Can't-Miss Tip To Uncover Genius

How I show up in the world matters.  And I have always tried to be respectful of others without forgetting that I am important too.

Some days, though, I have felt that I just needed to vent and complain and grumble. Then the lousy feelings inside of me would disappear.  I was sure of it.

But, what I noticed is when I complained to a friend about how another person was impacting me or if I shared how much it stinks to get cut off in traffic, I only felt more frazzled.  I did not feel comforted by my ranting or validated by my certainty that I was right.

So, I'm trying a new approach.  It's something simple that I borrowed from the book, The Power of Intention by Dr. Wayne Dyer.  I am looking for the genius in everything and everyone.

This week, I was commuting back and forth between San Jose and San Francisco.  I don't often have to deal with traffic and drivers who are in their own world and rainy weather that creates accidents.  So, it was the perfect opportunity to practice my new technique.

Each morning, I took a minute as I pulled out of the driveway to breathe and remember my intention.  I put on music that I enjoyed and focused on simply being in my car and driving.

I wish I could say that this alone created a smooth drive, however, that's not how the Universe works, right?  Once you make a declaration, the Universe give us a chance to practice.

Sure enough, there were drivers that needed to pull into my lane at the last minute without signaling.  And there were drivers going so sloooow, in the past, it would have made me crazy.

But, not this time.  As I focused on seeing the possibilities of greatness, it was easy to kindly make room for the driver to slip in front of me.  And, I stopped noticing that there were huge gaps between the car in front me and the car in front of them.

The difference this made in how I felt when I arrived at my destination was amazing!  I was more calm and peaceful and just had a general "feel-good" vibe about me that I can't explain.

The most noticeable result -  one day I ended up being 10 minutes late and, prior to my experiment, I would have been berating myself for not anticipating delays and for not leaving earlier.  This time, however, I somehow knew it was okay that I was late.

As I walked into the conference center, I simply said a quick apology and got down to work.   No one said a word that my being late was an issue.  Not even my boss.  For me, that was huge!

I can't explain how this all works from the simple act of setting an intention.  And, I know that it won't always be this way.  There will still be moments when I forget to cultivate this behavior within myself.  But, I am sure going to make the effort to use this in more and more areas of my life.

That is my hope - that this becomes something I do so naturally, it is now a part of who I am and how I live my life on a regular basis.

So, has anyone else experienced times when choosing to see things differently has created something unexplainable?

Today, I set the intention to allow the Universe to support me in making choices and decisions that uncover the genius in everyone.  

"Tell others about their genius.  Be as complimentary and authentic 

as you can.  In doing so, you'll radiate loving, kind, abundant, 

creative energy.  In a universe that operates on energy 

and attraction, you'll find these same qualities returning to you." 

~Dr. Wayne Dyer, The Power of Intention

"I shall pass through this world but once.  Any good therefore 

that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me 

do it now.  Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." 

 ~Stephen Grellet

Affirmative Prayer:
Going within, there is a radiant goodness, a brilliant light, an unconditional love that is all part of the Divine Intelligence.  This Intelligence is a dynamic force for beauty, for joy, for wisdom, for grace.

In the stillness, this Divine Intelligence moves through me, revealing what is right and what is beautiful in every moment of my day.  And with each action that I take, the excellence of Divine Wisdom guides my steps, expressing the vision that Spirit has for Its life as Sandy.  I am lifted to a higher level of Divine Insight and I am filled with faith as this Insight surrounds me with purpose and with strength.

And it is with purpose and strength that I claim the fullness of Life that is always available in every situation.  I welcome the uncovering of the sparks of genius in everyone that I meet and I allow those sparks to ignite into lives filled with passion and with magnificence.  Declaring that good and more good is right where I am, I make choices that prosper my finances and I make decisions that expose the love in all of my relationships.  I accept the feeling of newness and wonder that my life has as I wake each day, trusting that the Universe has my back in all things.

I am so grateful for the insight of Spirit that brings a calm and a peace to my choices and decisions.  And I am thankful that my purpose is clear as passion guides my steps.    I am filled with gratitude for my connection with others as we share the prosperity and the love that is our Divine birthright.

With great thanks, I release my Word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.  Life is good!  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

How Disease Reveals Perfection

When the subject of healing came up for this week’s Practitioner Studies classwork, I thought I was in good shape – literally.  I run, I bike, I make healthy eating choices and, most nights, I get plenty of rest.  Then, I flashed back to the time I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. 

In Science of Mind, Ernest Holmes states, “If our subjective consciousness were always clear, if it never received false impressions, the Spirit would always flow to the point of objectivity, and we would never make mistakes, would never be sick, poor or unhappy.”

I know now that my “disease” was really an event in my life where I had become separate from knowing the truth; that at my spiritual core, I am complete and perfect.  And, I believe, it was a way for the Universe to get my attention and let me know that I had some healing to do.  

I was holding something in consciousness that was no longer serving me.

About a year prior to the diagnosis, I had finalized my divorce, was living on my own with my two girls and rekindling my relationship with my now-husband, Kevin.  I thought I had worked through most of the pain from the split and had come out the other side in decent shape. 

In retrospect, I think I became lost in old stories full of judgment that fed some of the fear and anger over my situation.  And, not wanting to really let go of the fear and anger, at some level, I created suffering by hanging onto my limiting beliefs. 

Thankfully, I have always been spiritually grounded so I knew God was involved and available to help me move through this experience.  In this case, the Universe supported me in the form of Kevin.  I remember how, after the doctor released me from the surgical center, Kevin arranged for a weekend away at the beach on the North Coast to finish my healing.    

As we walked the beach, I re-connected to the feeling of Divine Love within me.  I moved through the pain I had been carrying around, releasing old hurts out to the vastness of the ocean.  I came back to the truth that unconditional love was always mine and had always been mine.

I allowed this event to be my teacher.  I embraced the lesson that I was not a failure because my first marriage did not work out.  I let go of the fear that because I had failed, I would never be successful at a new relationship. 

I learned that I am ALWAYS at choice and just because one relationship didn’t work out, I could choose to see things differently going forward into a new relationship.

I am grateful for the breakthrough that happened at that time, even though I didn’t see it until just recently.   It is evidence that healing is all within me. 

As I recognize what needs to be mended in my life, I stop and remember who I am – One with Infinite Intelligence.  I see my perfection and am free to let go and step into the life of my dreams.

So, what have YOU created in your life that no longer supports you?  What might need healing?  

Today, I set the intention to pay attention to my thinking, remaining open to healing old beliefs that no longer support me and to creating the life of my dreams.

"Growth is a very profound experience.  It can be beautiful and ugly, 

empowering and confining, pleasant and unpleasant, all at the same time."  

~Iyanla Vanzant

"And so the nature of God, the nature of man and of being

 is perfect and harmonious and whole.  And this is our work: to make 

a decision to let that nature reveal itself."  

~Dr. George Bendall

Affirmative Prayer:

In this moment, with the breeze gently blowing as the trees sway in the wind, there is only One Divine Intelligence, One Divine Love, that guides and directs and sustains.  Never stopping or standing still, It is continuous movement propelling all things toward joy, toward happiness, toward grace and toward peace.

In this place of joy and happiness, I am swept away by the Divine Love of the Universe.  I am a brilliant illumination of the Universe as it moves through and around me, expressing as me.  I can never be separate from being One with this Infinite Intelligence and I allow the true nature of Spirit to reveal itself through me in perfect, Divine timing. 

As I allow the revealing of Spirit to unfold, I accept the gifts of healing that are freely given.  I claim the perfection within me, trusting that all of Life's lessons are for my highest and best expression.  And I affirm that each experience uncovers a Divine Love that moves out from me to those that I meet on this journey until we are all aware of an energy of good in our world.  My thoughts create my experience and I welcome the  abundance and prosperity that manifest as a result of my right thinking.  I am living the life of my dreams!  

With great thanks, I delight in the perfect health, the financial wealth and the unending joy that are showing up as I move in their direction.  And I am so grateful for this moment, right now, that is filled with Divine healing.  I am thankful for a life better that I could even have imagined as I show up each day, sitting in expectancy of my good.

Standing in this Life Energy of love, I release my Word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done in the One Mind.  Life is so good!  And I let it be so.  And so it is!

Make The Practice Of Meditation YOURS!

In The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Deepak Chopra writes, "Pure consciousness is pure potentiality; it is the field of all possibilities and infinite creativity."  To access this field of pure potentiality (the first spiritual law of success), we must meditate daily as well as go into the silence and simply BE.

As part of my daily spiritual practice, I had set a lofty goal to meditate for 30 minutes, twice a day, as the book recommended.  I was on a mission to discover the brilliance and the beauty that I had heard was found only through sitting in the quiet.

And, I was reaching for something that I believed was missing in my life - purpose.

For the first few weeks, it was amazing how centered I became as I learned to stop fidgeting and settled in to the silence.  I also discovered that I was coping better with events in my life that would have been stressful prior to my meditation practice.

I was so clear that there was a bigger picture for my life.  I did not need to fall into the petty disagreements that normally would have irritated me.   I skated right through a few of my daughter's emotional, dramatic outbursts and her subsequent outpouring of misery that used to suck me down into her "stuff".

Then, life stepped in and I no longer had the time to devote to meditating.  I kept telling myself that it was okay to take a break and that I wasn't a failure for not sticking to the commitment I had made.

And - I was feeling guilty every single day.

Fortunately, I had my eyes opened when reading The Power of Intention.   The book reminded me that everything in life is a process.  Life is not a series of goals to be accomplished but a journey to experience.   I haven't lost anything by not keeping up with my goal to meditate.  I just needed to redefine exactly what worked for ME.

I had such clarity with my time in the silence and I am still able access that at any time.  Rather than sitting still, however, I could choose to use an activity like walking the dog to tune into the wisdom that comes from meditating.  I could spend just five minutes a day, not 30 minutes, to get out of my 'thinking' self and into my 'quiet' self.

And, if I wanted to sit in the silence for longer periods of time, that was okay too.  It is NOT about the mission to do it "right" - it's about making time to connect to the source of possibility within.

What I know for sure is that I have permission to make my spiritual practice MINE.  I continue to meditate because it opens the door for the Universe to create in my life.  It opens up my life to its full potential.  THAT is what my heart is calling for.

So, how much time works for YOU to sit the stillness?  What are your expectations from time spent in meditation?  

Today, I set the intention to take responsibility for my meditation practice, choosing what feels right for me to connect to the field of possibility.

"I want to know God's thoughts....the rest are details."  

~Albert Einstein

"Now remember this; you are the person; this is the place; now is the 

occasion; right here is the time; the word is in your own mouth; you are 

good enough; you know enough; you are spiritual enough."  

~Ernest Holmes

Affirmative Prayer:
Awakening to the magnificence of the new day, there is a recognition that there is only One.  One Divine Intelligence filled with beauty, with love, with joy and with peace.  This One Divine Mind surrounds all that is with good, always saying Yes!

As I move through my day, I am also surrounded by the all-good that is Life.  I am centered in the Divine Presence as It expresses through me.  And, I trust in the indwelling Spirit from which I am never separate, letting myself be guided as I tap into my intuition and into my heart.

Enthusiastically, I start each day connecting to the Divine Wisdom within by getting still.  I sit in expectancy of my good as I let the silence surround me with possibilities for my life.  I let go of any feelings that no longer serve me and instead choose happiness as I connect to my inner guidance in ways that are right for me.   I meditate, I contemplate, I pray - all are spiritual practices that bring a divine order to my life.  And I welcome the gifts that come my way, claiming my worthiness to receive the best that Life is bringing to me in every minute of the day.

I am so thankful to the Divine Presence within for my amazing life.  And I am grateful that I simply need to take a minute to be still and see that all is well.  I am filled with gratitude that something wonderful is being created as the Universe fills my world with infinite possibilities.

From this place of gratitude, I release my Word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.  It is divinely magnificent as I let it be so.  And so it is.

To Truly Work Through Issues, Change Your Perception

On the DailyOM site yesterday, Madisyn Taylor wrote, "It is only when we actively seek to work through our issues that we can lighten the load and our souls can evolve."

That's all well and good, however, there are times I wish I had noise-canceling headphones to drown out my issues.   Simple solution, right?  Sorry, pain and suffering, but I can't hear you right now!

I know there is an energy inside me that is pulling me toward my vision for life - pulling me toward being what I came here to be.  What if it is the pain and suffering that are pushing me toward that vision?  What if the heartbreak and loss are helping me to see what's going on inside of myself?

And, what if, fundamentally, it's my perception of the challenges that is the real issue I need to work through?

Being a student of Ernest Holmes and the New Thought community, I know that I am never separate from my source of good - from the Universe.  It is all contained within me - peace, harmony, happiness.

The reason for the challenges, then, are so I can push past them and really GET that everything is God.  It is the evolution of my soul.

God, Spirit, the Universe - whatever you choose to call it - is palpable.  I can choose peace in the midst of pain because it always available.  I can choose happiness over suffering because it's in every cell of my body.

It comes back to how I look at the situation - about how I perceive things in the moment.  And, it's always an opportunity to practice.  It's a chance to take off the headphones and examine what's going on internally - to be the observer.

It's a time to ask why the Universe is trying to get my attention.

So, what is the answer I get back?  I am pushed into the opposite of peace so I can grow through it.  I am thrown into the opposite of harmony so I can transform.  And now, my perception of the issues has changed into one that I no longer try to avoid.

Instead, I own my perceptions and learn to see how we are all so connected.  I bless my journey and flow with the obstacles.  I have become willing to simply allow and to connect to the wisdom within.

So, how do YOU change your perception when you are facing issues and challenges?

Today, I set the intention to be open to working through my issues, allowing for the evolution of my soul, with faith that the Universe is pulling me toward a bigger vision for my life.

"It is through weakness and vulnerability that most of us learn 

empathy and compassion and discover our soul."  

~Desmond Tutu

"As we recognize our Oneness with Infinite Intelligence, we are 

set free from uncertainty and pain.  Our heart is a living center, 

through which the Love of God flows to bless eternally not only our 

own lives but the lives of all whom we contact - as long as we 

realize this, our heart cannot be troubled."  

~Ernest Holmes

Affirmative Prayer:
In the exhalation of a single breath, there is a recognition that there is only One.  One Divine Intelligence that pulses through everything that is.  One Divine Wisdom that guides all of Life in sacred and special ways.

Entering into the consciousness of the One, I am filled with wonder at the Divine Intelligence within me, expressing as me.  Every cell of my body contains the Divine Wisdom that heals.  Every word that I say is spoken with reverence as Divine Love moves through me.

I open up and allow Spirit to guide me to a life that is amazing.  As I release old fears and worries, I am free to step into my joy, inspired by everything that is showing up in my life.  I take one step at a time toward my dreams and the Universe rises up to meet me.  My life flows easily and effortlessly and I welcome the love that surrounds me as I become more of who I am meant to be.  I claim the perfect evolution of my soul is right where I am now, in this moment.  I am kind to myself as I work through challenges, knowing that the experience is for my highest and best good. And, there is nothing that can hold me back!

I am so grateful for the guidance of Spirit that directs my path.  And I am thankful for the gift of transformation as I am reminded of my worthiness to receive.  I am filled with gratitude for the clarity of knowing the next right action to take toward the highest expression of God as me.

 It is from this place of gratitude that I release my Word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.  It is perfect!  And I let it be so.  And so it is.

Who Is Responsible For Your Difficulties?

It's funny how quickly I can get down on myself when I feel that I have failed at something.  I re-live the events and find all the mistakes that were made.  I talk to myself continuously about what I should have done differently.   I start the "catastrophe" thinking.

So - what would it look like if I decided to leave behind the voice that says, "Why do you always screw it up?"  What if I decided to embrace the failure and see it as a gift of guidance?

What if I took responsibility for the choices that brought me to that point?

Now - I can see clearly that I am the only one who can deprive myself of anything.  Life is not holding anything back from me.  Life is not making it difficult for me to thrive.   Those are blame-game stories that let me step back into playing small.

When I have failed and feel like I will never be a success, it's a great time to take a look inside myself.  Maybe I have some old habit that I'm hanging on to that needs to be released.  Maybe it's just that I have been too busy to be present to the moment.

So, what if I just show up and am fully receptive to life?   What if I continue to hold onto the bigger picture for my life and am willing to just "be"?

For me, receptivity is the key word here. Being receptive to everything that life brings allows me to adapt and to be resilient when there is change or upheaval or failure.

Perfect example - with the moving I have done over the last few years resulting in living in an apartment, I started comparing myself to others.   As if out of the blue, I seemed to be surrounded by people who owned their own homes and would talk about how beautiful it was and how excited they were.  And, all I could feel was frustration.  I had failed at the great American dream - owning my own home.

Aha!  THAT'S the story I am telling myself!

So, how do I fix it?  Taking a tip from the book I've been reading, The Power of Intention.  I am determined to keep my thoughts on higher energy feelings around this supposed "failure".  I remind myself how fortunate I am to live in the place that I do.  And, I am truly grateful for the clutter-clearing that was required to downsize.

I do, some days, still question if this is how my life is supposed to look.  After all, if I am a co-creator with the Universe, why have I not created something "better"?

But - I also have great faith in the Universe.  I let go of the feeling that I have somehow compromised and settled for less by living in an apartment.  Instead, I focus on the fact that I AM resilient.  I can adapt to change better today than I ever could before.  And, I trust that the Universe is always guiding me and that I am NEVER in the wrong place.

Best of all, I refuse to play small.  I show up every day as the wise, spiritual person that I am.   And I dare to take big, bold action - even when it's scary - because I know that the Universe has my back.

So, have there been times you've needed to be resilient in your life?  How did you adapt to change?

Today, I set the intention to welcome change, knowing that I am always in the right place at the right time and it is perfect.

"You live in a universe that has limitless potential for joy built into 

the creation process.  Your Source, which we call the universal 

mind of intention, adores you beyond anything you can possibly

 imagine.  When you adore yourself in the same proportion, you're 

matched up with the field of intention, and you've opted for 

the path of no resistance."  

~Dr. Wayne Dyer, The Power of Intention

"Creation is eternally going on; change is always taking place 

within that which is Changeless."  

~Ernest Holmes

Affirmative Prayer:
In the morning dew on the grass, in the fog that blankets the coast, there is a Divine Intelligence that moves through all that is, covering everything in love.  It is a Life that knows only good, only joy, only happiness, and It is a Source that brings fresh wisdom each day.

Looking within, this Source of Love, of Life, moves through and around me, expressing as me, in all that I do and in all that I speak each day.  I am always connected to Source, to Spirit, and my life unfolds with grace and ease as I take each step in my journey.

Affirming that the Universe always has my back, I allow my life to be guided by perfect, Divine order.  I let go and let God provide for my needs as I remain open to change.  I am supported by a Source that wants my highest and best and I stay centered in feelings of trust and of peace.  I am safe as Spirit directs my path and I am transformed as I lean into the possibilities of playing big.  I release any thoughts of lack or failure and welcome the blessings that show up in my life, knowing I am loved beyond measure.

I am so grateful to the Presence within for the gifts that are given and shared as I show up for life.  And I am thankful for the love that surrounds my every choice.  I am filled with gratitude for the abundant supply that is always available to me.

From this place of gratitude, I release my Word to the Divine Action of the Law, knowing it is already done.  All is well.  And I let it be so.  And so it is.