You Need To Get Good At This

Thoughts about work woke me up at 3am this morning.  And, of course, I lay there fighting between the tasks I had ahead of me and the need to get more sleep.  Talk about frustrating!

I had emails to get out and meetings to attend and things to correct & resend for approval.  Taking on this new job, I knew there would be a workload to tackle on some weeks but I was certain I could manage with no issues.  After all, I'm a spiritual being.  I have a whole took kit of tricks to keep my life balanced.

The real trick is remembering to pull them out when I need them.  Fortunately, I'm getting better and better at this as I continue my inward journey.

So, after about 20 minutes of letting my mind go crazy with thoughts of work, I called a halt to my spinning mind and switched into meditation mode.

What surprised me about this process is how quickly I was able to adjust my attitude.  With that decision to stop and to focus on my breathe, to connect with Spirit and turn over my work to a higher power that has all the answers, I began to feel a freedom and peace calm my thoughts.

There was a visceral feeling of stillness in my heart.  And flashes of insight emerged.

In the past, I would step out of meditation and write down the insights.  Instead, I stayed in the quiet and simply noticed as ideas came and went.  I stayed focused on my breath.  And, eventually, I fell into a restful sleep.

I am seeing that every time I turn to my spiritual practices for a solution, each experience is different.  It becomes deeper.  There is an acceptance for what is and then a release to trust and have faith that something wonderful is happening.

It's beautiful to see that my practice is paying off.  I only need to keep going and remember that, in every moment <even at 3am> the solution is within.

So, where are YOU seeing the efforts of your continued spiritual practices become something wonderful that works in your life?

Today, I set the intention to remember the power of my spiritual practices when the demands of my busy life start to overwhelm me.

"Dig within.  There lies the well-spring of good; ever dig and it will ever flow." 

~Marcus Aurelius

"Go within; get quiet; become still until the peace that passeth understanding descends." 

~Joel Goldsmith

Affirmative Prayer:
As the fog settles gently over the mountains, there is a knowing of the essence of life itself, a Divine Power, that settles gently over all that is.  It is the breath of the One Life; magnificent, joyful, serene.

In the newness of this day, I see clearly that I am the joy of Spirit made manifest.  I am the magnificence in every action, the serenity in every moment as I allow the One Creative Life to flow through me and around me in all that I do.

And as the fog clears to reveal the mountaintops, so too are visions and dreams for my life revealed. I see so clearly that I am here to create, to be happy and healthy, prosperous and strong.  Within me is the spaciousness to allow unlimited possibilities to flow forth into expression. I affirm that as I grow strong in the use of my spiritual practices, my life is transformed in beautiful, meaningful ways.  I say Yes! to Life and release what is in the way of something even greater unfolding on my journey. New ideas call to me and I step out in faith and trust, knowing they are a Divine expression of Life itself, and I will never need be overwhelmed, only take each moment as it comes.

I give thanks for the newness of my life with each day.  Life is so good and I am grateful for spiritual practices like meditation that allow me to go within and find peace and comfort.  And I say, Thank You, Spirit, for a remarkable life filled with wonderful experiences and loving, joyful people who lift me up.

From this place of deep, deep gratitude, I lovingly release my prayer to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is done and all is well.  God's got this.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.  Amen.

Photo courtesy of Alexcoitus/Flickr

How To Collaborate With Life

"We should know that the consciousness of good acts as a law of right action.  A consciousness of good, as it increases, always produces new and better circumstances in one's environment." Ernest Holmes, How to Use the Science of Mind.

That advice seems counter to the work harder, better, faster, stronger notion.  Set ambitious goals.  Get more done in less time.  Keep pushing forward.  Don't quit.  If you want it done right, you have to do it yourself.

So, do we only need to have a consciousness of good in order to achieve our desires?  Or must we work hard and struggle to be successful?

For me, I think the point is to let go of our human limitations and align with Life rather than blast our way through it alone.  Because, even though we are working harder, we limit what we think is possible.  Even though we hope there is something better, we tell ourselves that this is as good as it gets.

What if we opened up to possibilities better that we can even imagine and then enjoyed the journey?  It doesn't mean I slow my stride, necessarily, but that I turn this into a collaboration with the Universe.

I know that good and more good is mine.  I know that ever-increasing good is mine.  I remind myself of that every single morning.  And as that becomes habit, Life matches my thoughts and feelings, showing me that there are endless opportunities to manifest that which I desire.  

Life tells me 'Congratulations, something wonderful is happening to you and through you.'  And that is becoming all the encouragement I need to take a bow, accept my good, and say 'Thank you, Life.'

So, where are YOU fighting against the flow of the Universe?  Are you afraid to let your life be easy? 

Today, I set the intention to let my life unfold with perfect ease and grace, every day holding a consciousness of success and prosperity.

"It is possible for anyone to change the trend of his life not by hearing or

 reading truth, but by making it an active part of consciousness in daily 

experience until it becomes a habit, every moment of the day, 

instead of an occasional thought."  

~Joel S. Goldsmith

"If the doors of perception were cleansed, 

everything would be seen as it is, infinite."  

~William Blake

Affirmative Prayer:
Taking a deep breath and entering into this moment, there is no power but that of Divine Intelligence.  A living Spirit that is spectacular, brilliant, absolute.  And in every moment, Spirit is with me, reminding me of the truth of who I am; perfect, beautiful, powerful, courageous - existing for the self-expression of the One Perfect Life.

In this truth of who I am, any burden or struggle simply melts away and I am free to build up my consciousness of prosperity and abundance.  Embracing my journey, I welcome a newness and freshness of successful thoughts and feelings.  I have no doubt that my life is a celebration and I see the hand of Spirit showing me that I am fully supported in every area of my life.  The goodness of life bursts through the doors and windows, showering me with blessings and miracles every day and every night.  And I allow the possibilities of unlimited opportunities for greatness to be revealed in my life.

Smiling with joy, I give great thanks for the blessings and miracles that show me all that I ever need is right here, right now.  I am so grateful for the all-good of God.  Thank you, Spirit, for this wonderful revelation.

Breathing in again, I release my word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.  The outcome is perfect and assured.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Photo courtesy of Juan Ramon Martos/Flickr

You Might Risk Making Some People Mad

I am more and more convinced that everything in our lives has a season.  In my case, the career path I chose out of college had become no longer fulfilling and I was feeling as if I was selling myself short.  I was settling for less rather than reaching for my greatest potential.

Now that I've taken a sabbatical from work to discover what's next for me, and as I share that news with others, I've been surprised that not everyone is supportive of my choice.  It's almost as if they are angry at me for being able to take time off.

It's quite an interesting insight.  And yet, it's also a reflection of what I might have felt if I was on the receiving end of that news.

I have to admit that I spent a number of years being jealous of others, wishing that I had their life and complaining that similar opportunities for success never seemed available to me.

Now that I am cultivating more and more of an awareness of Oneness with the Universe, I can see that what I admired in others, that made me so jealous previously, is actually something that is also available IN ME too.

That revelation was a great lesson for me and allowed me to move beyond feelings of anger or resentment and step into gratitude that the opportunities I yearned for - the meaningful livelihood, the financial means and freedom to travel, the perfect home in a wonderful neighborhood - were available to me too.

And it was simply by rewiring my thoughts.

Every time I noticed someone with some aspect in their life that I would like to embody, I consciously shifted my thoughts to mentally say, "Congratulations, that's awesome."  And I followed that up by affirming: That which is in them is also in me.

At first, it was a challenge to want to congratulate them for their accomplishment but, like anything we practice and persist at, pretty soon, it changed my whole perspective and attitude.  Little by little, I started to really feel happy for them.

Now, I look for ways to compliment and encourage other's success.  And I envision that same success for myself.  I still use my mantra: That which is in them is also in me.

I am really grateful for that learning opportunity, especially now that I am on the other side of the lesson.   And it gives me a new perspective on the feelings of anger that I am now receiving.

I cannot live my life for others.  I realize that I might risk making people angry with me or jealous of me - and I may lose a few friends along the way - but I have to live my life how I choose and let go of what others think about it.

And what can I do for them?  Simply wish them the same insight that I received and hold the knowing that they too are up for the risk of making others mad.  Because it is a risk that opens the door to even greater things in the future.

So, where can you admire others for the qualities you'd like to create in yourself?  And in what area of your life are you willing to risk doing something great that may cause some people to leave your life?

Today, I set the intention to realize the same qualities I admire in others are also in me and I am willing to risk losing the support of some people in order to move into a bright new experience of living life to my greatest potential.

"When we meet each other, do we not feel that subtle Presence which flows

 through all things and gives light and color to our everyday experience?"  

~Ernest Holmes, The Science of Mind

"Many times we find it difficult to love our neighbor because we believe that

 our neighbor is standing between us and our good.  Let me assure you that

 this is far from true.  No outer influence for good or evil

 can act upon us.  We ourselves release our good."  

~Joel S. Goldsmith, Practicing the Presence

Affirmative Prayer:
With the start of this new day, there is a wonder and appreciation of the One Infinite Life that is present in this moment.  And as the day unfolds, a Divine Intelligence is revealed as wisdom, as power, as the all-good in every hour and minute of time.  It is a Creative Presence that is always accessible, always available, always guiding in exquisite, beautiful ways.

This Divine Presence is centered deep within myself and at my core, I am an infinite being.  I am Spirit expressing on an amazing journey of expansion.  And as I stay in this space of Oneness with Spirit, with Source, I become available to the limitless possibilities that arrive at my doorstep each day.

Affirming that possibilities for my life are everywhere, there is a vibrant energy that invites me to explore all options.  I can make no wrong choices, having faith that I am always in the perfect place at the right time.  And I can let go of any thoughts of jealousy or anger, knowing that what I see in others also exists within me.  We are all part of the One Infinite Universe - perfect, whole and complete at our core.  Leaning into this, I welcome the potential for greatness to uplift my life and those that read these words.  Doors are opening and lives are being transformed and I claim that it is all magnificent and done in perfect Divine order.

Returning to the wonder of this day, I am deeply grateful for the Divine Presence that shows me how good life can be when I relax into the qualities that exist within - qualities of peace, of love, of harmony and of grace.  I am thankful for the confidence in knowing I am so supported by the Universe that I can take a sabbatical and know that all is well.  And I am filled with gratitude for the light and the color in my world as I meet others who are also in tune to their Divine nature.

From a place of deep gratitude, I release my word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.  It is activated and revealed in everything I think, everything I say and in everything I do.  And I let it be so.  And so it is!

Photo courtesy of Rick Harris/Flickr

The Perfect Books to Read When You Need Healing

When I'm feeling the need for inspiration or there is a piece of me that needs healing, there are a number of tools I use.  Top of my list - books.  Books can change my mood from blah to woohoo! and they let me know I'm not alone in some of the challenges I face.

Here are six books that help me stay inspired.  Some are more recent than others but all of them are very relevant.  And - if I'm short of time and need a pick-me-up, I choose a book, center myself with a breath or two and randomly flip to a page or let the book fall open where it will.

Every time I've done this, the Universe always delivers to me the perfect text that I need to read in that moment.

Book One:  practicing the presence; Joel S. Goldsmith

This classic book from 1958 has transformed my daily spiritual practice of meditation.  If you are in need of a mantra, flip to any page in this book, choose a sentence to reflect on and go within.  You will soon feel the presence of God surround you and deepen your connection to Source - guaranteed.

Book Two:  Illusions; Richard Bach

If I am ever questioning my faith, this book reminds me that I am a powerful co-creator.  It is also where I borrowed the idea to let a book fall open to any page and read it to see what the Universe might be trying to tell me in that moment.

Book Three:  The Untethered Soul; Michael A. Singer

When I get caught up in my reflexive responses to challenges that show up throughout my day, this book reminds me that I am in control of my thoughts and feelings.  It has great, practical tools to set my conscious mind free from limiting beliefs.  The more often I turn to this book for help, the less other people are able to push my buttons.

Book Four:  The Power of Intention; Dr. Wayne Dyer

Dr. Dyer is wonderful at explaining how we are all co-creators with Spirit.  This book was my inspiration for setting daily intentions for how my day will unfold.  It also reminds me that once I have put my intention out to the Universe, I need only to let go and let God.  Part II of the book is filled with powerful intentions and is a great starting point if you are new to the concept that God is within each of us.

Book Five:  Peace from Broken Pieces; Iyanla Vanzant

"All things are lessons that God would have us learn."  When I need to put something in perspective, this book cuts to the chase and forces me to look at myself.  Forget about my story - what is it that I need to forgive and/or to heal?  The book also makes me feel that I am in a safe place, remembering that nothing can separate me from the love of God.

Book Six:  This Thing Called You; Ernest Holmes

It takes most people some time to get used to how Ernest writes and speaks. For me, this book was one that was clear and concise when it comes to determining how life got to be the way it is.  At its core, it is about prayer.  Any feelings of anger, sadness, hurt, frustration seem to fall away when I sit with a passage or two from this book.

So, today, I set the intention to embrace the pleasure of reading, knowing that time will be made for the opportunity to spend a moment with my favorite authors.

"We should think of our lives as an increasing awareness, an ever-growing

 and expanding consciousness, a never ceasing progress of individual and 

collective evolution.  There should be a constant joy in expansion, an 

enthusiastic sense of adventure in the progressive unfoldment of spiritual 

awareness.  It is enough to know that our good is with us today, that tomorrow 

this same good can be multiplied, and so on forever."

~Ernest Holmes

"When you realize how perfect life is, you will tilt your head back 

and laugh at the sky"

~Buddha

Affirmative Prayer:
There is a perfection in every moment of the day and night.  It shines as brilliantly as the sun and as effervescent as the moon.  This perfection is at the heart of the One that I call God, moving through and around all of Its creation, showering beauty and joy and peace and love over all this is.  Closing my eyes, I can sense the perfection of the One living within me, expressing as me, and filling me, just as the stars fill the night sky.

Absorbing the Power and the Presence of Spirit, there is a knowing that I always have an abundance of time to enjoy the pleasures around me.  Affirming my love of reading, I savor the opportunity to sit with a book that inspires and teaches and heals. Each author has written words that jump off the pages toward me in an amazing clarity of awe and wonder.  And I am called toward books that provide the words and phrases I need to hear in that exact moment.  Regardless of circumstances, these books hold a truth for my life that is relevant and filled with grace.

Claiming this, I sit in gratitude for my perfect eyesight that allows me the privilege of reading the written word.  I am thankful for the presence of Spirit that flows through each author as they write what calls to them.  Each life is Divinely guided and book and reader find each other in the perfect timing of the Universe.  For this, I am grateful.

Embracing this awareness, I release my prayer to the Divine action of the Law, knowing that it is already taking shape in perfect and glorious ways.  And I let it be so. And so it is!