properly balanced in my life. Self-knowledge and self-expression are properly balanced in my life.

Focus: Only Love is Real.

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:46:00 +0000

Today, notice any and all acts of lovelessness that occur in your life - even if you're not invovled. Recognize that every person who acts out lovelessness, whether through violence or any form of outward negativity, really only wants to experience love. A Course in Miracles teaches that every act of lovelessness is only a call for love. For if they truly experienced love for themselves, there would be no basis for fear-based behavior. It's this type of compassionate awareness that allows us to reside in a state of love. And then once we notice these calls for love, we are given the opportunity to do something about them. Keep in mind that love is infinite. The more you give away, the more you will receive and experience.

Try Something New... Treat the Emotional Cause of Illness!

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:26:00 +0000

I strongly believe that any physical ailment or malady we experience is only a manifestation of not only our physical choices, but a large result of how we handle ourselves emotionally. If you haven't read Louise Hay's inspiring book, "You Can Heal Your Life", then I highly recommend it. At the end of the book she supplies a fairly detailed index of physical ailments along with their most probable emotional causes. She also gives a couple affirmations to help with each situation. I've used it many times over the past couple of years, and have found it very insightful and helpful in the healing process! As we heal our inner self and our "emotional illnesses," our physical manifestation will normally follow. Here is an online link to the index: "Heal Your Body."
Look over it and see what you think!

Quote: Buddha On Self Love!

noreply@blogger.com (Benjamin) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 22:01:00 +0000

"You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection." ~ Buddha.

Today make a commitment to only think positive and loving thoughts about yourself. Self criticism and degredation only hinder your growth and dims the light inside you. No matter what someone's external appearance may be, inside everybody is a small child aching for only one thing--and that's love. To assist a small child in self-growth, would you yell at it, criticize it, and make it feel as low as possible? Of course not. Yet this is often what many of us unconsciously do to ourselves. Learn to forgive and accept anything you don't like about yourself as your resistance will only make matters worse. Instead, focus on what you wish to create. Be today, the person you desire to be, and simply love yourself.