CindyB-AK

Perplexed Why Someone Would Say or do THAT?

2010-08-04T07:03:00.000-08:00

If you're perplexed, appalled or angry, it is important to explore the other person's Path to Action. To determine the root causes of the other person's behavior, ask yourself the humanizing question—"Why would a reasonable, rational, decent person act this way?"

Write out as many answers as you can brainstorm, select the top three or four that you feel may be the answer, then ASK THEM. Never assume another person's motives. Approach them with the goal of improving or maintaining the relationship. After all, true success is being rich in relationships!

Again, never assume another person's motives. If you want to learn a lot and improve your relationships, have enough love for your fellow human being to ask them what is going on.

Adapted from the book Crucial Conversations www.vitalsmarts.com

Non-Resistance

2010-08-03T08:39:00.000-08:00

It is a spiritual axiom that every time we are disturbed, no matter what the cause, there is something wrong with us. At the root of the disturbance is probably jealousy, envy, self-pity or hurt pride. Non-resistance to the ego in others is the key to maintaining the happiness you've decided to live. Let them deal with their issues, they're not your business!

A burst of temper can spoil a day. When we speak or act rashly, the ability to be fair-minded and tolerant evaporates on the spot. A well-nursed grudge can make us miserably ineffective. In all situations we need restraint of pen and tongue. Train yourself to step back and think when triggered. We can neither think nor act to good purpose until the habit of self-restraint has become automatic. Do an honest analysis of why you're bothered and be willing to admit your part, to transform that character defect into a Godly asset. Immediately forgive yourself as well as others, then move onward and upward.

Failure is just Learning

2010-08-01T22:57:00.000-08:00

Try and Fail - learn from it and life will get better. Fail to try, or don't bother to look for the lesson, and it won't. In order to move forward you must open yourself to new experiences. There is no failing, only mistakes. Mistakes lead to learning if you are wise. Action based on learning inevitably leads to better results.

Be courageous and push yourself to new heights. Besides, what is going to happen if you make a mistake? - If you can, correct it! If you can't, just learn from it and let it go.

The mistakes of yesterday either generate sorrow, if not corrected and learned from; or generate greatness, if at least learned from. If you don't at least learn from your mistakes, you are doomed to keep repeating them. If you feel stuck, consider this deeply.

The more mistakes you make and pull lessons from, the wiser you will become. Don't keep doing the same thing and expecting different results. Be fearless in your examination. "Have the courage to change the things you can and the serenity to accept the things you can't" means focusing on YOUR part. That is the way to truth and real growth.

Good Character

2010-07-30T23:16:00.000-08:00

A good way to start the day is spending a few minutes reflecting on the value of conducting our lives in an ethically disciplined manner, no matter what our beliefs or lack of them. The same is true of taking some time at the end of each day to review how successful we have been. -Dalai Lama

I like to meditate on God-Like qualities I want to increase in my life, perhaps even chant them, because I feel closer to my Source, the Source of Power and Love, when I think and act this way. I feel in 'synch' with the positive flow of energy spiralling ever upward toward our highest good.

Marrianne Williamson Quote

2010-07-22T17:36:00.000-08:00

I cannot help but re-post because I believe this so much! “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
—Marianne Williamson

Idealist

2010-07-20T19:25:00.000-08:00

I am an idealist - I believe that "All knowledge through the senses and experience is nothing but sheer illusion" Finite natural things are less "real"—because they're not self-determining—than the Soul that we are - individuations of Universal Mind, of God. Physical conditions are effects. Our minds, our thoughts are causes. Do not be fooled into believing what you see with your eyes - believe what you KNOW in your soul! God created us in his image, with incredible power to create all things in alignment with good.

Self-Aggrandizement and Diminishment

2010-07-18T17:44:00.000-08:00

Self-Aggrandizement and Self-Diminishment ("Look at me-I'm so great" and "Poor me, I'm so crummy/I'm not worthy") are two sides of the same coin - ego

Make it Big!

2010-07-06T07:55:00.000-08:00

Baby Steps are good for some things, but consider if making a BIG change will put you through the same period of uncomfortableness as a smaller one - changes usually take the same amount of time to adjust to. Read "You2" by Price Pritchett - It will change your life!

Qi Gong

2010-06-19T01:10:00.000-08:00

I've started taking Qi Gong lessons from Ryan at Wisdom Traditions. Qigong literally means "the skill of moving energy". Practioners of qigong experience their body's energy in a way that they can heal the areas where their energy is blocked. The beauty of qigong lies in the fact that it does not require any special equipment and the movements are gentle so that even patients with severe physical limitations can practice this meditative exercise. There are sitting and even reclining forms that can be undertaken by those with acute physical limitations.
Although the movements appear very simple, a 30 minute qigong session can leave one feeling calm but highly energized. A regular qigong practice will not only have health benefits but will also bring about positive change in many other areas of one's life.

In his latest book, YOU Staying Young, Dr. Mehmet Oz recommends qigong two or more days a week, stating "If you want to live to 100...do qigong." (The Oprah Show 11/1/07)

Health Benefits & Effects:

*Boosts the immune system and enhance the body’s ability to recover from illness and injury
*Lowers blood pressure and increases ability to deal with the effects of stress *Decreases asthma and allergy reactions
*Enhances mental acuity, concentration and ability to focus
*Accelerates the metabolism and decreases need for sleep

New York Times (April 5, 2007) "The face of exercise is changing in America. Instead of relentlessly pursuing a sculptured physique, people are chasing longevity, stress reduction and improved health through mind-body practices like qigong."
Journal of American Geriatric Society concluded (Nov. 1995): “practicing …regularly may delay the decline of cardio-respiratory function in older individuals.”
Men’s Health (Mar/Apr 1993): (Qigong) teaches inner strength while toning muscles, increasing flexibility, and boosting immune power.”
America Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (June 1991) stated that (qigong) is “safe for rheumatoid arthritis patients” and is a weight bearing exercise that “has the potential…of stimulating bone growth and strengthening connective tissue” (preventing osteoporosis).

How often should I practice and how long should a session last?

First thing in the morning for an hour is ideal, but realistically not always possible. A fifteen or twenty minute session in the morning and another like session in the evening is a good compromise on busy days, but some qigong is better than none and even five or ten minutes interspersed at convenient times throughout the day will provide benefit.

Daisies

2010-06-18T09:33:00.001-08:00

"Legend has it the daisy originated from a nymph who transformed herself into a charming and humble wildflower. Epitomizing childlike joy and playfulness, this flower captures the essence of a happy-go-lucky, forever-young attitude." I chose daisies for my wedding flowers - This is exactly why! Some people thought I wa...s crazy, but look at Keith and I still silly and happy with young attitudes 34 years later!

Stay Centered

2010-06-14T10:30:00.001-08:00

Imagine that the universe is a great spinning engine, you want to stay near the core of the thing- right in the hub of the wheel- not out at the edges where all the wild whirling takes place, where you can get frayed and crazy. The hub of calmness- that's your heart. That's where God lives within you. Stop looking for answers in the world. Just keep coming back to center and you will find peace.

No such thing as failure

2010-06-12T22:44:00.000-08:00

Setting a goal and failing to achieve it doesn’t have to be regarded as some terrible thing to be avoided at all costs. In weight training failure is your goal for each session. Hitting the point of failure is ultimately what helps you grow stronger. A weight lifter doesn’t bemoan the event of hitting that limit, opting to stick with 10-lb weights indefinitely because 100 lbs is just too heavy. That would be silly. Similarly, don’t bemoan your own failures in life when you hit one of those weights you just can’t seem to lift. Simply take a step back and go after a slightly lighter weight for a while, and eventually you’ll be strong enough to heft that heavy one. Don’t conclude that just because you can’t currently lift a weight that’s too heavy for you (or achieve a goal that’s too challenging for you) that you’ll never be able to do it or that the whole process must be inherently stressful and disappointing. Learn to love the process itself.

Gratitude

2010-06-12T16:51:00.000-08:00

Your achievements have no doubt given you a sense of not only being successful, but also happy and prosperous. You may believe that the wealth you’ve achieved is due solely to you to setting and achieving your goals. While your hard work IS responsible for a large part of your success, you must remember that your talents and energy are an expansion of the universe’s love and power working through you.

As you reflect, concentrate on the good things in your life, and say a simple,’Thank you” to the universe, so she knows you are aware of the impact of her love and support of your efforts . This act acknowledging how grateful you are for everything the universe has given you will leverage the blessings you've received and attract even more.

Your results are the outcome of your thoughts and the universe’s energy working through you. Although it is easy for you to think of your success as the result of your efforts, the only real success comes from being in tune with the unconditional love and positive energy of the universe. If you recognize this, it is natural to express gratitude for everything – all the possibilities still out there, as well as the blessings you've already realized.

The Power of Decision

2010-06-01T21:26:00.000-08:00

Usually it doesn't really matter what you decide. Just decide. There are endless options that would serve you well - any one of them is better than no decision/no change. We were designed to grow continuously - to constantly expand in experience and awareness.

The essence of all growth is a willingness to change for the better, but more so a DECISION, then an unremitting commitment to take the necessary ACTION, consistently day-by-day, all the way to COMPLETION.

As soon as you start to take action, whatever it is (it doesn't have to be "right" just has to be some action), that sparks the universe into action to help you too!

With an advanced decision, willingness to do whatever it takes, and committed action you cannot fail to improve!
Make a decision to grow, to change - then visualize it and empower it with your emotion and energy. Take the necessary action. Repeat daily until you decide you want to change again!

Why worry?

2010-05-26T08:07:00.000-08:00

You have seen your own beauty. You have felt your own strength. You have heard your own creativity. God has equipped you with everything you need in knowledge and skill. He has also prepared the way ahead. You are at the brink of limitless possibilities. Jesus taught that "AS we believe, so shall we receive" All you need to do is have rock-solid faith in that. God will guide you every step of the way if you will ask for help, then listen - Just ask yourself, what is the next right thing?

Commitment

2010-05-10T11:28:00.000-08:00

"Commitment is deciding the price is worth paying for the goal that will be achieved" - Rev Michael Foss.

The idea of commitment is easy, but doing it is hard - That's because commitment is one of those things that really doesn't take hold until it's difficult.

Power of Prayer, Right Thinking and Right Action

2010-05-09T08:40:00.000-08:00

Prayer forms a part of all religions, whether in Buddhism, Hinduism, Chritianity, Islam, Judaism, etc. Many pray to God even without committing to any one religion. Beneath the outer layers of form and ritual, prayer is the KEY to spirituality. It is the sincere intention that matters the most. The mere attempt at getting closer to God is 'our part'.

God already wants the best for us all the time, so praying is to convince US, not God! When we even make the attempt to communicate with the Holy Spirit, we can feel It inside - if we are just quiet and breathe and TRY.

If we want to be happy, we must then work to bring our thinking and behavior more in alignment with what our intuition/Spirit Guide tells us is a Godly life. Combined with prayer, choosing what we KNOW is best for all, what is beautiful, the truth; our lives can be re-shaped into 'the light' of unconditional love and harmony, so that we can be happy joyous and free.

I see now how past difficulties were lessons in patience, wisdom, compassion, self-understanding and the universal laws of life. I see the bigger picture. All my experiences, good and "bad', were teaching me about myself and life (and still are!). I know that more is always being revealed, if I am diligent in praying and looking for the lesson.

Wherever you are now in your life's journey; blessings, peace and harmony. May your adventure be a wonderful one!

Our Abundant Life Daily Affirmation

2010-05-05T08:49:00.000-08:00

Our Abundant Life Daily Affirmation

Breathing the Universe

2010-05-04T19:55:00.000-08:00

Very relaxing and centering:
www.learningstrategies.com/blog/index.php/page/11

Thank you for the free sample Chunyi Lin and Learning Strategies

Acting on Ideas

2010-03-10T21:42:00.000-09:00

Adapted from Leslie Flowers, http://www.pathsofchange.com/

You get an idea. It's a good one. You spend time creating it in your mind, considering how it would look and how you would feel once it comes to fruition. How would you make the world a better place with it? You do some research and talk to others. You are getting excited. You are about ready to start ... and then, Lo and behold, someone else not only had the SAME idea, but while you were pondering ... they got into action!

Remember: None of our ideas belong to any one of us! They are gifts from the Universe.

Everyone has access to all ideas based on their level of awareness. If one person doesn't act, another one will. Undoubtedly you have had this happen to you at least once -- a new invention or idea is publicized and you say "Hey, I had that idea last year!"

You didn't ACT; someone else did. An idea ignites all physical manifestations. Everything is really created twice: First in an IDEA, then in physical form.

Ideas are spiritual seeds which require human beings to nurture and grow that seed to fruition. Ideas are REAL - they have the power within them to manifest in physical form.

Ideas flow from the Universe, to and through each of us and then into physical form. We may be driving home and an idea pops into our head about something we've been thinking about. That is the seed -- the idea. If you are concerned, however, on your drive with another thought right after that, the first idea will slough off and make its way back into the Universe and flow into someone else's mind. Then they can plant the spiritual seed within their subconscious mind and move it toward manifestation in the physical plane.

All seeds take time to grow - But first we must plant them. Planting a spiritual seed/idea means creating a crystal clear image of the idea in our mind AND feeling strong emotion/enthusiasm about that idea - seeing and feeling this frequently and using that enthusiasm to start TAKING ACTION on it. The image, the emotion and starting set the universe in motion to co-create with us. It is the Law of Action and Reaction. How long it takes to come to fruition is not up to us. The Universe has a set of Laws that work all the time, every time, and keep order. Some call it God's will.

Always ask for 'X, or something better' so that you're open to God's will for you. Our loving father/mother God wants us to have the best!

So if you have an idea and are getting impatient waiting for it to manifest, remember, that idea is not yours and if you do not hold onto/focus on that image AND act on it, someone else will.

Change is Constant

2010-02-24T09:16:00.000-09:00

Life is a constant flow of change. We regularly observe the sun rising and setting, the moon traversing the sky through the night, old age following youth, autumn following winter, a seed becoming a sapling and then a tree, a river flowing and changing its course constantly, and the hands of the clock changing positions. The story of change goes on endlessly.

"Everyone and everything is on it's way somewhere" - movie 'Phenomenon'
"You're either busy living or busy dying" - movie 'Shawshank Redemption'

Clock time is nothing but an imaginary concept to relate to and comprehend the process of change.

Time has its existence only in the present moment. It's the change that flows, so go with the flow!

Time

2010-02-23T08:35:00.000-09:00

Imagine there is a bank that credits $86,400 to your account each morning. Every evening, whatever portion of the balance you fail to use is deleted. What would you do, draw out every cent and use it well, of course!!

Each of us has such a bank - It's name is TIME. Each morning it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Invest the day's deposit well or the loss is yours. How can you bring the most contentment, happiness, and benefit to yourself and others? Remember that 7-8 hours of sleep is a good investment in building energy, then remember that the clock is running! - Unknown

It takes Faith AND Action

2010-02-16T15:51:00.000-09:00

Book of James:
Faith by itself, without action, is dead.

Sources of Power

2010-02-16T11:05:00.000-09:00

We have only three sources of Power:

Time
Energy
Money

to accomplish all that we want for our life. These all come from God/Universal Spirit/Original Source. Make sure you're in alignment with that Eternal Good, and take care to protect your time, energy and money. That takes proactive thought and positive choices. Every time you say YES to one thing, you're also automatically saying NO to something else, even if you're not aware of it at the time. Always choose what is best in the long term, not the short term. That's the true mark of maturity.

The Difference Between Visualization and Visioning

2010-02-14T15:55:00.000-09:00

If you've read 'The Secret' and many other programs, you've heard of Visualization, which is a beginning phase in metaphysics in which we mentally conceive of something we want. We imagine doing it or having it and we generate the feelings that would accompany the experience. Visualization involves having an idea of what we want to accomplish or how we want to live our life, then imaging that goal as already achieved and establishing the necessary mental and emotional vibrations to bring it forth and manifest it. Visualization is a beautiful and wonderful early stage in our evolution, and it’s very important.

If you've read Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith’s Life Visioning book or CD program, you'll know that Visioning is a process by which we train ourselves to be able to hear, feel, see, and catch God’s plan for our life or for any particular project we’re working on. An organic process that has evolved for me as I grow spiritually, it is based on the idea that we’re not here to tell God what do or to ask God for things but to be available for what God is already doing. When we do visioning, we align in consciousness with our divine purpose, which is to love and to express a greater degree of life. We surrender to our concept of God (whatever that may be) and open ourselves to the fullness of the unique expression of God that is supposed to occur through us”.

When I hear some people talk about The Law of Attraction, it sounds more like visualization rather than Visioning. Visualization does attract positive energy to our dreams and desires, but you've heard the joke: "If you want to make God laugh, make plans!" When we are aligned with our Source, we are aligned with the Divine plan for our life. Which 'power of attraction' do you think will be strongest?

Lately, I've been asking questions of myself inspired by Michael Beckwith’s Life Visioning program:

    * What do I desire to manifest in my life?
    * What am I saying yes to? No to?
    * How does God see itself as my life?
    * What is the vision God has for me as my life?
    * Who do I need to become to embody that vision?

I love these kinds of questions because they lift my dreams and desires to a higher level; into the realm of imagination through the mind of God/Creation/Source Energy. I experience a sense of freedom and expansion when I intuit the answers to these questions during quiet times, when I ask the question, then listen for the answers. I can detect if the source is Ego or the Holy Spirit answering, because my conscience knows the highest good.

I want my Inner Wisdom/God/Soul/Love/Source Energy to be the guiding force in all areas of my life. This means combining my inner knowing with my intellect and my efforts - allowing the Universe to work through me. That makes life easier - I don’t have to make anything happen! I trust that the Universe is conspiring in my favor to bring me everything I need for my highest and best good.

The visions we hold for ourselves are usually much smaller than the ones God holds for us. One of the suggestions Rev. Dr. Beckwith makes is to partner with someone to when visioning, to better 'catch' God’s greater vision for ourselves.

Some additional questions to explore in the visualizing to visioning process

    * What qualities do I seek to grow?
    * What habits do I need to release?
    * What strengths do I wish to expand?
    * What gifts and talents do I need to own (that I might be dis-owning?)
    * How can I allow my gifts, talents, strengths, and qualities to help me fulfill my soul's purpose?
    * What identities do I need to shed to allow the real parts of myself to fully emerge?
    * What is seeking to emerge, to be fully expressed in service to humanity?

To understand the full process, I encourage you to purchase a copy of Life Visioning.

Our lives - our relationships, our work, and the blessings that we receive are an outward reflection of who we believe ourselves to be. To change our life, we must transform the beliefs and behaviors that keep us from receiving ALL the good that is desired for us to have. We are all here to be happy, prosperous, experiencing and sharing love in the world.

Dream BIG!