Be Inward Looking to Fix Your External Problems

Here's some wonderful advice from my DailyOM that dropped into my life that I highly recommend. Their daily articles are always thought-provoking as well. 

Be inward looking and not at your navel - meditation is the most useful tool here - to fix your external problems. 

I say "your" because we each create the difficulties in which we find ourselves through our lack of communication and lack of self-knowledge. I'm taking this advice and I hope you will at least consider it.

Looking inward during confrontations with others can help you discover whether you bear some responsibility for the conflict and how you can help end it.

Often, we react to interpersonal disagreements emotionally and grow angry without considering why. 

By examining your feelings and conduct, you are given a window into the situation that can clarify the part you may have played in creating it.

Once you mentally get to the heart of a confrontation, the means to bring it to its conclusion will likely present itself and the frustration you feel will disappear. 

When you examine your own part in co-creating any conflicts today, you will find that a shift in attitude will create an opening for peace.

Be Well today y'all!

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Master Your Thoughts and Reap The Rewards: Your Thoughts Create the Life You Live

Food for thought today is a poem by James Allen's from his exquisite As A Man Thinketh in the chapter on Effects of Thoughts on Circumstances. This is to be sipped and savoured and reflected upon. 

I have been rereading this 5-page chapter every day for weeks now and every time I do, I gain a new understanding. It is all about mastering your thoughts and reaping the considerable rewards - a happy and prosperous life.

You will be what you will 

Let failure find its false content

In that poor word "environment"

But spirit scorns it, and is free.

It masters time, it conquers space

It cows that boastful trickster, Chance

And bids the tyrant, Circumstance

Uncrown, and fill a servant's place.

The human Will, that force unseen

The offspring of a deathless soul

Can hew a way to any goal

Though walls of granite intervene.

Be not impatient in delay

But wait as one understands

When spirit rises and commands

The gods are ready to obey.

Isn't this poem flavourful; it packs one helluva punch too!

There is no such thing as failure; learn from it and try again. You fail when you stop trying, so keep on regardless of what others may say or the way things may seem.

Because as I am learning every day, appearances and the so-called reality are deceiving; do not buy into it. Keep the faith and stay focussed on your goal, no matter what!

You make your own luck and if you want a thing bad enough nothing can stop you. Decide what you need, take action no matter how small and persevere until it's yours through the challenges you will face.

When you act on your "feelings" or intuition that is called inspired action and as Bob Proctor often says "that's the Universe talking". Follow it!

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Time to Embody Who I Am: Master Thoughts, Feelings and Actions

This post today is about mastering my thoughts, feelings and actions to embody who I am because I am experiencing some interesting times right now and the full range of emotions which accompany them - anger, frustration, hope, defeat, boredom, irritation, and an overall feeling of pure aggravation - are telling me that, of course, it is my thoughts which are influencing the outcomes. 

It is time to embody who I am and master thoughts, feelings and actions. After all, I already am.

Emotional demands

From returning to the Caribbean to live - I still haven't figured that out as yet - to putting to bed unresolved family crap (after 25 years) and their accompanying needs, demands and expectations and my having to field all of these attacks (emotional demands are very powerful); to having to depend on them (arrgh!) for certain basic needs (like Internet and wi-fi access), and a fully functional and harmonious environment in which to live and work until I find my feet which I consider my right (got it?) and all the rest of the shit that my return stirred up.

My ignorance and arrogance

Being obliged to face my own ignorance and arrogance and deliberate myopia and meeting the wall of resistance - the stories - is showing me that I'm a not very nice person by the way I react. 

I don't use any particular adjectives to describe myself but the picture in my eyes is not attractive. I use Majestic cleansing and healing with Ho'oponopono almost every waking hour and meditate often.

Acting small instead of tall

It's fascinating when I step back and observe and even when I know how the best of me should act - Ha! - I still find myself acting small instead of tall. 

It's all about emotions, emotions, emotions.  Habits fed by unsuspectingly powerful thoughts are crazy addictive! However, I am changing them, thank goodness. 

The plus in all of this is that I clearly see why people (not just family) act the way they do but then I instinctively feel sorry for them (family) and defensive at the same time about not acting the way they wish I would.

I silently criticise well why can't you get a grip and understand why you act the way you do. We all know it's not that easy, don't we when you're dealing with different levels of growth. 

Because if you don't question and you don't even know that you can question your thoughts, habits and actions by asking "is that true", you will not evolve and change to embody your true values and live your life to the fullest.

In this vein, James Allen in As A Man Thinketh is teaching me more than I really want to know about Yours Truly. See if this applies to you as well in your present situation and tell me what you think.

Men do not attract that which they want but that which they are. Their whims, fancies and ambitions are thwarted at every step but their inmost thoughts and desires are fed with their own food, be it foul or clean.

The "divinity that shapes our ends" is in ourselves; it is our very self. Man is manacled only by himself. Thought and action are the jailers of Fate - they imprison, being base. 

They are also the angels of freedom - the liberate, being noble. Not what he wishes and prays for does a man get but what he justly earns. His wishes and prayers are only gratified and answered when they harmonize with his thoughts and actions.

Fighting against circumstances - man is continually revolting against an effect without while all the time he is nourishing and preserving its cause in his heart. 

A particular train of thought persisted in, be it good or bad cannot fail to produce its results on the character and circumstances. You cannot choose your circumstances but you can choose your thoughts and thereby influence and shape your circumstances.

It is time to embody who I am for sure and master my thoughts, feelings and actions. It's all about being authentic. How about you?

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I Bully Myself Until I'm Backed Into A Corner

This is where I am emotionally so this is what I write about. So my food for thought today is about being my own worst enemy (and I know I am not alone here). 

I bully and berate myself until I'm backed into a corner then I feel bereft at my disconnection from my Inner Being. After that there's nothing to do but face my self and get back on track. Huh! 

This bullying business is my latest "work it out" theme since I discovered how much I do it to myself; so of course I had to write Stop bullying Yourself and beating yourself up.

I pulled out my books to read something uplifting and these words from James Allen's As A Man Thinketh jumped out at me, proving once more that there is no such thing as coincidence! I am definitely on the right track to knowing myself a little better and this is incredible edible reading; truly the epitome of food for thought so go right ahead and sip, savour and delect. These words have not aged one iota!

A man only begins to be a man when he ceases to whine and revile, and commences to search for the hidden justice which regulates his life.

And as he adapts his mind to that regulating factor, he ceases to accuse others as the cause of his condition, and builds himself up in strong and noble thoughts.

He ceases to kick against circumstances but begins to use them as aids to his more rapid progress, and as a means of discovering the hidden powers and possibilities within himself.

Law, not confusion, is the dominating principle in the universe. Justice, not injustice, is the soul and substance of life. And righteousness, not corruption, is the molding and moving force in the spiritual government of the world.

This being so, man has but to right himself to find that as he alters his thoughts toward things and other people, things and other people will alter toward him.

What I find amazing (and I should not be surprised) is that I have had this book for at least twelve months and I never once opened it until two months ago. And now, every time that I do it is bang on target. Isn't that something; this is everyday spirituality at its best!

So, do you bully yourself, and when you find yourself backed into a corner by yours truly (not me!), what do you do to get yourself out of it? Look forward to hearing from you.

Make a great day for yourself people!

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We Create Our Own Suffering: Time to Take the Path of Least Resistance

We all know that we create our own suffering yet we deny and deny. Why do you think that is? I am aware of it when I do it and sometimes I cannot stop myself. I am gradually getting better at it but damn, does it take work. 

I believe it is time to take the path of least resistance. It is not being a wimp because I am finally understanding that when we let go and let God as Bob Proctor exhorts us to do in We Were Born Rich, magic happens. The way becomes smoother even though it is well-travelled.

In this vein, here's some food for thought today on suffering from my man of the moment James Allen's As A Man Thinketh.  At the moment, I am creating my own suffering through my thoughts because I am not getting what I want but what I feel (through frustration, anxiety and doubt which give rise to fear). 

Needless to say, when I see such results they are not very edifying and it all comes back to you are what you think or as others say, you get what you vibrate.  Reflect on these words today as you go about your daily affairs and work on identifying where you don't feel good and change the way you think about it. That's what I'm doing.

Good thoughts and actions can never produce bad results. Bad thoughts and actions can never produce good results. This is but saying that nothing can come from corn but corn, nothing from nettles but nettles.  Men understand this law in the natural world and work with it. But few understand it in the mental and moral world (though its operation there is just as simple and undeviating), and they, therefore, do not cooperate with it.

Suffering is always the effect of wrong thought in some direction. It is an indication that the individual is out of harmony with himself, with the Law of his being. The sole and supreme use of suffering is to purify, to burn out all that is useless and impure. Suffering ceases for him who is pure. There could be not object in burning gold after the dross had been removed, and perfectly and enlightened being could not suffer.

Isn't that beautiful and bang on target. What are your thoughts on this? Do you believe that our psyches are irrevocably screwed up? If that is not the case, how can we change as individuals and assist others to follow a path a path of least resistance? Do comment and let me know.

Make a grateful day for yourself today!

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The Universe Is A Place of Bountiful Supply and We Are Living In It

Image by 2santoss via Flickr

I have no idea why I awoke with this song on my mind but I know there's a message there for me. So I found Desiderata's You are a child of the Universe and have reproduced it below.

I had forgotten how beautifully poetic it was and what's more extraordinary, it was written by Max Ehrmann who was born in 1872 and he copyrighted it before his death in 1945.

Check out Pearls of Wisdom footnote about the poem for more details about it's provenance.

Here's to lighting up your day and remember, the universe really is a place of bountiful supply and you are living in it!

You Are A Child of The Universe

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater
and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble,
it's a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Have a fantastic day everyone!

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Happiness Is Achievable But Do You Even Know How To BE Happy?

This is my good news day and it is all about the pursuit of happiness. Do you want to be happy? Sure, you'll say emphatically and happiness is achievable; I can assure you of that.

You have to love what you do and if you do not think you know, then it is time to experiment and find out!  As you will discover, you knew all along, didn't you.

Now, do you know how to be happy? Bet the second question got you, didn't it. With all the pursuit of happiness out there which I don't buy, here's the happiness quotient from much wiser minds and very connected people.  Watch now and learn how:

Matt Weinstein: What Bernie Maddoff couldn't steal from me (humour and perspective pays)

Gary Vaynerchuk: Do what you love (no excuses) This guy's story is incredible.

Steve Jobs: How to live before you die

Tim Ferriss (the 4-hour workweek guy): Smash fear, learn anything 
(what's the worst that could happen?) 

I believe that happiness is a choice; we forget that and we unintentionally sabotage ourselves because of habits we have learned. Make the change today; do what you have to do and make the parts you don't like a habit as Bob Proctor suggests; that way won't have to think about it (or moan about it).

Dr Cara Barker gives you a good talking to in How to be happy: Are you being too mean to yourself? Take the Challenge she lays down and make it work for you.

I sincerely hope that a word or phrase or subject in the videos pushes you and excites you in some way to help you find your way. Much love to y'all.




Never miss an opportunity to make others happy, even if you have to leave them alone in order to do it.  ~Author Unknown

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8 Ways To Be Inspired - GOOD NEWS - and Bring Out The Best In You

If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint", then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.  ~Vincent Van Gogh

Here are my 8 posts and articles to inspire you as they have me and bring out the best in you:

1 - Dani from Positively Present How to be your own hero - fabulous and thought provoking. I dare you to admit you recognise yourself in her descriptions!

2 - Andrew Shapter's 99 Definitions of Happiness -  to warm your heart and make you smile whether you're in the mood or not.

3 - Bob Lingvall's There is beauty within you: Finding the butterfly hidden within the caterpillar - when you think everything is wrong or even you, yourself, this is the pick-me-up and focussed meditation and "counselling" you need.

4 - Cara Barker's Calling back your spirit and taking the 21-Day Challenge to stop bullying yourself - her words shake you up and tell you "you can; you are capable, and hey, get with the programme". It's just wow!

5 - Judith Rich's Are you available for miracles? This one hits you in the gut, like oof. A not-to-be-missed post! I'll let Judith talk about it herself:

~ Perhaps a more accurate title for my post would have been, "Can We Conspire With Life For Our Highest Good? For indeed, life itself is a neutral event, not aimed at anyone in particular.

Life is impersonal that way. Life happens and we receive it. How we choose to receive life, regardless of its content, will determine whether we'll turn it into material for suffering or use it to open new possibilities. ~

6 - Allan Cohen's Are you as happy as your dog? Read on to find out why you should be.

7 - Anne Naylor's How open to opportunity are you? We lie to ourselves a lot; pretty damn often in fact. We bitch and moan, beating ourselves up needlessly and when we're in that mood, others get to "share" in it as well. 

Anne encourages you to change the way you look at your life and face that person in the mirror. Lots of food for thought here and perhaps even some aha! moments.

8 - Jamie Oliver's talk about The power of food and on new, obese generation on TedTalks.  So very, very passionate, powerful and caring. He  inspires you to want to make changes in your plate now! 

I truly hope my 8 ways to be inspired and bring out the best in you provokes some thought and reflection. Let me know what inspires you to act and think differently, and how it has affected those around you.

As I am practising the value of compassion for 2010, I will end all posts in this vein:

Love life and life will love you back. Love people and they will love you back.  ~Arthur Rubinstein

And here's a lovely guy who started The Get Inspired Project.

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Thought for Today: NEVER GIVE UP!

Faith is a knowledge within the heart, beyond the reach of proof.  ~Kahlil Gibran

Thank you from a stranger

Amazing things have been happening for me lately. Can you imagine receiving one thousand dollars in cash as a thank you from a stranger; it's what happened to me and enclosed with the money was a card with Barbara Cage's poem Don't Ever Lose Faith in Yourself!

I was just being me and it confirmed that when you develop faith and self confidence in yourself and you walk your talk (the former does not come before the latter!), life goes the right way for you even though you may be doubting it and your sanity.

Have faith

It's particularly important when your authenticity makes others feel uncomfortable (as it will because faking is easier) as you steer your own course which naturally goes against the current.

Never doubt for a second (I'll give you a minute) that you're off-course.

Commit to being authentic

Shit like this happens to test us every day and every single day we must follow through and reaffirm and commit to being authentic.

You will find (and probably are) your own reward as I am learning as opportunities start finding you. It's a bumpy road at times and as I have found that only happens when you pay far too much attention (emotionally) to others opinions about you.

When you learn to shrug it off that road becomes the smoothest surface you will ever experience! Following is the poem this incredible person gifted me:

Faith is an oasis in the heart which can never be reached by the caravan of thinking.  ~ Kahlil Gibran

Don't Ever Lose Faith in Yourself

You may be feeling a little uncertain about your future right now,
but you need to trust your decisions and feelings
and do what is best for you.


The future will work itself out; 
you're the kind of person who can make it happen.


Don't let anyone else's negativity influence 
your dreams, values or hopes
Focus on what you can change and let go of what you can't.

You know your own worth, what you've accomplished,
and what you're capable of.


Your goals may take a bit longer and be harder to achieve than you hoped, but concentrate on the positives 
and combine faith with generous portions 
of patience and determination.


Step boldly and confidently into your future 
where happiness, success and dreams await you.


You have the potential for greatness...
never give up.


~ Barbara Cage

Have you ever been unexpectedly gifted? Who was it from, how did you feel and what do you think you did to call forth something so precious? Write and let me know.

A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him or her.  ~David Brinkley

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Eyes Have It: What Do Yours Say About You?

Photo: luis-galvez-I8gQVrDcXzY-unsplash

Are you a person of worth regardless of your circumstances? This question came to my mind following a shocking encounter that would have knocked me on my arse if I had not already been seated. 

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