The Balance Factor Blog

Time for Change

2011-07-12T07:31:00.000-07:00

The upcoming release of my book, 21 Days to Better Balance, marks a milestone in the evolution of my creative vision—to bring my stories and analogies to the world and help people to find better balance in their mind, body, and spirit.

Part of this evolution will be the phasing-out the original project I started in 2003, The Balance Factor, as well as my other related projects including Michael on the Move, Inspiration from the World, and Candy Store Creations. However, I am reminded—once again—how creativity is dynamic and change is good. Everything is a stepping stone to the next thing. As my friend and co-editor Beth Wallace once told me about the key to good writing, "You've got to be willing to 'kill your darlings' and let them go." Wise words, and so timely and apropos.

So the evolution is a new 21 Days to Better Balance blog! Click on the Blog icon on the 21 Days to Better Balance homepage and bookmark the page so you can continue to follow my adventures. I am looking forward to sharing my messages with the world and hearing the stories of how 21 Days to Better Balance is helping YOU find more balance in a busy world!

And remember to download a *free* copy of the e-book during the first 21 days of August. I'm hoping you will love it so much you will be nudged to buy more copies and share it with your friends. On the web site you can also find links to "Like" us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to the new Blog.

To Your Better Balance!

Michael Thomas Sunnarborg
Author, Speaker, Ambassador of Goodwill

Your Frequency

2011-07-05T06:16:00.000-07:00

(This entry is an excerpt from 21 Days to Better Balance scheduled for release July 30, 2011. Find the book and e-book at 21daystobetterbalance.com beginning August 1st!)

Quantum physics has found that there is no
empty space in the human cell, but it is a teeming,
electric-magnetic field of possibility or potential.
– Dr. Deepak Chopra

Everything that exists in our physical reality contains atomic particles; therefore, everything we observe has an energetic frequency. Objects that are mobile—such as humans and animals—appear to be “alive” since we observe their movements. Immobile objects, such as rocks, don’t appear to be alive but still have an energetic frequency. Frequency is the source of all physical form and everything we observe is vibrating at some level.

Our personal frequency is extremely sensitive. We don’t have an “off switch,” but we do have a rheostat that allows us to adjust our own vibrations. As with feelings, we are able to observe the frequency of others by the inflection of their words, body language, and facial expressions. We might refer to these observations as good or bad “vibes.” Our personal frequency is highly influenced by other people. Our energetic response to others can be a source of valuable information if we are aware of it.

Being aware of your frequency allows you to notice
how people and environments affect you.

Personal frequency is like a radio station. Every radio station is unique. Each station has a different channel and different programming and plays different music. Higher frequencies aren’t any better than lower ones; they’re just different. For example, 101.5 isn’t a better radio station than 98.3; it just plays different music.

Similar to radio stations, each person has individual thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. We are tuned in to our own frequency and broadcasting our own music to the world through our being. When we meet people whose frequency is similar to ours, we tend to connect with them easily—we say we’re “on the same channel.” Being around people whose frequency is different from ours may cause us to feel uncomfortable or awkward. None of us is better than anyone else; we’re just different. Honoring the variety of frequencies gives us the opportunity to appreciate others, just like listening to new and different music.

Today's Affirmation: I am aware of my frequency and how it affects my balance.

I hope these words help bring you more awareness and perspective. Find this thought and 20 others in 21 Days to Better Balance, and start finding more balance in your busy world.

Namaste,

The Ambassador of Goodwill

The Value of Silence

2011-05-06T18:03:00.000-07:00

“If you don’t know the answers, wait until you do.”

When used regularly, silence is a powerful tool. The mind, body, and spirit are designed to be active and engaged, but they also require downtime for balance and refreshment. In moments of silence, we can reconnect with ourselves and gain insight, focus, and clarity. Silence can bring us into alignment with our thoughts and feelings and help us to hear the quiet spiritual voice of our intuition.

In order to find silence, we may have to create space for solitude—simple, but not always easy. Taking time for silence is a critical step for moving into alignment. In silence, we can quiet our thoughts, acknowledge our emotions, and relax into our bodies. In other words, we calm our human doing. Whether we use meditation, prayer, or any other type of inner-focusing activity, moving into silence allows us to reconnect with our spirit—our human being.

Silence helps with problem solving and decision making. If we are unsure how to respond to a problem or situation, we can stop, find a quiet space within us, and wait for an answer. As we are waiting for answers, we can develop a calm demeanor, soften our stance, and experiment with patience. Often the answers to our most difficult questions lie in stillness. Silence reminds us to begin within.

Silence allows you to develop a deeper and
more balanced connection with yourself.

Silence is like a spiritual retreat or a healing center—a place where we can go to be alone and reconnect with ourselves. While most traditional counseling is healing for the mind and physical therapy is healing for the body, silence is healing for the spirit.

We can create a space for silence by simply unplugging from the world and turning down the noise. TVs, radios, computers, and mobile phones are powerful means for connecting with others, but the point of silence is to connect with yourself. At first it may seem like you are missing out, but unplugging for periods of time will raise your frequency—and over time, can significantly strengthen and enrich your personal connections. When we lower the volume on the outside of our lives, we raise the volume on the inside. In silence we can discover the true benefits of being still and listening to the calm rhythm within.

This week think about spending some time in silence and experience the benefits. By practicing a little bit each day, my hope is you will soon learn to appreciate the value of silence.

Happy springtime!

The Ambassador

It's Spring: Go Green

2011-04-11T14:56:00.000-07:00

"Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good action; try to use ordinary situations." — Jean Paul Richter

If you stop and think about how much waste we create in our lives on a daily basis, you will notice how fast it adds up... and if you think about the formula we're creating: more garbage + more pollution = higher expenses = less money, it's not a pretty picture.

Perhaps you've heard my favorite muppet Kermit the Frog crooning in his song, "It's not easy being green." Lately I've been thinking more about the green movement, but it didn't really hit home until I realized that unlike Kermit's words, being green is rather easy to do. In fact, being green isn't a fad - it's a change in your behavior... and it's really easy to do once you raise your awareness and start paying attention to your actions and attitudes.

There are a plethora of resources out there about greening your life, but allow me to highlight some simple habits you can quickly adopt which will not only make your neighborhood trees happier, the lakes and air cleaner, but your will benefit your body and mind as well.

Tips for Heading Towards Greenville:

First, and foremost, start paying attention to what you use, keep, and throw away. Whereas in the past the 3 R's related to school, keep in mind the 3 R's of the 21st century: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Use a washcloth instead of paper towels to wipe up spills.
If you like using paper towels, buy the half-sized perforated style which uses half the amount of a regular towel each time you tear one off (also makes great napkins!)
Reuse the unused and gently used paper towels or napkins as handy wipes for wiping food from dirty dishes, greasy pans and for quick clean-ups.
Use the backs of previously printed papers in your printer. Most of what we print is not the final pages of a dissertation so save the new paper for the important stuff. This is especially for us Boomers/Gen Xers who still print out email messages and ebooks (oh come on, admit it!)
You know those handy little Ziploc bags? Unless you're filling them with pudding or peanut butter they can usually be reused a few times.
Ask for a ceramic mug instead of paper at your local coffee shop. Instead of running off, take a moment to stop, relax, breathe and enjoy your java or tea - especially with a friend.
Once in a while consider replacing coffee with green tea (blended with jasmine or lemongrass rocks). It's green and it's better for you.
Turn off non-essential lights when you're not using them.
Buy electronics with rechargeable batteries instead of disposable.
When possible, walk, bike, bus, train, or carpool instead of drive. It's better for you, the environment, and saves money. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to see more sights!
Reuse hotel sheets and towels. Do you change your sheets and towels every day at home? Then don't do it when you're on vacation.
Buy reusable shopping bags. Save a plastic tree!
Reconsider bottled water. Consider purchasing an aluminum refillable bottle and going back to the tap. Seriously - the whole bottled water craze is more of a fad than a fact. Did you realize they're slowly raising the prices for bottled water? Retailers are smart... but you are smarter.
Consider going greener by using non-chemical cleaning supplies and supplementing your health with essential plant oils instead. Young Living is a fantastic organization I've been working with for years to help support you and your families' health with greener choices.

Green Resources:

Personally, I like National Geographic's Green Guide, which gives a consumer a heapin' helpin' of stuff on everything from home and garden to personal care and product buying guides. There's also:

Going Green Resources
Worldwatch Institute
Oprah's Going Green Resources
And lots more! Just Google "going green"

I encourage you to think about where you can Go Green by reducing, reusing and recycling more in your life. You'll feel good about the planet and your pocketbook. And by showing Kermit that you understand what being green is about, you'll make him a happy frog.

Namaste,

The Ambassador

And thanks to blog reader Barbara, here is a great article about Top 10 Things Most Garbage Services Won't Take. Thanks, Barbara!

Changing Our Paradigms

2011-03-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

According to my favorite web site, dictionary.com, a paradigm is, "an example serving as a model or a pattern". Our world is filled with many types of paradigms: social, cultural, and most importantly, personal, and these paradigms become the framework and filters through which we experience the world. Our personal paradigms form the foundations for our belief systems and whether we realize it or not we live our lives according to the paradigms we've created or subscribed to.

For example, many of us have subscribed to the paradigm of what is means to work: to make a living by contributing to society through organized effort based on preconceived structures and business models. We "go to work" for someone - a business, an organization, an existing entity, from which we receive money - a form of reciprocal energy - for the giving of our time and talents, and we use this money to pay for the expenses our lives incur. This paradigm supports our capitalistic western society and has been the foundation for the concept of employment for hundreds of years.

So? You say. What's the big deal? What's wrong with that? There is nothing wrong with anything - but I do find myself wondering why I have subscribed to the western paradigm of work. What about creating a business for myself and receiving money from it? Do I need to work for someone else? Is subscribing to this belief serving me? Did it, perhaps, serve me at one time but is no longer helpful? And am I limiting my potential by continuing to believe this paradigm? In March of 2009, I penned a blog entry about writing a Business Plan for My Life in which I dove into the topic of work and living out your passion.

As a lifelong learner and seeker of my own interpretation of truth I often seek to challenge the paradigms I'm currently experiencing, whether they are mine or others. Why? Because I can. In my willingness to resist the status quo and seek out my own answers and meaning behind the pre-existing structures and beliefs in my world, I exercise my ability to explore options and "buck" the traditional system - and to experience being truly present. To be willing to challenge what I "know" in lieu of potentially discovering something new about myself - in short, to keep learning.

As Leonardo da Vinci expressed it: "Everything connects to everything else." If my belief systems are, indeed, connected to my experience, then paying attention to the results of my experience will allow me to decide whether changes in my beliefs are necessary. According to the Teachings of Abraham, "a belief is only a thought you keep thinking." If a belief no longer serves you, choose a new thought - create a new belief. You can read more about this from Esther and Jerry Hicks, authors of the Law of Attraction.

So what does this mean? It means that I have the power to choose and change my paradigms. Our power of choice is the greatest gift we can utilize in our entire lifetime. Challenging our paradigms is just one example of taking control of our lives and allowing ourselves to play larger - to step further into our potential. If you are not happy with the results your life is showing you, choose again! Connect with your mind, body and spirit; align your thoughts, feelings and intuition; and activate your power of choice and begin to truly bring more balance to your life. It's your choice.

Happy Spring!

The Ambassador

A Spirit of Gratitude

2011-01-23T11:59:00.000-08:00

Thank you. Merci. Gracias. Tak. Kiitos. Mahalo. Shukriya. Danke. Grazie. Dhanyabaad. Shukran. Salamat. Just some of the many languages in which I've had the privilege of learning how to say, "Thank you". Giving thanks is an expression of gratitude, which is a critical step in the giving and receiving cycle - it completes the loop.

So, what is the loop, you ask? The loop is the cycle that begins and completes the flow of conscious creative energy. In other words, the act of manifesting a unique experience through the process giving and receiving. But do all our these experiences turn out to be happy and joyful? Not so much. Well, at least not a first... but therein lies the role of gratitude - it allows us to change our perspective.

For example, the other day I was sitting with a friend and we were talking about her dissatisfaction with her current job. When she first started this job she was very happy with the opportunity - the environment appeared to support her, the job itself was fulfilling, and she felt comfortable with the leadership. Her decision felt well balanced. Over time, however, the circumstances in her work environment changed. Now she felt constricted rather than expanded; her manager chose to lead using fear-based behaviors, like control and anger, over supportive and empowering actions; and she lost interest in the job itself. This, unfortunately, is not uncommon for many of us. She realized the situation had become imbalanced.

So, what to do now? Ah yes... the $100,000 question (which has probably gone up in price since the recent economy swing). As we were talking more about how she was feeling it became apparent she was experiencing what she "doesn't want". When we recognize what we don't want, we start to receive more clarity about what it is we do want - that is, if we're paying attention. Our immediate experiences provide us with contrast, and this contrast gives us the opportunity to make new, higher (more peaceful and comfortable), choices. Whether we choose to change our immediate situation (in this case, quit her job) or consider creating something new in the future (i.e., start looking for a new job), we have the power to change our minds. This decision-making process gives us the opportunity to honor our true desires - our highest intentions - and in return, helps us stay in our integrity. By listening to our intuition we demonstrate respect for ourselves and our choices regardless of the outcome. And respecting ourselves and our choices is the most important action we can take in any experience.

After our conversation I could feel a sense of lightness about her attitude and a sense of gratitude for this "bad" experience she was feeling. By choosing to focus on what we are learning in any given circumstance and expressing our gratitude to recognize it for what it is, our act of thankfulness shifts our feelings of constriction and hopelessness to feelings of freedom and hope. When we expand our minds we expand the choices available to us.

This week I encourage you to pay attention to those moments which disguise themselves as frustrating, aggravating or hopeless and give thanks for the awareness these opportunities are providing you. With a gentle shift in your perspective, you, too, may be able to say "thank you" in any language - especially the language of your heart.

Make 2011 a year of gratitude!

The Ambassador

Winter - by Walter de la Mare

2010-12-14T06:52:00.000-08:00

Clouded with snow
The cold winds blow,
And shrill on leafless bough
The robin with its burning breast
Alone sings now.

The rayless sun,
Day's journey done,
Sheds its last ebbing light
On fields in leagues of beauty spread
Unearthly white.

Thick draws the dark,
And spark by spark,
The frost-fires kindle, and soon
Over that sea of frozen foam
Floats the white moon.

Happy Holidays.

In The Zone? How Do You Know?

2010-12-06T06:40:00.000-08:00

As we approach the end of 2010 I've started to reflect upon the events of the past year and take time to ponder how often I felt in alignment - you know, those periods where I was "in the Zone"... feeling happy, centered, balanced, and high on life. Throughout the year I'd experienced times of great joy, but also a few speed bumps along the road. Moments when I wasn't feeling so happy - times where I was out of alignment - are quite easy to recall. It's not difficult to know when you're not feeling good. It's painful. In hindsight, however, many of those moments have turned out to be the best opportunities for insight and learning.

So what about the happy moments? How do I recognize when I am in the Zone? I pondered that question until I realized that my best moments were when I was paying attention to the results of my attitude. It was all in the feedback - those times when my positive attitude and cheerful disposition were affecting people and circumstances around me. The energy of my well-being was causing a rippling effect in my immediate environment and (what I used to consider) "unusual" things would begin to occur. "Unusual?" you say? Indeed. Well, at least at a point in my experience where these events still appeared unusual, but that was because I hadn't been paying attention long enough to notice the effects of my attitude before.

With that in mind, here is my list of "Top Ten Ways To Know That You're In The Zone"... er, well, that I'm in the Zone, but perhaps these insights will resonate with you as well:

Time is Fluid
Remember moments when you feel like time is standing still? An "eternal moment"? Or perhaps you were hanging out with a good friend, on a vacation, or playing with your cousin as a child, and you suddenly realized three days had passed?! Suddenly the clock is meaningless. Chronological time is skewed. Why is that? Because you were in a state of flow. You were in the Zone.
Music Matches Your Mood
You're listening to the radio or your iPod and one of your favorite songs starts playing, but suddenly you hear more than just a melody - you hear the words in a way you didn't notice before. They seem to be about what you are experiencing. They are speaking to you. This is especially cool when a tune you've been singing for years suddenly contains a new message - a message just for you. You are given a reminder that song lyrics are poetry to music. Huzzah!
You Become A Magnet
Your vibration is strong. And everyone has a vibration that is unique and powerful. When you are in the Zone, feelings of happiness and joy will flow out of you like a radio broadcast sending waves of Goodwill to everyone and everything around you. Law of Attraction is responding to your frequency and delivers things in response to your feelings (by the way, this is always happening). If you pay attention to this process, you will remember that you are, truly, the creator of your reality.
Things Come (and Go) Your Way
When you are in the Zone and Law of Attraction is bringing you those things you want and desire, your day is full of green lights, friendly people, and parking spaces. Your continued feelings of happiness and joy create "like" responses. Like attracts like!
Happiness Is Easy
Being in the Zone is being happy. And being happy is the most important thing we can do to maintain our good health and good relationships. Happiness is a natural state of being. Being in the Zone is a natural and normal response to accepting and allowing things to be "as they are". Relax, breathe, and allow. Life is good.
You're "Out of Your Mind"... and It Feels Nice
Our minds are a useful tool for solving problems, analyzing information, recalling facts and figures, and making decisions. But true happiness doesn't come from thinking. When you're in the Zone, heart and soul are driving the car. Give your mind a well-deserved rest! Let it take a nap in the back seat for a while - you can always wake it up at the next pit stop (or not... :o)
You Begin Within
The creative process does not occur from the outside in (that is the "reactive" process... move the "c"). When you are in the Zone your motivation comes from within. Now you are using your energy to create your experience based on how you feel - and that is working from the inside out. And that is the essence of the creative process.
Problems Become Opportunities
Remember what it feels like when you're having a good day? "Oops, my pencil broke. But, hey look - now I have two!" When you're in the Zone, happiness takes over. What may previously been considered a problem is now an opportunity, challenge, or advantage. Either way, it's easily overcome. Remember: it all starts (and ends) with your attitude.
Senses Are Heightened
Remember the feeling of being in love? Suddenly everything is wonderful - food tastes better, music sounds clearer, colors appear richer and more pronounced. Being in the Zone can trigger the same responses of well-being that love does, for it is love which you are feeling - love that comes from connection to Source energy. Connecting with yourself is re-connecting to love within you - being in the/z "One".
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What is it for you? How do you notice when you're in the Zone? What do you choose to do/say/be/choose which keeps you happy, balanced and centered? Remember it always is, truly, your choice.

Putting yourself into a feeling of happiness and balance will always serve you. Choose to get in the Zone today and experience the benefits!

Happy Holidays.

The Ambassador

The Fear Factor

2010-08-09T09:57:00.000-07:00

Unlike the TV program, The Fear Factor, facing our fears usually doesn't involve eating strange exotic bugs or surviving potential suffocation underwater while millions of people watch. Rather, our fears come to us in little annoying thoughts and messages... but sometimes we'd rather eat fat juicy spiders than face our fears. Why? Because we "fear" our fears.

Fear is nothing to be afraid of. In fact, our fears are merely information - signals to pay attention. It's how we respond to that information which makes the biggest difference and the largest impact on our well-being.

So let's apply the topic of fear to the Balance Factor awareness of mind, body and spirit. When we stay only in our minds, we have the potential to take our fears and create all sorts of “thoughts” about them. When we try and think ourselves through our fears we often create more fears in the process. What happens when you are afraid of talking to someone about a sensitive matter? You may create all sorts of their responses based on what you "think" they might say (which may help you prepare to speak to them), but after some good brainstorming we may be more nervous than before. Our minds start going in a hundred different directions based on the "what if..." question. Suddenly our concerns have turned to panic.

What about taking our fear a step deeper? Whereas our minds bring us thoughts, our hearts bring us the feelings surrounding our fears. When we bring our fears into our hearts and examine our feelings, we have the opportunity to see how many of our fears are, in fact, unfounded or silly. Perhaps just paranoia or misunderstanding. Many of our fears are based in the future or the past (I can’t believe I did that… what was I thinking? Or the "woulda should coulda" path). Sometimes we can use our feelings to help direct our responses to fear, but many times our emotions get the best of us and suddenly we're not able to think reasonably. And, once again, our fears take control.

There is an additional level of awareness that brings the most, and deepest, meaning to our fears and that is our spirit - our intuition. Spirit can bring our fears out of the darkness of doubt and into the light of truth. What do you really "know" about the fear are you feeling? How do your thoughts and feelings line-up with your intuition? What really feels true about the situation? Bringing our fears down into our center - becoming aware of our inner knowingness and trusting that gut feeling in our intuition, we now have the ability to tap a deeper level of understanding - our core beliefs - our inner truth.

When we are aware of our thoughts, feelings, and intuition, we have access to the most information from which to create our responses, which in turn create our reality. When we are in alignment with our body, mind, and spirit we can take each into consideration and activate our response based on a new pool of information. That, indeed, will help us to take our fears and deal with them logically, emotionally, and intuitively.

And all without having to eat bugs. Well, not unless you're into that :o)

Namaste,

The Ambassador

The Benefits of Silence

2010-07-12T11:15:00.000-07:00

"Shhhh... be a quiet for a minute. I need a moment to think."
"Let's take a moment of silence to remember this occasion."
"It was in the silence that I found the answer."

The benefit of silence. It is something we all experience at different times and in different forms. Sometimes we create it; other times we simply notice it... we notice that it's already there - it's always there, but we just stop long enough to notice it - to actually hear it.

But what really is silence? Is it anything at all or is it nothing? But isn't "nothing" something? Um, what? Nothing? Something? Exactly. Nothing is something. It the absence of what is - it is the contrast to what we can perceive as some-thing. It exists and takes the place of other activities or events when "no other thing" is going on. It is no-thing. Let me frame it this way: think back to when you were 8 years old and you just got home from school and all you wanted was to "do nothing"? Ahhh - now, perhaps, you understand the value of doing nothing. It's time away from doing something, anything.

So where does silence fit into all this? Because silence is a powerful tool when you use it. That moment of silence contains power - and it also contains healing. The mind, body and spirit want to be active, but they also need downtime - time to be "rebooted" so-to-speak. Finding silence is the basis for meditation and all other forms of relaxation techniques to get us out of minds and bodies and into our spirits - to let our heads and hearts take a well-deserved break and allow our spiritual nature (which is a "natural" part of us) to be refreshed as well. Silence can be found through the act of doing nothing, but also comes when you eliminate the stimuli of your environment. It will require that you find a quiet space and be still: quiet your thoughts, calm your emotions, and relax your body - all parts of your human "doing". This will allow you to reconnect to your spirit - your human "being". Silence then becomes fuel for the soul.

Reconnecting with your spiritual energy brings your mind, body and spirit into better alignment - better balance. This gives you clearer access to your intuition and feelings, which are the languages of the soul. Mind, body, spirit working in harmony and unity are the key to finding your balance factor.

This week take time to find a quiet space and enjoy some of the benefits of silence. Allow your spirit to be refreshed by quieting your head, calming your heart, and tuning into your spirit.

Be Well,

The Ambassador

A Body in Balance

2010-05-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

When we think about body balance the first thing that usually comes to mind is our physical health - diet, exercise, health and wellness - everything that affects our body’s natural physical balance. Remember that "we are what we eat and drink, feel and think”. Inside or out, our sense of balance starts with how we view and respond to ourselves.

A healthy body is the result of a healthy balance between diet and exercise. Now I don’t mean “diet” in the way of starving ourselves and eating rabbit food, but making healthy and nutritious choices. And three words: water, water, water. Oh, and did I mention water? (more on that later).

In the spirit of body balance, let’s focus today on exercise. We need to exercise. Let me repeat that. We need to exercise. Why? Because the body was meant to be in motion. Sure – there’s plenty of time for rest, but lack of movement is one of the single biggest contributors to poor health. Get moving! If you are already exercising, great! Keep it up. If you need some motivation, start with baby steps - seriously... just start putting one foot in front of the other.

So whether you go for a morning walk or work out at a gym regularly, here are a few simple and useful tips to help you move towards a more balanced body:

1. Stretch: Stretch Before and After Exercise

Take a few minutes to stretch both before and after you exercise and you may decrease the risk of injury to your muscles and increase your flexibility. This also allows the blood to move into the muscles more quickly. Try to hold your stretch, without bouncing, for 10 seconds or more to receive maximum benefit.

2. Stay Motivated: Bring a Friend or Mr. Music With You!

Keeping yourself motivated to exercise can be one of the biggest challenges of a healthy exercise routine. Find a friend who will exercise with you or purchase an MP3 player or iPod (my favorite motivational tool) and let the music keep you moving! There’s nothing like great music to get, and keep, your body in motion.

3. Mix It Up: Change Your Routine Regularly

Be sure to change the different ways you exercise every 2-3 months or your body will adjust to the medium and you will plateau. Providing your body with changing sources of stimuli is good. For weight training, try to find a nice blend of free weights, exercise machines, and other body training equipment. Most health clubs will have a variety of this equipment for you to try and discover what works best with your body. For conditioning, try a variety of activities; walking and running (both outside and on a treadmill—they’re very different!), aerobics, biking (both outside and stationary), step machines, and other cardio equipment. To calm and soothe the body, try yoga. Whatever you do, mix it up! Try something new and listen to how your body responds.

4. Rest: Balance Physical Exercise with Rest

Be sure to balance exercise with plenty of rest. This includes both during your exercise session as well as throughout your week. Rest is critical. Listen to your body and respond to its messages. And remember to allow your body time to respond to any changes you introduce: if you’re trying to get in better physical shape, slower changes last much longer than fast ones!

5. Calendar It: Make a Date

My friend Honoree always says, “If it’s not on the calendar, it’s not gonna happen!” That is so true when it comes to exercising. Schedule it on your calendar and be sure to write it down. Treat exercise like an appointment with your body—the most important client you will ever have! This not only builds good habits but shows commitment to yourself and your goals. And, most importantly—keep the date. Don’t stand yourself up. Remember: this is a lifelong relationship, so give it your best.

Be Well and Happy Spring!

The Ambassador

Mind: Teacher, Creature or Companion?

2010-03-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

"It's mind over matter." "Do you mind?" "Make up your mind!" "Oh, never mind..." Just think about how frequently "mind" enters our daily conversations. Our minds are an integral part of our three-part being: Mind, Body and Spirit. We often associate mind with our head, thought, and logic. But despite the form in which we imagine our minds to take, let's take a closer look at a few of the different roles our minds play. You mind?

The mind is an amazing and complex teacher. It re-minds us when we’ve forgotten facts or figures and helps us through a challenging intellectual conundrum, whether it’s an academic test or the birthdays of our family members. It causes us to think when we need to make a decision, and uses our previous experiences as a references in order to make a sound decision. It keeps a record of everything we’ve ever thought, said, and done, giving us the gift of contrast (“been there; done that”). It sends us signals that something might be awry and we need to pay attention to it. It is the reflective and supportive adviser – helping us weigh the pros and cons from changing our internet service provider to changing our views about the importance of diet and exercise. It’s with us every day, every hour, every minute, and doesn’t like to be shut off. But once in a while it will allow us to be out of it – maybe for a minute, an hour, or a day – and then when we reunite it's like plugging back in and booting-up.

The mind is an amazing and complex creature. It creeps around and waits for the opportunity to jump out and scare us, or when we’re not looking it sneaks over and steals the cookie off our plate. It walks around with a mirror and tries to make us look into it so it can tease and ridicule us about our appearance, our attitudes, or our behaviors. It is the constant critic carrying around a big fat history book of everything we’ve ever thought, said, and done – and then takes those ideas, words, and actions - twists them, misinterprets them, and uses them against us like a court of law where we are guilty until proven innocent. It has a pocket voice recorder and plays back every negative word that every person has said to us that “sticks” like those little thorn bristles we get all over our socks when we run through a dry field (damn things are always hard to pull off and they poke you. Ouch!) It keeps us up at night, wakes us up with a headache in the morning, and just won’t stop running. And we’re tired of chasing it. Sometimes we’d rather be without it. It controls our manners when we’ve been scolded and is told to "never be” when something has been disregarded. It makes us feel crazy and out of control. It causes us to spiral downward.

The mind is an amazing and complex companion. It is there when we need to remember where we parked the car in the stadium parking lot, or re-minds us who we really are if we forget. It’s there to provide a history of everything we’ve ever thought, said, and done, and re-minds us about our progress and how far we’ve come. It plays back the recordings of anyone who’s ever thanked us, praised us, or shouted our name as we raced toward the finish line. It allows us to take a moment to pause and reflect upon a fond memory triggered by a beautiful song or the smell of fresh-baked cookies. It’s there to help us stay calm amidst a crisis, or speak a kind word to a friend in need. It’s our constant friend, confidant, and partner. And it always answers when we call. It’s there to motivate, encourage, and inspire us, and becomes the coach urging us to hang in there and just keep swimming. It reminds us that it’s okay to make mistakes, and it forgives us every time – no exception. It loves and accepts us as we are. It is our best friend and our family. It holds us when we are alone and reminds us that everything will be okay.

Question: Is your mind the Teacher, Creature or Companion today? Depending on the situation it could be one, two, or all three – but the most important fact is that it’s our choice. We are not a part of our minds; our minds are a part of us. And we have been given the power to choose how our minds work for and with us. When our minds are working for us in a positive and supportive way, we can better connect with our bodies and spirits to bring more alignment and consistency to our lives. That’s the secret to finding more balance!

Today, become aware of your thoughts, the role of your mind, and remember you have the power of choice. Then, choose wisely… for it is, truly, “all in your mind”.

Namaste,

The Ambassador

It Begins With You

2010-03-19T05:19:00.000-07:00

Relationships are one of the most important aspects of our lives. Our relationships help us define who we are and who we strive to become. They mirror our strongest feelings about ourselves and show us where we need to grow. Therefore, the first, and most important, relationship we need to develop is with ourselves. All other relationships - family, friends, coworkers, romantic partners - stem from this self love.

True love for oneself comes with the acceptance that all we have experienced and currently are experiencing is a necessary part of our own personal evolution. It also comes from a constant commitment to healing and repairing those parts of our lives where there is still pain, anger, or lack of resolution - which are all based in fear. The purpose of fear is to remind us where we need to place focus in our lives. Feelings such as self-doubt and impatience are clear indicators that we are having a difficult time balancing our priorities with our intentions, and the first person we will blame for that is ourselves. And that is painful. We blame ourselves for "not doing it right", for missing out on a great opportunity, or for repeating the same mistakes. Although these feelings appear to be legitimate they are based in our fears and we may feel powerless to change them.

Fortunately, a key to assist us through these feelings is surrender. Not surrender in the form of quitting, but surrender as a means of releasing our need to: 1) control everything that is happening to us; and 2) releasing our need to know what is going to happen next. In other words, staying present. Being truly present is, in itself, an enormous task especially when we are busy. But being present opens us to the feelings of love and acceptance.

Another support is that we have two helping hands - trust and faith. And the most powerful forms of those two amazing allies - trust and faith in ourselves. Trust in yourself says, "There's nothing I have to have, nothing I have to do, and nothing I have to be, except exactly what I'm being right now." (compliments of Neale Donald Walsch in Conversations with God). We can only expect ourselves to show up each day, take things as they come, and do the best with the knowledge and information that we've been given. Loving yourself releases you from doing or being anything other what who and what you are right now. The rest of life is just "what it is". Faith says, "I was made for a purpose and that purpose is being fulfilled in every moment of my being." This state of being provides the basis for patience - the ability to know that we are in alignment with all that we are requesting in every moment whether it shows up right away or not. There is a divine timing to all things and our trust and faith allows us to accept that reality with gratitude.

Remembering we are divine beings and believing we are perfectly aligned with our purpose in each and every moment - even when the moment may be challenging - gives us the opportunity to be in alignment - to breathe, relax, and center ourselves. When we are in alignment, the miracles we’ve personally requested will come to us. Then we will feel our own personal power. Then God and the Universe can work with and through us. Then, and only then, can we experience true self love.

Namaste,

The Ambassador

Hibernation

2010-02-24T11:43:00.000-08:00

"There's nothing I have to have, there's nothing I have to do, and there's nothing I have to be, except exactly what I'm being right now."

Conversations With God, Book Three - Neale Donald Walsch

In The Zone

2010-01-21T08:31:00.000-08:00

"Wow – what an amazing film!” My first words after seeing the powerful and visually stunning film, Avatar, in 3D. The movie was so powerful on many levels—working through physical, emotional and spiritual planes. I was totally engaged. In fact, it took me about 30 minutes to come back to my “reality”.

That feeling of engagement is when you are connected to the energy inside you—the feeling of being fully present and balanced... whether induced by a film, book, or even just a conversation with a good friend or loved one. When you are engaged you are immersed. Being in this state is often termed concentration, but it can also be considered bliss, flow, or what is commonly referred to as being “in the zone”. You do it all the time, but you probably didn’t consciously realize it.

Now you can choose to be engaged in negative or positive energy. Connecting with negative feelings will bring more negative energy, so rather than ignore negative things simply acknowledge them but refuse to play. Avoid negativity by turning your focus to those things (and people!) that are positive and nourishing. Keep your zone clear!

So let’s focus on positive zones. What types are there? If you happen to be drawing, painting, writing, or building something you might be in the Creative Zone. So what about some of the others?

· Cleaning Zone: How many times do you get the inspiration to clean and suddenly find yourself cleaning a closet, rearranging an entire room, or scrubbing the crusted food off your stovetop? It may help you to be inspired by playing your favorite music or wearing your favorite shirt, but you are definitely engaged in the activity. Suddenly, cleaning is fun and you’re being productive at the same time. Bonus!

· Reading Zone: You happen to pick up a book, magazine, or newspaper, and you are suddenly drawn into the story or articles. You can feel the emotions, identify with the people/characters, and almost feel the environment surrounding the events of which you are reading. The words seem to transform your current state of consciousness and you "lose yourself". This temporary escape can be fascinating and help you to take a much-needed break. Try it!

· Spiritual Zone: Often referred to as a state of meditation or deep relaxation, you can detach from your physical and mental forms (body & mind) in order to reconnect with your soul (spirit). In this zone ideas come and go freely, and there is no judgment—it’s all good. With practice it’s quite easy to enter this zone through Deep Breathing, Yoga, Tai Chi, Rebirthing, Guided Meditation, Hypnosis, or Bodywork (including massage, Reiki, and healing touch). Being in the spiritual zone helps put your energy back into alignment, and alignment assist you with your passion and purpose.

· Physical Zone: Have you ever been completely unmotivated to perform a certain task (i.e., mow the lawn), but once you got off your rear, started moving, and “just did it” you realized your body’s natural energy started to increase? As your blood warms your muscles you naturally begin to emit more energy and you start becoming “energized”. Pretty soon you have forgotten about everything except for mowing that lawn! It’s awesome. Exercise also induces this state of flow, especially when you add your favorite music :o) Remember: when you respond to your body, your body responds to you.

· Musical Zone: Have you ever been swept away by tranquil classical music or instantly transported back in time by listening to a song? Then you've experience the Musical Zone. Music connects with the spiritual energy inside us and helps to create whatever feeling you need at the moment. In fact, melody and words can transform your mood and take you to a "different" place. It's very powerful.

Now there are other zones but my point is that entering into the zone—any zone—can stimulate your creativity, energize you, and refuel your tank. The most important thing is to get in the zone! Allow yourself to be immersed and feel the positive charge it can bring. And, above all else, have FUN.

Make it a great day,

The Ambassador

Goals or Intentions - What's the Difference?

2010-01-11T19:16:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of each new year I always take time to sit down and list my goals for the upcoming year. These goals usually include a mix of career, personal, and family items - and they all contain an "amount" of some sort along with a time frame within which I want to accomplish the goal. For example, one of my goals for 2010 is to eliminate my personal inventory by 50% (reduce, reuse, recycle) by June 1st. This goal will help me follow my own advice and get organized, and by setting this goal with a specific date suddenly makes it measurable. You can do this, too! It's a great way to know what to focus on for the upcoming year.

Now, goal setting was the perfect activity for my mind, but once I had completed my "10 Goals for 2010", my spirit wanted to follow that action by creating intentions. What's the difference? I'm glad you asked. While my favorite web site, Dictionary.com, defines a goal as, "The purpose toward which an endeavor is directed; an objective," intention is defined as, "the end or object intended; purpose." The mind creates an objective; the spirit creates a purpose. Similar, yet unique in their own ways. For example, one of my intentions for 2010 is that I will create more deep and meaningful relationships with others - old friends and new ones. I then added more detail to my intention by describing the types of relationships I want to create and what the result will be from those relationships, but not so much in chronological time (like my goals), but in spiritual time (when they manifest). Plus, at the end of each intention I add, "...this or something better," reminding me that my intentions are adding to the creative momentum that my life takes which could very well lead me to even better things! So it goes.

Another important aspect of setting intentions is to make them for yourself. Whereas goals may include the cooperation and support of others to reach, intentions are "intended" to be for your own growth and development - they cause a change internally. By paying attention to your inner self you make the important personal investment in your own growth and development. Let others be free to create for themselves!

So why did I find it so important to perform both goal and intention-setting activities this year? Because I am practicing the art of the balance factor - engaging my mind, body and my spirit - allowing me to access my deepest truths and assist me in making the best (and highest) possible choices. It's a wonderful growing experience and I always learn more by trying new things!

This week, try setting goals and intentions for yourself in 2010 and make this year a time of transformation, resolution and creative manifestation. Why not? It all begins with you.

Be Well,

The Ambassador

Peace on Earth

2009-12-24T07:38:00.000-08:00

Let there be peace on earth,
and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth,
the peace that was meant to be.

With God as our Father,
brothers *(and sisters) all are we,
Let me walk with my *(family),
in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me,
let this be the moment now.
With every step I take,
let this be my solemn vow,

To take each moment and live each moment
in peace, eternally.
Let there be peace on earth,
and let it begin with me.

Words by Jill Jackson & Sy Miller, circa 1955
* (modified by Michael, circa 2007 :o)

What It Is

2009-12-10T21:27:00.000-08:00

Visiting Hawaii again last week helped me put a lot of things back into alignment in my life. I find that each time I am in a place of quiet and beauty with less distractions I turn down the volume on the outside of my life and turn the volume up on the inside. Helpful, indeed!

As I pondered on many aspects of my life I did a lot of writing. One of the main reasons which I love to observe, study and write about balance is because there are so many times in my life where the concept of balance is so discoverable - it shows itself to me in my daily attitudes, actions and words. So one day I decided to write more about what it means to truly be in balance (or in "alignment") with the energy or rhythm of life. Indulge me for a moment as I share with you my perspective about this particular topic from my journaling:

Everything is and always is exactly as it should be. There are no wrong moments. All that exists “behind the scenes” of our every day dramas is well and balanced at all times. What is perceived as being “out of balance” is only when you are out of alignment with the flow (of all that is). There is a constant stream of energy always flowing, you are just not always tapped into it; thus, when you experience this disconnect you’ll find it difficult to maintain balance. The discrepancy between being in the flow and being out of it creates conflict. Fear pushes us out of the stream whereas love can pull us back in.

Relationships also push you out or pull you back into the stream. You will truly be amazed when you finally understand the influence that others have on your sense of balance. Choose wisely where you direct your energies for wherever you choose to pay attention (people, places, and events), your energy goes. Those sources which can give back to you or reflect your own positive energy will serve you whereas those which drain you will not. Believing you can alter or manipulate this process is futile for it is already the course of nature; it is already in motion. Therefore, relationships in which you believe you can truly alter events by your own actions will most likely fail. If you believe you can change somebody else’s behavior, you will learn that it is not possible. You can influence others, but you cannot change them—they, like you, choose to change themselves. You can choose to be a positive influence by acting in kind, but you cannot influence anyone positively if you are not acting in the same energy. Giving is also receiving and vice-versa; we are all connected.

The gift of patience is allowance. If you are truly connected to the flow of all that is, you will allow everything and everyone to be as it is or who they are without resistance. True allowance does not have judgment—either you are in a spirit of acceptance or you are not. Choosing to accept what “is” keeps you in alignment whereas judgment pushes you out, for judgment stems from fear. Love, the opposite of fear, joins; fear divides. This doesn’t mean that you cannot help to influence people and events to bring about a more favorable outcome, but in the end you still need to learn how to accept everything as it is and everyone as they are—this is the key to maintaining internal balance. If you can maintain even keel on the inside it will be reflected on the outside of your life as well.

Happy Holidays!

The Ambassador

Life: For Give or For Get?

2009-11-03T19:12:00.000-08:00

I've recently discovered a shift in my thinking, feeling and intuition: I'm finding myself more focused on what I am giving rather than what I am getting. Why's that, you ask? Because I've been in a pattern of creating new structures and belief systems for my life that actually work... as opposed to just accepting the way I've always lived my life--comfortably numb with routine. This has all been part of my new Business Plan for my Life.

So why have I found it so beneficial to focus on giving? Because receiving is easy. Now that's not to say that receiving is always pleasant--I may not enjoy receiving bills in my email box each month; I may not like receiving sad news of a friend's illness; but receiving is something we do by default. It's part of responding to daily events.

Giving, on the other hand, requires effort. I may be giving naturally, like when a friend asks for advice or needs a ride to the airport, but I can also choose to consciously give in specific ways without an expectation of reciprocity. When you understand the "golden rule" (that when you give to others you give to yourself), then you'll quickly realize the act of giving creates energy for "like" things to be returned to you. When you give of yourself--your time, talents, gratitude and appreciation--you will receive that from others. Maybe not in the same "time" that you think, but remember that "like attracts like". When you give you will, indeed, receive. Just wait... it works!

This week I encourage you to look at where you are giving in your life--to what, whom, and when? Then think about why? Are you giving in response to a favor or request, or are you just giving without an immediate reason?

You may find that living life for-giving brings you better balance than a life of for-getting.

Happy week!

The Ambassador

What is The Balance Factor?

2009-09-30T12:15:00.001-07:00

The Balance Factor began with two very different life-altering conversations.

The first occurred in 1996 when a good friend and I stood in front of a hand-drawn picture on his wall depicting three rings: yellow, red, and blue, each intersecting one another like the rings of the Olympic symbol. I asked him what this picture meant and he replied, “Balance of mind, body, spirit. Three domains of energy each on its own, yet united in equal portions create balance.” I understood what he meant right away for he had articulated something I’d also observed—there’s a sense of balance in life, and this balance is found through a harmonious blending of the mind, body, and spirit.

The second conversation was with myself, thanks to Shirley MacLaine in the The Evening Star (the follow-up film to Terms of Endearment), when her character, Aurora, states, “I have come to the conclusion there’s no such thing as a mistake; I think we all create what we need.” When I heard those words I had another light bulb moment. Until then, my focus was on the external factors bringing me insight into the meaning of my past and present, but Aurora's words triggered my focus to move inward. I suddenly realized the process of creation actually begins inside of me. My outer experience is merely a reflection of what’s happening on the inside! This inner perspective resonated with me for several days. I wondered, could I really have a hand in creating my experiences, including my mistakes? Could I truly be the creator of both my “good” and “bad” experiences?

Eventually I came to the conclusion that I was, indeed, creating my own experience by managing my response to what was happening around me. Even though my reactions were natural and rather spontaneous (part of the human animal), I could choose my responses. I had a hand in creating every thought I’d been thinking, choice I’d been making, consequence I was experiencing—every joy and every pain! But the deepest truth was that all of it was necessary. Each mistake was an opportunity in disguise—a lesson to learn more about who I really was.

I began to focus my energy on paying more attention to the idea that my mind, body and spirit each played an integral part in determining my thoughts, feelings and intuition. As my awareness of how they were all connected increased, so did creating new experiences become my new reality. It was a moment of truth when I realized that I was truly the artist of my own life – I finally felt alive, awake and empowered. Through a three step process of 1) Awareness, 2) Alignment, and 3) Activation, I've been able to use this perspective of mind, body and spirit to help assist me with every decision I make. I can now listen to all three: thoughts, feelings and intuition! And, in return, my decisions (and outcomes) are in alignment with my current state of being. This is good!

My questions to you: How do you engage your mind, body and spirit in your life? How much balance do you feel? How can a change in your awareness lead you to a more balanced perspective? Why am I asking you so many questions? Because when you ask questions, you get answers... sometimes when you least expect them!

Just remember: Ask and you shall receive.

Happy Autumn!

The Ambassador

Spiritual Time

2009-08-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

These past couple months I've been living on a completely different clock than I have in years. Before I moved back to Bemidji at the beginning of June, I was working full time and living my life according to the Monday through Friday work week schedule and at the end of each week hoping to find time to manifest my creative projects with the little energy and attention I'd have left. I found myself slipping further and further away from my creative spark - and for someone like me, that's not a good thing. I couldn't create the time necessary to let my creative muse express itself and I started to feel stuck.

So I made a change. I moved away from the Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm life I'd created and released my need to be on chronological time... I moved into the realm of spiritual time. To better understand what is meant by spiritual time I'd like to quote one of my favorite spiritual guides and a good friend, Jennifer Hoffman, with an excerpt from her recent newsletter:

"In your material concept of time each day contains 24 hours and you have limited time to do things. You fill your day with activities and things that you must do and often feel that you do not have time to do the things you want to do. There is no time to pursue your interests and dreams because of the obligations and distractions that fill your day. As you move towards greater spiritual understanding you will also move from material time to spiritual time. In spiritual time there are no limits on your time, no waiting or need for patience.

...Many of you are learning lessons in patience and you translate this as having to wait for the right time for things to happen. Yet it is not about time, but about the manifestation process occurring in spiritual time. When you are impatient you are experiencing fear and doubt and the passage of time makes you uncomfortable because you feel that nothing is happening. Everything is happening and you can be aware of this when you remove your focus on material time from the process.

...You are obsessed with the timing of events because you feel you are not in the right time or place. Yet you are always creating your reality in the perfect way. In order to work with the Universal energy you must also work with spiritual time, which does not recognize hours, days or weeks. Its energy flows according to your focus, requests and direction. Without the limitations of time you would be aware of how effortlessly things manifest for you. Spend a portion of your day in spiritual time and you will see how quickly the Universe responds to your requests. Remove the limitations of impatience and doubt and feel the flow of the Universe rushing to meet your every need. Step into spiritual time and into the age of miracles to manifest the reality of your dreams, and they will always occur at the perfect time."

(Read more about Jennifer, her books, and subscribe to her newsletter at urielheals.com)

Living on spiritual time has allowed my creativity to run free! I have been in the creative zone for the past month manifesting my dream to sell my photography and share my inspiration from the world, and it's been amazing how fast it's taken off. I wasn't sure how it was going to all work out, but I have just allowed the process to unfold by tuning in to my intuition and listening to what moves my spirit. The results have been astounding! I've been selling my photography books, cards, and prints at local art shows, coffee houses, stores and restaurants. What inspired my spirit is now inspiring hundreds of others. This, indeed, I could not have done unless I'd taken "time" to allow this dream to manifest.

Funny - even my friend Shawn realized my new reality and ended up giving me a watchband to wear, but has no watch--just a blank metal plate. It's perfect! Now I'm truly living on Universal time :o)

Even though moving away from a Monday-Friday full time job may not be a reasonable option for you, I challenge you to follow Jennifer's advice and spend some moments in spiritual time so you can allow your spirit to inspire you and manifest your requests. This is part of the creative process and plays an integral part of the purpose you are creating as you travel down your life path. Give yourself the opportunity to tap your creative potential by exploring your horizons and releasing your limitations.

May you, too, find your inspiration from the world.

Namaste,

The Ambassador

Live Simply

2009-07-02T19:47:00.000-07:00

Live simply,
so others may
simply live.

Mother Theresa

Boundaries: The Castle Metaphor

2009-06-09T21:12:00.000-07:00

Respecting each others’ boundaries is a critical component in all relationships. Boundaries are limits created by you to protect your values and demonstrate to others which behaviors you will, and will not, accept from them. Creating healthy boundaries helps to create a better sense of self esteem and respect for yourself and others.

For the sake of argument (and to have a little fun), let’s go medieval for a minute and equate personal boundaries with visiting someone’s castle. When you are in someone’s castle you need to be polite and respectful while you are there. Why is this so important? For starters, being allowed to enter into someone’s castle shows they respect you enough to let you into their personal space – basically, they’ve let down their drawbridge. If you can appreciate this fact, you will feel special and respected. But if you don’t appreciate it, you may meet an undesirable fate (see below). Thus, it is critical that you follow the “Rules of the Castle”:

Rules of the Castle

1. Do not steal. This includes taking ANYTHING that isn’t yours to take including physical objects, thoughts, ideas, or attention. Remember: it’s not all about you.
2. Be polite. Always say “Please”, “Thank you”, and “You’re welcome”.
3. Always ask if you are unsure. Assumptions lead to expectations and expectations become seeds of disappointment.
4. Pick-up after yourself. When you are done working or playing pick up your things (books, toys, swords, etc.) and put them back for the next time or the next person.
5. Don’t be selfish. This includes greed and possessiveness. Share and share alike; for to do unto others is to do unto oneself.
6. Play nicely. Be a good sport, demonstrate good showmanship and give others the benefit of the doubt.
7. Take time to appreciate. Make it a point to stop what you are doing and observe what is happening around you. Look around and learn to appreciate the people and environment. Develop respect for this opportunity; cherish the experience; savor the moment.
8. Treat this castle as if it was your own. Take pride in it and be thankful.
9. Be generous. When cutting cake always offer the bigger slice to your host.
10. Bow or curtsy in a graceful manner. When making closing salutations always pay proper respect to the master of the house.

Those that cannot follow these rules will be shown the catapult!

Happy June,

The Ambassador of Goodwill

Reframing Events

2009-05-13T03:48:00.000-07:00

Photo by D. A. Garriss

When looking back on the events of our lives we often recall memories that carry an emotional charge. The feelings evoked from memories can be positive: those of happiness, joy and enthusiasm; but they can also be negative and bring back memories of pain, anger, and resentment. So how do we use memories to serve us rather than hurt us? We learn to reframe.

Many times our memories can serve us well. Through the process of reminiscing, recall of positive memories can aid in healing depression or just lift your spirits! We can use positive memory triggers such as a pictures, songs, old love letters, etc., to evoke feelings of happiness and contentment. You will notice this type of behavior most commonly demonstrated in people as they age. By being in touch with our “sentimental side", we are able to invoke memories that bring us continued happiness and a feeling of well-being.

Our memories can also be sources of pain and turmoil. Negative feelings from memories are often a result of unresolved issues or unexpressed emotions associated with an event or person, and since these issues have not been resolved they carry a large burden of repressed emotions in connection with them. These memories may be from childhood - a time when we were not mature enough to understand how to deal with event or circumstance - so the lack of maturity and insight may have caused us to feel like a victim, whether or not we actually were. By nature, we conjured up the human “fight or flight” response, in which our bodies automatically protect themselves and moved into a state of denial. This denial only caused the associated feelings to be repressed in the mind and body where they will stay until eventually released... or not.

People spend millions of dollars each year to open old wounds and re-visit painful memories to try and make sense of them. Many methods such as counseling, meditation, rebirthing, hypnosis, therapy, etc., seek to uncover the roots of repressed memories and apply present wisdom to help release and heal them. Whichever method(s) you choose it's important to release any memories which have been repressed in the mind and body, for unexpressed emotions are the root of dis-ease.

Once we have released the associated repressed emotions (hurt, anger, fear, resentment, etc.) we can learn to look at the event in a new light. This can be achieved by reframing the event, or using a new and different perspective. Reframing includes revisiting an event, remembering the words that were said, actions that took place, reactions and thoughts that were playing through your mind at the time, and then remembering the conclusion you made based on those variables. When we undergo this process we may realize maybe we were wrong in our assumptions or conclusions. Now we are forced to examine those assumptions to see if they are still valid. We may often assume that we were at fault for the outcomes of events when the reality is that we were not at fault at all. By reframing the event with an updated understanding we can see the true reality that was underlying the event all along.

Above all else, reframing events allows us to learn to accept. Acceptance is a critical step in personal evolution as it honors the relationship between you and the rest of the world. To learn how to accept events and people as they are will be a catalyst for your continued growth, and reframing will allow you to understand the memories of your life with an attitude of acceptance, appreciation and gratitude - no matter what the events are or may have been.

This week, take the opportunity to think about where there may be opportunities for healing in your life. Could reframing help you to move beyond pain and into resolution? Give it some thought.

Be Well.

The Ambassador of Goodwill

The True Power of Choice

2009-04-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

Body Speaks

On March 27, 2009, I was diagnosed with Level 3 malignant melanoma--skin cancer.

Although there are many different types of skin cancer, melanoma is by far the most lethal and spreads the fastest... that is unless you catch it early. Luckily, I have a great dermatologist, Dr. Ide, who had the eye to spot this suspicious looking mole on my back, take the biopsy, and have it analyzed right away. It was, indeed, a cancerous tumor. His suspicions were right on.

Upon receiving my advanced diagnosis I met with the surgeon, Dr. Economou, another excellent physician from whom I've received surgical support in the past, and the news was that Level 3 was still a step above the level of lymph (Level 4), which is a very good sign. My prognosis was very good. We scheduled my surgery for a wide excision the following week to remove surrounding tissue. The surgery went very smoothly and I'm happy to say that all of my pathology reports came back clear! The cancer has been removed from my body. From diagnosis to cure in two weeks. Now that's incredible.

Mind and Spirit Respond

I happened to be at our home up in Bemidji spending a weekend alone when I got that call from Dr. Ide's office informing me of the initial diagnosis. Not good news--in fact, the worst kind in the case of this cancer. Now to sit and wait for detailed lab results the next week... it was going to be a long weekend. So what kind of mood was I going to be in for three days? Sad? Angry? Worried?

Or, at peace.

Initially I faced my fears as I sorted through the possibilities, but it really didn't last long. I made a choice at that moment to accept this reality, accept my body, and accept the process of what was happening to me. I looked at this diagnosis with gratitude--an opportunity to pay attention to my body and listen to its messages. I was thankful for this "wake-up call" (literally!) to truly love and accept myself as I am.

I immediately moved to thoughts of peace and acceptance. I had every belief that my body was already healed--and that was my choice. I called my Mom & Dad, my sister, and a couple of my closest friends so I could talk about what was happening. As soon as I felt their love and support I was able to stay in that place of peace and acceptance. My body was strong, healthy and disease-free. And I believed it. Sure, I needed to walk through the next two weeks of consultations, surgery and recovery, but in my heart I knew that I was already healed. And so I was.

You see, one of the biggest gifts we all possess is the power of our choices. We choose every day, every hour, every moment, how we respond to the world around us. And in my case I was given a powerful opportunity to make a choice about my body and its ability to heal itself. I chose acceptance and love, not resistance and fear--and that choice stemmed from my belief that I was truly healed. The body may be delivering the most "tangible" message (easiest to recognize), but the mind and spirit are also working in tandem all the time! Thoughts, feelings, intuition--a powerful combination when connected and balanced.

This week I urge you to use your power of choice to create the reality you truly choose to believe regardless of what your current circumstances may appear to be. Take the opportunity to begin within--connect with your mind, body and spirit, and listen to the messages they're sending you. After all, it's your choice.

Peace.

The Ambassador of Goodwill