What does freedom mean to you?

Freedom means different things to different people. We hear a lot about it today. Webster has a generic definition of “FREEDOM” which is, “The power or condition of acting without compulsion; the absence of constraint in choice or action; relief from lacking something unpleasant.” Do you consider yourself free today? They say that if you had enough money, you’d be free.

I was prompted to do this article when I saw a picture of $800 million found stacked in a room during a drug bust. What in the world would anyone do with $800 million?!

All it did for this drug dealer was to get him off the streets and give him permanent residence in jail. That is not my idea of freedom.

We all think that if we had a million dollars, we would enjoy freedom. It might help and it could be the worse thing that could happen to you. There’s no guarantee. I’m sure we all know of people who have acquired great wealth and live miserable lives. Similarly, we all know people who have limited funds and are the picture of joy and freedom.

Years ago, I felt I had so many problems and limitations that true happiness and freedom were mere abstract terms that applied to someone else, not me.

In this period of desperation I made an exciting discovery. I reasoned that, in “big picture” success, prosperity, freedom and harmonious life experiences was not dependent upon having a lot of money. The conditions that define freedom are as natural to you and me as wet is to water or heat and light are to the sun and readily available to anyone independent of one’s economic status. I reasoned that the only thing preventing us from experiencing these characteristics right now is because there are some un-solved problems in our lives that are NOT natural conditions.

This prompted me to search for those natural laws and principles that would not only resolve all my problems but prevent new ones from occurring in the future. It meant that would have to change a lot of habitual thinking and get in sync with natural laws and principles.

I did find my answers and subsequently, I wrote a pamphlet entitled, “FREEDOM is Knowing How to Solve Problems” which evolved into my current book, “The Science of LIVING BETTER FOREVER” (available through Amazon or downloaded in an expanded version from my webpage at www.livingbetterforever.com).

Over the years, my wife and I have had many opportunities to prove the principles embodied in my book. We have not only survived some tough situations but have prospered. For example, although Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans took everything we owned, today all our needs are abundantly met and we are freer today than at any other time in our 62 year marriage.

Today, I enjoy sharing my unique approach with others seeking success, prosperity, freedom and pressure-free life experiences in spite of their being victimized by a declining economy, unemployment and all the other world discords over which they have no control.

I know how abstract it sounds, but freedom is not found “out there” somewhere external to you. It is as Galileo said, you “find it within yourself.” When the science of this source is understood and properly implemented, the events and circumstances comprising your life experience, including a freedom from lack, will adjust to be in conformity with the mandated harmonious actions of the universe’s natural laws and principles.

As true as this is, it is totally academic until you are willing to access them and make them work for you. It was Aldus Huxley who said, “Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.”

Don’t give in to the temptation to ignore facts just because it is difficult for you to accept them and they differ from your preconceived ideas. When you can discipline yourself to accept the facts of every situation, your freedom will be assured.

A continuity of the universal natural laws and principles, defined by Webster as “the creative and controlling forces of the universe,” are outlined in my book “The Science of LIVING BETTER FOREVER.”

I’m sure it’s a terrific program that will benefit many people. Over the years I have signed up for a jillion such programs and have realized a lot of good from them. But I have also found that, for me, there was something missing. I still had to struggle to overcome some of the same old problems that seemed to be a part of what I’ve come to identify as “me.” They may have changed their characteristics but the root cause of my problems seemed to linger.

Don’t misunderstand what I’m saying here. I encourage people to pursue as many self-help programs as they can handle; and there are a lot of real good ones available. But in doing so, I would ask that they be alert to recognize a certain thread of sameness that they all seem to share.

They all seem to share the view that makes the difficulty, the problem or discord a real “something” that is preventing them from achieving whatever goal or objective they are seeking. Through whatever means proposed by a particular philosophy, in one way or another, they adopt a confrontational approach and set out to do battle with this “enemy” with the intent of destroying it and thereby freeing them to realize their objective.

In my opinion, this confrontational approach runs the risk of creating more frustration than solutions because it assumes the problem area is real and has some inherent power to do possible harm. One would benefit by considering an additional dimension that will render all these common approaches more effective. Let me give you an example:

Upon entering a darkened room, you are confronted by problems. You bump into objects, become disoriented and experience confusion and chaos. In order to resolve your disorientation, you do not strike out against the darkness, you TURN ON THE LIGHT! This reveals the complete room and its contents which ALREADY EXISTED.

Similarly, you must realize, with scientific understanding, that problems are not natural to you and that, in truth, you are ALREADY free. When you learn to reject problems with the same assurance and conviction with which you turned on the light and you will realize the natural, pressure free, harmonious life experiences that are already as natural to you as wet is to water.

In biblical terms, “Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Here there is no reference to confronting and overcoming an obstacle in order to gain your freedom, there is none. We are admonished to “KNOW the truth….”

The real universe in which we truly “live and move and have our being” (Acts: 27-29) is here and now and is maintained in perpetuity by natural laws and principles, defined by Webster as the “creative and controlling forces of the universe”. When you know and understand this truth, your freedom is assured. It is mandated by LAW, which defined by Webster as, “A rule or principle that always works and is enforced by a governing authority.” That “governing authority”? The “creative and controlling forces of the universe!”

Unlike any other self help approach to problem resolution, the inclusion and proper implementation of SCIENTIFIC, natural laws and principles can assure positive results with scientific predictability. The logical continuity of these natural laws and principles are detailed in my book, “The Science of LIVING BETTER FOREVER.” Its original print version is available through Amazon. An expanded E-book edition may be downloaded through my website.

And my heart goes out to those thousands who have worked just as hard and didn’t make it. It’s their work ethic and dedication to the achievement of a goal that can never be taken from them. Nothing they could have done could contribute more to building their character and ability to meet competition than their adherence to the Olympic work ethic.

Each of us has a particular talent which we must nurture, but the athlete seems to fall into a special category. Unfortunately, we too often find highly skilled athletes destroy their image and degrade their sport (and the Olympic tradition) by slipping into inappropriate social, even criminal, behavior.

Their special talent has been negated by a lack of appreciation for the social environment that gives them an outlet for their skills. Just as important as the development of their athletic skills, is an equal commitment to their development of their personal life and basic life principles.

I’ve had the privilege of meeting some these young Olympians. “Back in the day,” my wife and I had the privilege of having the Olympic Cycling Team stay at our home. When you have a bunch of young athletes tolerate sleeping on the floor, you don’t mind if they eat twice as much as “normal” people! If these guys were a cross section of today’s Olympians, and I’m sure they were, we can all be proud to support the Olympic cause.

My daughter married one of them. From this, she has developed a love for the sport that has continued for more than 30 years. She is still an avid cyclist and still competes in cycling events. She has always had a good work ethic, which is required by the demands of a serious cyclist. Today she is a certified professional Physical Trainer and Coach and is the standard by which physical conditioning can be measured. All built on the Olympic tradition of excellence. (Hey, I’m her Dad and know her better than anyone so I have the right to brag!)

Cindy also has that rare balanced awareness of knowing who she is. She is one of the biggest supporters of my book, “The Science of LIVING BETTER FOREVER” and, like so many others, has benefited from its unique approach to the science of building harmonious life experiences. It should be required reading for anyone searching for that extra ingredient that will lift them above the competition. (Available in print form from Amazon or in an expanded E-book format from my website.)

Whatever your particular skill or talent may be, when you adhere to the scientific principles revealed in my book, coupled with the dedicated commitment of Olympic principles of achievement, you will have triumphed over all competition and won YOUR Olympic Game. Don’t settle for anything less than GOLD!

Davis Goss is a creative consultant and coach with particular expertise in problem solving, with more than 50 years experience. His latest book, “The Science of LIVING BETTER FOREVER,” presents a compelling rationale for challenging conventional problem solving techniques and adopting his unique approach which is based solely on proven, scientific natural laws and principles. Mr. Goss is also available for consultation.

Love is an essential element of “Life” defined by Webster as “the quality that distinguishes a vital and functioning being from a dead body or inanimate matter.”

Webster offers many definitions for “love” but when one feels this thing we call “love,” no definition is adequate or necessary. It is an indescribable FEELING that is a vital, dominating and motivating component of consciousness. It is an uncontrollable feeling that wells up from the depths of our very being which can often be confusing.

Those of us who have experienced true love can make the distinction between a human, emotional attraction to some finite entity on the one hand and the intangible “animating principle having no material body or form” (Webster) on the other.

Love, according to Webster, is “a strong affection; a warm attachment; to feel a passion, devotion or tenderness for.” When this intense feeling is focused on a particular person, it often culminates in a marriage that initiates a life-long relationship. If this union is based on a true spiritual love it is as lasting as the infinity from which it comes.

LOVE is more than a clinical analysis, so at this Valentine season, forgive me if I feel compelled to express gratitude for my marriage to a special lady who taught me what love is all about.

I began getting that “strong affection and warm attachment” for a young lady I met after returning from overseas during WWII. We began our marriage in 1948, had three kids, and shared a perfect relationship that’s still going strong after 62 years.

1998 Davis and Marilyn Goss’ 50th wedding anniversary

I think ours is a special bond. Since surviving Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and relocating back home in New England, we have had the opportunity to prove the tightness of our bonding on a different level. Marilyn’s condition requires that she receive specialized care in a nursing facility; this necessitates my living alone for the first time in my life.

Our special, lasting bond is based on a unique “philosophy” we have shared over the years. It is a unique approach to life and the resolution of any problems one may encounter.

Since the onset of our differing life styles, I have written a book in an attempt to share our perspective with others. Entitled “The Science of LIVING BETTER FOREVER,” it outlines a continuity of scientific laws and principles that, when properly implemented, assure harmonious life experiences with predictable certainty. My book is available in print form through Amazon or an expanded version can be downloaded as an E-book from my website.

Although we are physically separated, we see each other on a regular basis. Circumstances have changed but the intensity of our love has not. She’s still the same special person she was when we first met.

She is genuinely happy in her new “home.” Her every need is lovingly met by wonderful, trained professional people who have more than professional feelings for her. Little wonder that I have developed a “strong affection,” admiration and gratitude for them. Because of them, I am experiencing a different sense of love on a level that embraces the entire staff and appreciation for the facility’s character and management.

This is not what we had planned for our “senior” years, but under the circumstances, we have much cause for gratitude.

May your Valentine’s Day be as joyous and love filled as ours!

I lived in New Orleans and shared its ups and downs for fifteen years. One of the significant “downs” was to watch the Saints football team lose week after week. During my tenure, the Saints were to worst team in the league. It became a fixed mindset that they were expected to lose. When they did win an occasional game it was a rare cause for hope.

Then, along came Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans changed. It was as though it was given a second chance. I feel a kinship with the Saints because I, too, was “forced” into change. Like the Saints, my wife and I had an opportunity to begin again. We prospered by this change and, somehow, I felt “my” Saints would also prosper with change.

I am an enthusiastic collector of motivational and inspirational slogans and quotations. They work for me in keeping my mind’s focus on good positive stuff. I’ve got a hunch the Saints benefited from the same mindset. What they have accomplished validates the impact of these and similar statements:

• To win you’ve got to stay in the game.

• Act boldly and unseen forces will come to your aid.

• Life is never more fun than when you’re the underdog and competing against the giants.

• Where you’ve been is not half as important as where you’re going.

• If you can’t learn from your mistakes, there’s no use making them.

• Luck is when opportunity knocks and you answer.

• When you get to the end of your rope, hang on.

• When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.

• Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.

• Get even with everyone who has helped you.

• Don’t do stupid stuff.

• Whatever you do, do it better.

• The first and most important step toward success is the feeling that you can succeed.

• The road to easy street always seems to go through the sewer.

• If you can do one thing well, you’re needed by someone.

• If your ship doesn’t come in, swim out to it.

• Whatever you think you can or cannot do, you’re right.

Often one is aware of a shift in the momentum of a game. What is this “momentum?” It’s simply the coordinated, collective mindset of every team member’s mental focus. It is often initiated by some well-executed play or circumstance and everyone’s enthusiasm takes a giant leap forward. Unfortunately, the reverse is also true: discouragement can have a negative impact on the team’s over all ability to function as a coordinated unit.

The Saint’s collective mindset, motivated by the trauma of a devastating hurricane, is what makes the difference: it forced a new focus and opened the way to gain a new perspective, the right players, the right coaching, and the means by which they could all function as a productive unit.

With the Saint’s collective mindset, motivation commitment to excellence, positive results were inevitable and predictable.

The same motivation works for us. We can learn this lesson from the Saints in our own individual personal or professional life because underlying this phenomenon are natural laws and principles that, by definition, are “the creative and controlling forces of the universe” and every thing in it… including you!

Read more about this in my book, “The Science of LIVING BETTER FOREVER.” It is available in print form from Amazon or, as an expanded e-book version, it can be downloaded from my website.

Go Saints!!

I can remember my old Army serial number and the license plate number of my Dad’s 1932 Pontiac. But my present zip code?  Nothing!  A complete blank! I couldn’t find anything within reach that included it, so I had to endure the frustration and embarrassment of hanging up the phone.  I’d call back later.

I’m told that that happens to everyone at one time or another, but that doesn’t make it any more pleasant.  For what it’s worth, I’m 86 years old and I really don’t have these moments any more often to me than many younger folks I know.  I don’t think there’s anything we can do to lessen this occurrence, so I find the best thing is to learn to accept it, make light of it and just go on enjoying a pressure free life. Have fun.  Learn to laugh at yourself, and forgive others when they experience the same human phenomenon.

As long as I identify myself as living in this physical world of limitation, I will experience its “normal” characteristics.  It’s not  unlike forgetting a person’s name.  You know that name (or number) is somewhere in your mind’s data bank but you just can’t bring it to the surface at the moment.  Your mental search for it is really counter productive because, consciously or unconsciously, you are telling your mind that it’s not there.   Because that  mind will always believe what you tell it to, that bit of information is removed from your conscious awareness.

We live in what seems to be two worlds.  One is finite and limited and the other is infinite, without limited, boundless and all inclusive.  These are opposites and incompatible; one cannot be justified one to the other.  Webster tells us that they are “elements that are so far apart and diverse as to be totally irreconcilable one to the other.” The finite is negatively oriented and self destructive while the infinite is all inclusive, self sustaining positiveness in perpetuity.   We can experience one or the other, but not both at the same time.

To reject the limited, physical environment in favor of its opposite unlimited  consciousness, we will not only preclude the forgetting of any finite condition, but will release the “forgotten” element to our conscious remembrance.

I heard it said once that nothing important is urgent and nothing urgent is important.  The positiveness of the real, infinite consciousness, of which I am integral part, will continue to operate and maintain the integrity of my perfect consciousness independent of any claimed negative opposite, so I know I’m in good hands.

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Over the past 50+ years working as a creative consultant, with focus on problem solving, Davis Goss has developed, tested and proven a singularly unique approach to resolving “impossible” problems to the benefit of a widely diverse client base.

Unlike any other, his discovery is a radical departure from traditionally accepted problem solving methods that are based on academic theory and philosophical abstractions and are without scientific principles.  His scientific approach is based solely on impersonal, universal, natural laws and principles  that, by their very nature and definition, assure positive results with predictable certainty.

The logical continuity of these natural laws and principles are explained in detail in his book, “The Science of LIVING BETTER FOREVER” available in print form from Amazon or in an expanded E-book version through his website. If you are coming up against obstacles in life that you simply can find no way around, read Davis’ book to find simple solutions to your problems.

Want more information? For free no-obligation clarification and answers to questions, contact Davis today. You’ll be glad you did.

It seems that any “unusual event, thing, circumstance or accomplishment” (Webster) could be considered a miracle. It also carries the caveat that it is a “divine intervention” but considering all the definitions for “divine,” a miracle is not something that one can call forth with any degree of certainty. As noted in The Song of Bernadette, “To those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary. To those who do not believe in God, no explanation is possible.”

Miracles, then, would appear to be subjective experiences. Lourdes is considered a location particularly conducive to miracles and attracts thousands of hopefuls every year. Yet the number of fatal accidents that occur on the way to and from Lourdes is considerable higher than the 67 alleged miracles due to faith healing since 2005.

The fundamental nature of the universe can only be defined as INFINITY which, by definition, is, “that which is limitless, boundless, endless, greater than any pre-assigned finite value however great.” (Webster) That which is infinite all-inclusive, power and presence and includes nothing unlike itself.. Infinity is complete; it maintains and sustains its own integrity by its own laws and principles which are absolute and not subject to challenge or debate.

Our individual, inseparable oneness with this all inclusive infinity is our true identity. We can no more be separated from this true identity than heat and light can be separated from the sun.

Our individual success, prosperity, freedom and pressure-free life experiences, then, constitute our being.

We make our own miracles in proportion to our maintaining a conscious awareness of our unlimited true identity. If and when these experiences cannot be explained in “normal” terms and seem to be contrary to usual finite experiences, we tend to label them as miracles.

This infinite mindset has always been a way of life for my wife and me, so when we found ourselves caught in the middle of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, we instinctively rejected the appearance of destruction, distress and loss. We maintained the integrity of (and had proven many times) our conscious awareness based on the infinite nature of our true identity. Although we were in an isolated “survival mode” for four days, unanticipated events and circumstances presented themselves to us and within a relatively few weeks we found ourselves in a new, furnished home in New England. Although we had lost everything to Katrina, all our needs were, and continue to be, abundantly met.

Those who are familiar with our experience call it a miracle. Although we didn’t know the details of how things would unfold, to my wife and me our removal from the disaster was natural, normal and, yes, expected. We maintained an attitude of “positive expectancy”:

knowing the results BEFORE they happen.

Over the past 50+ years as a creative consultant, with particular expertise in problem solving, Davis Goss has developed, tested and proven a singularly unique approach to resolving “impossible” problems to the benefit of a widely diverse client base.

Unlike any other, his discovery is a radical departure from traditionally accepted problem solving methods that are based on academic theory and philosophical abstractions and are devoid of any scientific demonstrable operating principles. His scientific approach is based solely on impersonal, universal, natural laws and principles (defined by Webster as, “the creative and controlling forces of the universe”) that, by their very nature and definition, assure positive results with predictable certainty.

The logical continuity of these natural laws and principles are delineated in his book, “The Science of LIVING BETTER FOREVER” available in print form from Amazon or in an expanded E-book version through his website at: www.livingbetterforever.com.

Want more information? Articles detailing the application of his techniques to a wide variety of applications are presented in his Blog at: www.davisgoss.com. For no-obligation clarification and answers to questions, contact him at: ideaguy@davisgoss.com

Today, scholars are armed with the so much proven data, it’s inconceivable to me how they can completely ignore or overlook the basic natural laws and principles of nature and believe that they include some means by which they can destroy themselves. Not only is it scientifically impossible, it is irrational.

Voltaire said that “it is dangerous to be right in matters on which the accepted authorities are wrong.” If that be the case, all our physics books are obsolete. The basic laws and principles that control and govern the universe are completely impersonal and are no more subject to debate than the fact that “4” belongs at the end of “2 + 2.”  Natural laws work simply because they exist. They do so without any help from you or me. They are scientific in that they are “the operation of laws and facts subject to proof…not speculation, conjecture or any assumption without proof.” (Webster)

The intelligence of today has replaced the relative ignorance of days gone by. I’ve lived through lots of “predictions of doom.” I’m still around so they had to be “speculation and conjecture.” The current projection for “the end of times” is in the year 2012. Apparently, most modern day “scientists” cannot accept the fact that there is no matter universe to be destroyed! I can accept the caveat that phrases our annihilation as, “the end of the world as we know it.”

If we really think about it, the only thing that can be destroyed is ignorance. My “world” of last week has been “destroyed” because what I didn’t know then, I do know now.

On Jan. 1, 2013, we will celebrate another New Year. Trust me!

It is indisputable that you are consciously aware of your own existence. As Rene Descartes observed, “Cogito erg sum,” “I think, therefore I am.”  Your awareness is first person, singular, present tense.  If you are reading this, you exist and are consciously aware of it.

You know that you did not create yourself and must, therefore, be part of a source that DID.  You are an effect.  An effect cannot initiate any action of and is completely dependent upon its cause. You, like this source, are all-inclusive, unlimited and unencumbered by any external influences or conditions.  This total embodiment is what we call INFINITY; described by Webster as, “that which is limitless, boundless, endless; greater than any pre-assigned finite value however great.”  This is your true identity, the only source and cause of your being.

To be “infinite,” infinity must be infinite; it can know only itself and cannot abide anything that claims to oppose or challenge it.

Being the incorporeal fulfillment of infinity, you are pure consciousness which Webster defines as “that which is aware; known or felt by one’s inner self; the upper levels of mental life of which a person is aware” and spiritual.

According to Webster, SPIRITUAL is “incorporeal; a life-giving force; an animating principle; having no material body or form,” and  LIFE as “a quality that distinguishes a vital and functional being from a dead body or inanimate matter.”

That’s it. That’s who and what YOU are, always have been and always will be; sustained and maintained by one infinite consciousness in perpetuity.  (Ooops!  Time is a human concept. As infinity, there is no such thing as “time;” only a perpetual NOW.  Think about this!)

Stop right here and completely yield to this infinite conscious awareness.  Let it dominate your mindset.

Note that there is absolutely no reference to anything finite, material or humanly circumscribed which, according to the laws of opposites, are fraudulent, unreal, misrepresentations of the truth and without substance, power or authority.  Close your eyes and let your conscious awareness expand to embrace ONLY the unlimited vastness of your true infinite identity.

Don’t think “up to” this mindset from your false human sense of identity.   Reject it and quietly think out from the infinity of your true being.   Assume a LISTENING attitude and be responsive to the truths that reveal themselves to your consciousness.

Your consciousness comprises only mental images emanating as a constant presence from within you.  Despite their finite external appearance as person, places or things, your life experiences are expressions, or effects, of your own personal, individual oneness with infinity’s incorporeal all-inclusive total.

The nature of infinity’s being forbids, negates and removes the appearance of anything unlike itself.  This action is what we call healing.  What we call “miracles” are simply infinity’s natural laws and principles in action.

This perspective is a radical departure from conventionally accepted habitual thought patterns and can provoke a lot of questions.  If you desire clarification on any point, please contact me.

It would seem as though nothing has changed and we are still innocent victims of situations and conditions over which we have no control. We will still accept that as a “norm” that we inherited just by virtue of being born. As far as I can tell, it’s been that way for as long as I can remember and it looks like 2010 is destined to be more of the same.

I felt this way more than 50 years ago when I made a great discovery. I discovered that I DID have control because of one underlying, and often ignored, principle that trumps all the grief the world can offer. There actually are “creative and controlling forces of the universe” that by their very nature and definition, maintain and sustain the universe in perfect balance, harmony and perpetuity. And, because of our inexorable oneness with it, we are its prime beneficiaries.

It is the Law! LAW is defined by Webster as “rules and principles that always work and are enforced by a governing authority.” We couldn’t escape it if we wanted to!

This condition is the diametric opposite of the appearance of a “world” in turmoil, threats and violence leading to what “experts” have decided will be “the end of times.”

“OPPOSITES” are a natural phenomenon in the physical, finite world. Unless we consciously do something about it, it will operate in our individual experie3nce. It is the clash of opposites that produces all problems, chaos and confusion. Webster defines “opposites” as:

elements that are so apart and diverse as to be totally irreconcilable one to the other… elements  that are in extreme diametric opposition.

To exercise our individual control and dominion over the chaos, fear. Anxiety and self- destruction, we must make a committed separation between the finite, physical world –

FINITE: “having definite or definable limits; a limited nature of existence.”

and the infinite, spiritual universe –

INFINITE: “Limitless, boundless, endless; unlimited, spiritual.”

SPIRITUAL: “Incorporeal; a life-giving force; an animating principle; having no material body or form”.

“Finite” and “Infinite” are opposites and, as such, cannot commingle or coexist. You can have one or the other but not both at the same time. One absolutely negates the other. It is the Law.

To experience the harmony and perfection of the infinite universe, we must completely REJECT the negative elements comprising the physical “world” and embrace the all-inclusive infinity of the universe. There are no other options. The choice is yours.