I was fortunate recently to experience how wonderful it is to have an incredible network of support and love that is called family.
Oftentimes we may end up discounting family by viewing it as a burden, an obligation, or something with which we have to reluctantly contend. This negative view may stem from some level of dysfunction, which affects many families.
And dysfunction may breed resentment, anger, distance, and a putting up of walls.
However, when we take the time to do personal inner work we find that we end up affecting others around us in a positive fashion. And this inner work is accomplished through the process of forgiveness.
When anger and resentment are changed into peace and love, that peace and love can become infectious as others react to that peace and love with an acceptance of the peace within themselves.
This is when the healing happens.
This is when the transformation occurs.
And this is when we’re able to see the true blessing of family and are able to acknowledge just how lucky we are to have family.
What’s wonderful about family is that they are a group of people close to you who are able to support you in your growth and endeavors. What’s wonderful about family is having people to share with and come together with in times of joy and sorrow. And what’s wonderful about family is that they can be there for you in your time of need.
So, I’d like to take the opportunity to extend a heartfelt expression of gratitude, love, and appreciation to my family.
You have made my time of physical healing and recovery a time of joy, comfort, and gratefulness. I am truly blessed to have such an amazing connection of support, love, and togetherness in my immediate and extended family. I love you all.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Letting Go
We’ve all heard the following phrases at some point or another: “let go and let God,” “detach with love,” and “attachment is the cause of suffering.”
Why is that we hold onto things so tightly and have trouble letting go?
How many times has someone wronged you in some way, and you suddenly become consumed with getting that person back. Your mind becomes clouded, rational thought flies out the window as you have one purpose. That purpose is to exact revenge in some fashion.
When we’re in this state of attachment, we are unable to think clearly and see the reality of the situation. We end up telling ourselves a story about what happened which may be completely off base. And the reality is the person who slighted you may have done it by accident and was unaware of their action. Or if it was done purposefully, we may not fully understand the problems that individual is dealing with which caused their negative behavior.
Staying focused on returning their misdeed only serves to exacerbate the situation by keeping you mired in negativity.
How about the instances in our lives when there is something that we really desire and want to have, such as a job for which we’ve applied, or the affection of someone we find attractive?
Many times, we end up obsessively fixating on the object of our desire, and subconsciously, we are causing what we want to slip further away from our grasp. By staying attached, we end up pushing things away. This is the opposite of what we want to happen.
However, letting go doesn’t mean not caring anymore, being a doormat or being nonchalant about everything. Letting go simply means you’re allowing doors of opportunity to open, you’re allowing the energy of creation to flow, and you’re allowing the energy of forgiveness to heal a situation.
The reason we hold on to things so tightly is our ego. Our ego is afraid of losing its control, as ego thrives on negativity, conflict, strife, and obsession. These unhealthy states of being give ego its power. And when we’re in a state of peace, calm, understanding, and forgiveness, the ego melts away as it no longer has purpose.
Of course, letting go is easier said than done. And as with all disciplines, it takes practice. And the good news is that there are plenty of opportunities out there in our day to day lives which give us the opportunity to exercise our natural ability to let go.
Why is that we hold onto things so tightly and have trouble letting go?
How many times has someone wronged you in some way, and you suddenly become consumed with getting that person back. Your mind becomes clouded, rational thought flies out the window as you have one purpose. That purpose is to exact revenge in some fashion.
When we’re in this state of attachment, we are unable to think clearly and see the reality of the situation. We end up telling ourselves a story about what happened which may be completely off base. And the reality is the person who slighted you may have done it by accident and was unaware of their action. Or if it was done purposefully, we may not fully understand the problems that individual is dealing with which caused their negative behavior.
Staying focused on returning their misdeed only serves to exacerbate the situation by keeping you mired in negativity.
How about the instances in our lives when there is something that we really desire and want to have, such as a job for which we’ve applied, or the affection of someone we find attractive?
Many times, we end up obsessively fixating on the object of our desire, and subconsciously, we are causing what we want to slip further away from our grasp. By staying attached, we end up pushing things away. This is the opposite of what we want to happen.
However, letting go doesn’t mean not caring anymore, being a doormat or being nonchalant about everything. Letting go simply means you’re allowing doors of opportunity to open, you’re allowing the energy of creation to flow, and you’re allowing the energy of forgiveness to heal a situation.
The reason we hold on to things so tightly is our ego. Our ego is afraid of losing its control, as ego thrives on negativity, conflict, strife, and obsession. These unhealthy states of being give ego its power. And when we’re in a state of peace, calm, understanding, and forgiveness, the ego melts away as it no longer has purpose.
Of course, letting go is easier said than done. And as with all disciplines, it takes practice. And the good news is that there are plenty of opportunities out there in our day to day lives which give us the opportunity to exercise our natural ability to let go.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
New Year Manifestation
With the New Year arriving, many of us make New Year’s resolutions to start the year off in a positive frame of mind with specific goals we wish to achieve.
However, the reality is that many of the vows we make fall quickly by the wayside, as we have trouble keeping them, and the ideas we created to start off the year dissipate without ever actually manifesting. Why is this?
This happens because we come up with great resolutions in our head, and that’s exactly where our ideas and resolutions end up staying.
Instead of making the same old vows in your head, write out all the things you wish to do and want to manifest for the upcoming year.
By writing your manifestation list down, you are getting the thoughts out of your head and putting them on paper to show the universe that you are serious in what you intend to create and accomplish in the upcoming year. You are actually creating a contract between you and the universe when you put your resolutions in writing.
Feel free to write down anything you want to do or wish for, such as beginning an exercise program, creating a new relationship, or getting a new car. The important thing, however, is to be very specific and detailed in your lists.
For example, in reference to starting an exercise regime, write down all details surrounding your new undertaking. Such as first discussing it with a doctor, listing what exercises you plan on doing and for how long, and how you plan to keep track of your exercise program so you can see your progress in action, etc.
For the resolution of creating a new romantic relationship in your life, be very specific about listing the traits you want in a potential mate. Such as indicating the individuals age range, his or her personality, how that person’s relationship is with his or her family, employment status, health status, that he or she is single, etc. Also, write down how you plan on going about meeting new people.
For the new car, the same details apply. Be sure to cover all the bases on the exact specifications of your car (new or used, make, model, color, amenities, etc.) And also write down how you intend to get that car, such as listing a schedule of saving a certain dollar amount each week to put towards a down payment.
The New Year is looked at as a time of out with the old and in with the new. Now is the perfect opportunity to do away with the old way of making New Year’s resolutions, and instead usher in the new creative way of manifesting your desires and wishes.
Happy New Year!
However, the reality is that many of the vows we make fall quickly by the wayside, as we have trouble keeping them, and the ideas we created to start off the year dissipate without ever actually manifesting. Why is this?
This happens because we come up with great resolutions in our head, and that’s exactly where our ideas and resolutions end up staying.
Instead of making the same old vows in your head, write out all the things you wish to do and want to manifest for the upcoming year.
By writing your manifestation list down, you are getting the thoughts out of your head and putting them on paper to show the universe that you are serious in what you intend to create and accomplish in the upcoming year. You are actually creating a contract between you and the universe when you put your resolutions in writing.
Feel free to write down anything you want to do or wish for, such as beginning an exercise program, creating a new relationship, or getting a new car. The important thing, however, is to be very specific and detailed in your lists.
For example, in reference to starting an exercise regime, write down all details surrounding your new undertaking. Such as first discussing it with a doctor, listing what exercises you plan on doing and for how long, and how you plan to keep track of your exercise program so you can see your progress in action, etc.
For the resolution of creating a new romantic relationship in your life, be very specific about listing the traits you want in a potential mate. Such as indicating the individuals age range, his or her personality, how that person’s relationship is with his or her family, employment status, health status, that he or she is single, etc. Also, write down how you plan on going about meeting new people.
For the new car, the same details apply. Be sure to cover all the bases on the exact specifications of your car (new or used, make, model, color, amenities, etc.) And also write down how you intend to get that car, such as listing a schedule of saving a certain dollar amount each week to put towards a down payment.
The New Year is looked at as a time of out with the old and in with the new. Now is the perfect opportunity to do away with the old way of making New Year’s resolutions, and instead usher in the new creative way of manifesting your desires and wishes.
Happy New Year!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Have Faith In Yourself
Faith is an interesting concept. To some faith may mean having a belief in a God, a higher power, or a creator of the Universe. To others having faith may mean having the hope that things will ultimately be okay or whatever issue is at hand will work itself out.
However, I’m going to add another dimension of looking at faith. I propose faith means having the belief in one’s self and that you are the creator of your own world.
It has been said before that we are all children of God. If we are children of God, then are we not of God? If we are then of God, are we are not God-like?
If this is true, then what an incredible opportunity and responsibility each and every one of us has been charged with.
And this opportunity and responsibility is to live and act like God in all of our actions with each other and with ourselves.
But what does it mean to live and act like God?
Quite simply, it means to live from the heart. It means to live peacefully. It means to live forgivingly. It means to live lovingly. It means to live compassionately. This is what it means to believe in one’s self and to accept one’s Divinity.
There are those who do not do this and have chosen to shut themselves off from their Divinity, and this is okay. It is then up to the rest of us to show others what humanity is truly capable of and how we are destined to live.
There are many people who lament the violence in the world and who wish for peace on earth. And it is quite lovely and nice to wish for peace and for the end of violence. But no matter how hard you wish for peace, that wish will simply not come true.
There is a much easier way to make that wish a reality. Simply live, act, and be peaceful. Be an example of peace to others. Be an example of love to others. If someone has hurt you or slighted you in any way, look into your heart for the appropriate response and you will see the only true response is compassion and forgiveness. All other responses come from ego and not from your God self.
Accepting one’s own connection to Divinity really can change your world. With time, living compassionately and with forgiveness will become second nature. You will begin to see how important your role is in making a difference in the world as you live from love. This responsibility may see daunting at first, but the end result is a peace and love in your heart unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. And this peace and love is so beautiful, so moving, that your only desire will be to share it with the entire world.
However, I’m going to add another dimension of looking at faith. I propose faith means having the belief in one’s self and that you are the creator of your own world.
It has been said before that we are all children of God. If we are children of God, then are we not of God? If we are then of God, are we are not God-like?
If this is true, then what an incredible opportunity and responsibility each and every one of us has been charged with.
And this opportunity and responsibility is to live and act like God in all of our actions with each other and with ourselves.
But what does it mean to live and act like God?
Quite simply, it means to live from the heart. It means to live peacefully. It means to live forgivingly. It means to live lovingly. It means to live compassionately. This is what it means to believe in one’s self and to accept one’s Divinity.
There are those who do not do this and have chosen to shut themselves off from their Divinity, and this is okay. It is then up to the rest of us to show others what humanity is truly capable of and how we are destined to live.
There are many people who lament the violence in the world and who wish for peace on earth. And it is quite lovely and nice to wish for peace and for the end of violence. But no matter how hard you wish for peace, that wish will simply not come true.
There is a much easier way to make that wish a reality. Simply live, act, and be peaceful. Be an example of peace to others. Be an example of love to others. If someone has hurt you or slighted you in any way, look into your heart for the appropriate response and you will see the only true response is compassion and forgiveness. All other responses come from ego and not from your God self.
Accepting one’s own connection to Divinity really can change your world. With time, living compassionately and with forgiveness will become second nature. You will begin to see how important your role is in making a difference in the world as you live from love. This responsibility may see daunting at first, but the end result is a peace and love in your heart unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. And this peace and love is so beautiful, so moving, that your only desire will be to share it with the entire world.
Monday, December 20, 2010
FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real
Recently I wrote about the wonders of love and how love is our true nature. This time I’d like to talk about the opposite of love.
What is the one emotion which can prevent us from obtaining the things we desire? What is the one emotion which can trick us into not moving forward and living our lives fully in the way God intended?
This negative emotion is fear.
What’s remarkable about fear is how much power we give to it. It is that power which enables fear to create stories and episodes in our heads of things that haven’t yet happened and most likely will not occur. Fear takes the reality of a situation and twists it into a false worst case scenario so that we’re paralyzed from taking any action.
Of course, fear does have its place and it cannot be completely discounted as fear has the ability to keep us alive. Our fight or flight instinct serves us well in moments of extreme physical danger. For example, if you’re out hiking and you see a bear in the distance, it is the fear of a bear attack which will cause us to avoid the bear. This is a positive type of fear.
But the fear I’m talking about is the negative fear produced from our ego.
Think about the times when you have been out and about running an errand, grocery shopping, or you’re at a club, and a beautiful woman or handsome man catches your eye.
How often have you wanted to walk up to this individual and strike up a conversation, but you convinced yourself, before any action has been taken, that nothing good is going to come out of you putting yourself out there? Where did this negative thought come from?
That’s the fear created from your ego holding you back from a potentially enjoyable encounter and new experience. You absolutely have nothing to lose and everything to gain by simply walking through your fear, saying hi, and introducing yourself.
The ego likes for this to happen as it is our ego which wants us to stay safe in our own little self-created cocoon of comfort. Upon closer inspection, this cocoon we’ve created is neither safe nor comfortable. This cocoon is a false illusion to which we give too much power. We end up limited, suffocated, and stagnant.
So, the next time the door of opportunity flings open, and what’s behind the door seemingly appears out of your comfort zone and you feel fear starting to take hold, just say to yourself, “Fear is false evidence appearing real. I give you no power nor pay you any mind.” And then simply step forward in courage and confidence with the knowing that you have the power to create your desires and there is nothing to hold you back.
What is the one emotion which can prevent us from obtaining the things we desire? What is the one emotion which can trick us into not moving forward and living our lives fully in the way God intended?
This negative emotion is fear.
What’s remarkable about fear is how much power we give to it. It is that power which enables fear to create stories and episodes in our heads of things that haven’t yet happened and most likely will not occur. Fear takes the reality of a situation and twists it into a false worst case scenario so that we’re paralyzed from taking any action.
Of course, fear does have its place and it cannot be completely discounted as fear has the ability to keep us alive. Our fight or flight instinct serves us well in moments of extreme physical danger. For example, if you’re out hiking and you see a bear in the distance, it is the fear of a bear attack which will cause us to avoid the bear. This is a positive type of fear.
But the fear I’m talking about is the negative fear produced from our ego.
Think about the times when you have been out and about running an errand, grocery shopping, or you’re at a club, and a beautiful woman or handsome man catches your eye.
How often have you wanted to walk up to this individual and strike up a conversation, but you convinced yourself, before any action has been taken, that nothing good is going to come out of you putting yourself out there? Where did this negative thought come from?
That’s the fear created from your ego holding you back from a potentially enjoyable encounter and new experience. You absolutely have nothing to lose and everything to gain by simply walking through your fear, saying hi, and introducing yourself.
The ego likes for this to happen as it is our ego which wants us to stay safe in our own little self-created cocoon of comfort. Upon closer inspection, this cocoon we’ve created is neither safe nor comfortable. This cocoon is a false illusion to which we give too much power. We end up limited, suffocated, and stagnant.
So, the next time the door of opportunity flings open, and what’s behind the door seemingly appears out of your comfort zone and you feel fear starting to take hold, just say to yourself, “Fear is false evidence appearing real. I give you no power nor pay you any mind.” And then simply step forward in courage and confidence with the knowing that you have the power to create your desires and there is nothing to hold you back.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
LOVE = Lots Of Venus Energy
What is the one emotion which can cause the most stoic of men to melt into a pile of goo? What is the one emotion which can cause a grown woman to wistfully sigh like a 12 year-old girl head over heels for a teen idol?
The Romans had a Goddess whom they worshipped who was the epitome of this emotion. Her name was Venus, and she is associated with love.
Love is the very fabric which binds humanity together. Love is accepting people for who they are and accepting each other’s culture without judgment and without fear.
Love is living your journey with the full knowing that whatever choices you make are the correct ones. There is no right way, there is no wrong way. The choices you make will lead you to exactly where you need to be in the way it needs to be done.
Love is living compassionately and with an open heart. Love is the knowing that the stranger who was rude to you in the elevator or the boss who yelled at you is going through their own difficulties in life, and there is no need to take their actions personally.
Love is welcoming each day for the gift that it is. It is accepting each day as the challenge of making a difference in the world. Because no matter what work you do, you are helping the improvement of humanity. By living and acting out of love each day, you are setting an example to others to show them the love they are capable of as well.
Love is being able to accept yourself. Love is the realization that you are perfect exactly as you are. Any self-perceived flaws are created out of ego and not out of love.
Love is the knowing that you have the ability to manifest and create your desires. When you are in the place of love, you are able to step out of your own way so that the process of creation flows smoothly and freely.
Love is also living in patience and accepting the creation process at its time frame and not how you perceive it should be.
Love is the knowing that all your prayers are listened to and answered. Love is also being able to accept that the answer to your prayer may be “no” or “not at this time.”
When you look at a baby who hasn’t been in this world for very long, you are looking into the eyes of wonderment and unconditional love. This unconditional love is our true nature and is at the core of our very being.
As we grow older, it seems our capacity for unconditional love diminishes like a candle whose flame slowly burns out. However, that is not the case. The candle of unconditional love is the eternal light within our soul. When you accept this light that is within you, you will then be able to see the love that glows within each other.
The Romans had a Goddess whom they worshipped who was the epitome of this emotion. Her name was Venus, and she is associated with love.
Love is the very fabric which binds humanity together. Love is accepting people for who they are and accepting each other’s culture without judgment and without fear.
Love is living your journey with the full knowing that whatever choices you make are the correct ones. There is no right way, there is no wrong way. The choices you make will lead you to exactly where you need to be in the way it needs to be done.
Love is living compassionately and with an open heart. Love is the knowing that the stranger who was rude to you in the elevator or the boss who yelled at you is going through their own difficulties in life, and there is no need to take their actions personally.
Love is welcoming each day for the gift that it is. It is accepting each day as the challenge of making a difference in the world. Because no matter what work you do, you are helping the improvement of humanity. By living and acting out of love each day, you are setting an example to others to show them the love they are capable of as well.
Love is being able to accept yourself. Love is the realization that you are perfect exactly as you are. Any self-perceived flaws are created out of ego and not out of love.
Love is the knowing that you have the ability to manifest and create your desires. When you are in the place of love, you are able to step out of your own way so that the process of creation flows smoothly and freely.
Love is also living in patience and accepting the creation process at its time frame and not how you perceive it should be.
Love is the knowing that all your prayers are listened to and answered. Love is also being able to accept that the answer to your prayer may be “no” or “not at this time.”
When you look at a baby who hasn’t been in this world for very long, you are looking into the eyes of wonderment and unconditional love. This unconditional love is our true nature and is at the core of our very being.
As we grow older, it seems our capacity for unconditional love diminishes like a candle whose flame slowly burns out. However, that is not the case. The candle of unconditional love is the eternal light within our soul. When you accept this light that is within you, you will then be able to see the love that glows within each other.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Forgiveness: The Greatest Gift
With the holiday season upon us, I would like to give my readers a gift which I absolutely guarantee will change your life. A gift so amazing that it will completely transform you in ways you never dreamed of. A gift that is so wonderful and awe-inspiring that you will want to share it with everyone on your list.
The priceless gift to which I refer is forgiveness.
The power of forgiveness cannot be underestimated. For this gift, which you can give to yourself and give to others, can help you break through self-imposed barriers.
When we hold on to negative emotions, particularly anger and resentment, we are actually putting up walls which block our path and prevent us from moving forward.
Think for a minute about the resident negative guy or gal in your office. Every office, it seems, has at least one person to fit this bill. Usually this person is negative practically all the time and finds fault with everyone or everything. Typically, this person get upset when someone else in the office gets a promotion as this person believes he or she has more experience and is better suited for the promotion.
If one is negative or angry all the time, usually that person is resentful over something in his or her personal life which they cannot seem to let go of. Whatever resentment they are carrying is not allowing them to break free of their self-created cycle of misery, and their resentment is keeping them stagnant.
What about forgiving someone who has wronged you and hurt you? By forgiving that person, are you simply allowing their hurtful deed?
When you forgive a person or a situation, you are not excusing that person’s behavior. For example, if someone you love has betrayed your trust, forgiving them is not like giving them a Get Out Of Jail Free card. By beginning the process of forgiveness, you are allowing God to step in and help you with the healing. Forgiving simply means giving the situation to God.
Forgiving oneself is also as important as being able to forgive others.
Take a moment and reflect upon yourself. Is there something in your life which you are still holding onto with negative emotions attached to it? When you find it in your heart to forgive yourself or forgive someone else, you are allowing doors to open so that the healing may begin.
Forgiveness is the mightiest force in the universe as it has the power to transform anger into peace. And when you are in that place of peace and forgiveness, that’s when miracles can happen.
The priceless gift to which I refer is forgiveness.
The power of forgiveness cannot be underestimated. For this gift, which you can give to yourself and give to others, can help you break through self-imposed barriers.
When we hold on to negative emotions, particularly anger and resentment, we are actually putting up walls which block our path and prevent us from moving forward.
Think for a minute about the resident negative guy or gal in your office. Every office, it seems, has at least one person to fit this bill. Usually this person is negative practically all the time and finds fault with everyone or everything. Typically, this person get upset when someone else in the office gets a promotion as this person believes he or she has more experience and is better suited for the promotion.
If one is negative or angry all the time, usually that person is resentful over something in his or her personal life which they cannot seem to let go of. Whatever resentment they are carrying is not allowing them to break free of their self-created cycle of misery, and their resentment is keeping them stagnant.
What about forgiving someone who has wronged you and hurt you? By forgiving that person, are you simply allowing their hurtful deed?
When you forgive a person or a situation, you are not excusing that person’s behavior. For example, if someone you love has betrayed your trust, forgiving them is not like giving them a Get Out Of Jail Free card. By beginning the process of forgiveness, you are allowing God to step in and help you with the healing. Forgiving simply means giving the situation to God.
Forgiving oneself is also as important as being able to forgive others.
Take a moment and reflect upon yourself. Is there something in your life which you are still holding onto with negative emotions attached to it? When you find it in your heart to forgive yourself or forgive someone else, you are allowing doors to open so that the healing may begin.
Forgiveness is the mightiest force in the universe as it has the power to transform anger into peace. And when you are in that place of peace and forgiveness, that’s when miracles can happen.
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