Daily Inspiration 6-11-13

"Over and over again,

we lose sight of what is important

and what isn't.

We crave things

over which we have no control,

and not satisfied

by the things within our control.

We need to regularly stop and take stock;

to sit down and determine within ourselves

which things are worth valuing

and which things are not."

 

-- Epictetus (55AD - 135AD)

It is Spring after all . . .


Some Things Don't Change Much--Even In Over 1,880 Years. 

Spread Some Joy Today--Neither does joy. I'll have some of that today!

Daily Inspiration 6-10-13

"The simplest way to gauge

your current level of consciousness

is to tune in to your feelings."

 

-- Michael Neill

from The Inside-Out Revolution

Yesterday I was talking about how when others have something negative to say about us or what we do, our company, our friends, that it is among the most common of things to react, often in anger, and often then lash back at them. After all, it feels like an attack and we are trained to defend against attacks, and then punish the enemy for attacking our innocence to begin with. But, I indicated that this reaction is not only counterproductive, it is damaging us more and anything outside of ourselves. I also mentioned that having a space of time to consider what was said, can make all the difference in cooler head prevailing or not.

One of the best books I've ever read is a recent offering by Michael Neill called The Inside-Out Revolution. I highly recommend it and I am on my second reading heading toward mastery. To continue the quote above, he goes on to say, "When you're feeling low (angry, frustrated, stressed out, uncomfortable, unwell, etc.), chances are that your level of consciousness has dipped and your view of yourself, your life, and the world is relatively limited."

He continues, "When your mood is higher and you're feeling peaceful, loving, and content, chances are that the elevator of consciousness has begun to climb, and from these higher levels you'll naturally be able to respond more insightfully to whatever is happening around you."

He adds in the next paragraph about practice: "the more you look in the direction of what's creating the experience and away from the content of that experience, the easier it is to hear the quiet wisdom that can lead to a quantum leap in consciousness."

I love that last part, looking at what is creating the experience and away from the content of the experience. So often, we look at what is being said or what was done by others and taking it all so personally. But when we can step back, or in his case he talks about being in an elevator and rising above, we can see it differently. It makes it less real and more like a movie we are watching. We have space and perspective to casually look and see that it has no real power other than that which we have chosen to give it.


Yes, And Amen!

Spread Some Joy Today--What you focus on you will get more of. Why not joy? Why not love? Why not peace?

Daily Inspiration 6-9-13

"We all have the power to direct our minds

to replace the feelings of being upset, depressed,

and fearful with the feeling of inner peace."

 

-- Gerald G Jamposlsky

from Love Is Letting Go Of Fear

I have read much about enlightenment. To keep it incredibly simple, I think of this in three steps. Step one is Awareness. We need to be aware of other possibilities and also have a desire to become more aware. Step two is Integration. We need to practice, experiment, play with it, experience the journey so to speak, and three would be Enlightenment or practicing love master.

I am amazed at the length of time I am in awareness and integration. My awareness tells me, sometimes daily, hourly, or minute by minute, that I need to concentrate seriously, but playfully on integration, or putting it to practice in my life.

I want to do this through response, but it is my reactions that cause me to take a few steps back and try again with more sincerity. I'll give you a real life example. Yesterday, something came up and we were being attacked, or at least that's how it felt, by someone who wanted to restate the problem over and over and convince us of the blame we should feel and so on. Because we put love into almost everything we do in our company, it was hard to hear and our immediate reaction was one of defense and counter attack.

Fortunately, there was a time space that allowed our awareness and willingness to integrate to prevail. My mother used to teach me that space when I was very small. She would always say to count to ten before responding. Of course, it was amazing how fast I could count sometimes if I even used her advice. It seems natural for us to react and we see it 24/7 on CNN and other news shows.

I'll add a bit more from the extremely wise Gerald Jampolsky. After the quote above, he went on to say in his book, "I am tempted to believe that I am upset because of what other people do or because of circumstances and events that seem beyond my control. I may experience being upset as some form of anger, jealousy, resentment, or depression. Actually, all of these feelings represent some form of fear that I am experiencing. When I recognize that I always have the choice between being fearful or experiencing Love by extending Love to others, I need no longer be upset for any reason."


The Only Power In Reaction Is Fear And Chaos. I So Prefer The Real Power Of Choosing A Response Of Love.

Spread Some Joy Today--How important is any issue compared to love?

Daily Inspiration 6-8-13

"A musician must make music,

an artist must paint,

a poet must write,

if he is to be ultimately

at peace with himself.

What a man can be, he must be."

 

-- Abraham Maslow

I have a dear friend who is a guitarist. I don't say guitar player. That title I might give to myself, but he is a guitarist. He's got a special talent at the guitar and I have always loved listening to him play and sometimes sing along and entertain a group. He's good in a group as well, but really shines as a solo artist.

I've also had the rare privilege of recording music with him and finding just the right chord voicing. He has helped me with some of my own songs and in each and every case improved them dramatically. He is an artist and he is a musician. He is also one of the sweetest men you could ever meet, so full of love and interest and charm.

On more than one occasion in the thirty plus years I've known him, he was going to lay down his instrument and play no more. Each time that I knew about it I did everything I could to change his mind. To throw away something so valuable was unthinkable to me. To bring joy everywhere he played is too powerful an attribute to take so lightly.

Fortunately, he's come back again and again. I really think that when we have a gift like that which brings joy to ourselves and others that it is a gift that needs to be shared. It is aliveness in us and it begs to be expressed. To give it up would be to die inside

We are all multitalented. There are some things that we do that is probably not our main gig, yet they are such a part of us. Sometimes we might call them hobbies. So often we might think that if we aren't making money with a skill or talent, then it isn't really valuable. How sad that idea is. Making money might be a skill in its own right, but it should not be given so much importance that it rules our entire lives.


Sing. Dance. Play Music. Create. Enjoy. It's All Love.

Spread Some Joy Today--Do what brings you joy today!

Daily Inspiration 6-7-13

"One of the most important things you can do

is embrace your humanity. Connect with those

around you today. Say 'I love you,' 'I'm sorry,'

'I appreciate you,' 'I'm proud of you,'

whatever you're feeling. Send random texts,

write a cute note, embrace your truth and share it.

Cause a smile today for someone else,

and give plenty of hugs."

 

-- Steve Maraboli

This is the first time I've seen this quote, yet this is something I consciously decided to do in my life several years ago. I do these things all the time now and I know that some of those on the receiving end don't know quite what to think because it isn't 'normal behavior.' I don't care.

At first when I began it, it was awkward for me because it was so out of normal behavior from what I had learned, but I just kept doing it. After a short time, it mattered not what people did in the way of response. It only mattered that I said what I was feeling.

This behavior was really abnormal in business circles, yet I ignored that there was a difference between personal and business. In fact, I've told so many customers that I love them, it has become a new normal for me. Of course, it should go without saying that I mean these statements whenever I make them. I really do feel that way.

What I've also noticed in the practice of this is that it only matters truly how I feel about me doing this and it doesn't really matter at all whether there is a response from the receiving party. I guess you could say it this way: I do it for me and not for them, although it is a given that many, if not all of them benefit.

I highly recommend you trying it yourself. So what if it doesn't come back. That isn't the issue. It is the expression of your feelings that matter in the end.


The Bigger Benefit Is What YOU Become In The Process.

Spread Some Joy Today--Absolutely! It is an idea worth spreading!

Daily Inspiration 6-6-13

"Is there a difference between

happiness and inner peace?

Yes. Happiness depends on

conditions perceived as positive;

inner peace does not."

 

-- Eckhart Tolle

It took me a while to get this deeply. I realized as it is stated that happiness requires positive circumstances. Indeed, that is what happiness is described as when people express that word. Yet, inner peace is more like letting go of resistance, or letting go of the rope. It is more like allowing and acceptance. It is more like The Beatles song, Let It Be. In other words, it is okay this way and okay that way and there is not necessarily a preference. As I think about applying all of that in daily living, doing business and so on, I see that inner peace has much more power and significance than happiness, just as it would spiritually. It is so much more powerful to allow things to be whatever they are and go from there than to expect that they be a certain way in order to feel good.


Inner Peace As A Singular Goal Would Be All Inclusive.

Spread Some Joy Today--Smile and let go. Let go and smile. Either works. It's the letting go part that works.

Daily Inspiration 6-5-13

"Be kind,

for everyone you meet

is fighting a harder battle."

 

-- Plato

Well, some are fighting and some are just dealing with it, but I certainly agree that we all have issues that we deal with that others have no idea about.

I was thinking about the interesting and sometimes exhausting things going on in my life and how it isn't something I talk about generally. The reason for that is twofold: One, it doesn't really help me much to talk about it. In other words, it doesn't necessarily cause me to feel any better. To me, hearing myself talk of it, it sounds as if I'm feeling sorry for myself, and I really have no need of sympathy. And two, I realize that others have their own issues and don't really need any more.

At the same time, it helps to discuss things a little, in so much as I don't become a pot boiling over. One way to do this so it helps and doesn't hinder is to write out my thoughts and feelings as if in a sort of diary. There need not be any time commitment to the task, save whenever I feel the need, and that is sufficient. It does the job nicely.

I started this to discuss the idea of compassion. To me, compassion is unconditional love outwardly expressed and focused on another. It is a deep caring. It is kindness. Compassion isn't accepting others burdens, but instead honoring them. It is giving understanding though we may not consciously understand because deep down inside, we instantly relate to one another as if we are all one. Compassion is letting go of the idea of separateness.

As we deal with potential clients, existing customers, teachers and students, bosses and employees, family members, and total strangers, it is so powerful to offer kindness first. It is powerful because each of us has issues that we are unaware of. Some of those could be considered burdens to them. Kindness is that simple and love-filled tool that cuts through the surface of things thereby allowing our compassion to be seen and felt.


Whatever We Say Or Do, Let It Begin With Kindness.

Spread Some Joy Today--There is nothing better than love. There is no reason on earth not to share the never-ending resource with others.

Daily Inspiration 6-4-13

"An escalator can never break:

it can only become stairs.

You should never see an

Escalator Temporarily Out of Order sign,

just Escalator Temporarily Stairs.

Sorry for the convenience."

 

-- Mitch Hedberg

Problems can be a blessing or not, just as it or they are seen through our own eyes and mind. The size of the problem or the new opportunity is individually our own.


Regardless Of The Signs. . .

Spread Some Joy Today--May you see opportunities all around you today. Rejoice!

Daily Inspiration 6-3-13

"Trust that which you're attracted to."

 

-- Jack Canfield

Today I was delighted to listen to an hour each interview with some special authors that I love. A few were Jack Canfield, Esther Hicks, Denise Linn, John C Parkin, Marianne Williamson, and Anita Moorjani. I particularly enjoyed listening to Anita Moorjani.

If you haven't read her book published last March by Hay House titled, Dying To Be Me. I can wholeheartedly recommend it. It is a powerful book that will demonstrate that there is magic in the world.

This will sound a bit like a commercial, and I guess it is in a way, but Hay House publishes some very fine books from a wide range of great authors including, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Anita Moorjani, Jerry & Esther Hicks, and many more. They decided to put on what they call the 2013 Hay House World Summit in which they are sharing interviews with so many of their authors for over 100 hours, ten per day, June 1 through June 10th.

What a blessing this was and is to put this kind of event on. Sure, they have some things to buy if you want to buy them, but to listen each day for a period of time for free was cool enough. Go to www.HayHouseWorldSummit.com for the remaining days if you're interested. I found this such an excellent thing, and since I enjoyed it so much that I felt the need to share it with others.


Enjoy!

Spread Some Joy Today--The more we focus on joy, the more is found.

Daily Inspiration 6-2-13

"I have come to believe that coming true

is not the only purpose of a dream."

 

-- Lisa Bu

I watched a wonderful short TED video today by Lisa Bu. Her talk is all about books and specifically how books revitalized her views. She said, "Books have given me a magic portal to connect with people of the past and the present." Then, she added a personal remark that I thought was important. She added, "I know I shall never feel lonely or powerless again." I would say that this is a power-full statement in support of lifelong learning.

But, the part that really hit home with me and caused me to want to share this video and its message was when she said, "I have come to believe that coming true is not the only purpose of a dream. Its most important purpose is to get us in touch with where dreams come from; where passion comes from; where happiness comes from. Even our shattered dreams can do that for you." I've emphasized the part the caught me. Enjoy.

Open Up, Let Me In. We-Ooo. Oooo. We-Ooo. . .

Spread Some Joy Today--Get a new book and start reading!

Daily Inspiration 6-1-13

"In the culinary arts of life,

there is nothing more delightful to the taste

as a dollop of encouragement."

 

-- Albert K Strong

It is flat amazing what we can endure, when at least occasionally we are encouraged on our journey, our path, our mission, our endeavors. It is also amazing how little encouragement it takes to renew and refresh our efforts on that journey, path, mission and endeavors. It is also most lovely when it comes unexpectedly without request, or even necessarily hope. When it arrives this way, it is as a gift from God. And, surely He knew of the need, whether spoken or unspoken and it is each of our blessings to receive with wonder and inner rejoicing.

Have you traveled seemingly alone, perhaps wearily and through your perseverance kept on through more thickness than thin? Have you wondered if it was worth it all? Have you faced the lack of resources, energy and wisdom, and even on the edge, moved forward? If you have, as I, and then someone gives you just a bit of encouragement, expressing a belief in support, an offer of help, a gift of love, it is almost as if the reward of the final destination has been achieved. For, at the very least, the journey is shortened immediately--and joyously.

This isn't vague generalities, although it could be construed as such--no, this is something we all share don't you agree? And we rejoice together as it comes to pass for each other.

Bless you. Bless your journey. May my gift of just a bit of love and encouragement dare you to move forward with a renewed heart and joyous soul.


Today Is Yet Another Opportunity To Allow. It Is Also An Opportunity To Reach Out.

Spread Some Joy Today--Pay it forward!

Daily Inspiration 5-31-13

"The more we look without,

the more we go without."

 

-- Albert K Strong

This one is interesting, and seems so true in my own life. The more we look without; that is, outside of ourselves, the more we go without because it is those things that we accept and rejoice in that are real. Everything else is potential.

The other thing is that by looking outside of ourselves, we are essentially claiming lack. We are saying, 'this is missing from my life and I want it and I want to find it, and it is out there. Either they have it, or God has it, or I'm destined to find it someday, or I wish I had it. And, it doesn't matter what 'it' is. It could be love, a partner, a child, a job, a home, money, fame, or a million and one other things.

I think we have to look within, not without. To find strength, we need to look within. It was here all the time, we just misplaced it. To find love, that is all around inside us just waiting to be acknowledged and shared. To find God, we won't find Him by looking in church or anywhere else outside. He is inside and always available every nanosecond of every millennium.

Even if something is not fully manifested and visualized by our human eyes, if we cannot find it within us, it cannot be found outside of us.

Here's a few great words from a favorite author and teacher, Alan Cohen: "You just need to know the truth about your power. Belief is the vehicle through which power manifests. The word "believe" comes form two original words: "leave be." What we are willing to leave be, or let be, becomes real. We do not have to create good in our life, for all our good has already been created, and it is waiting for us to claim it."


"The Easiest Goal To Attain Is To Claim What You Already Are" -- Alan Cohen

Spread Some Joy Today--Celebrate all that you are and all that you have today.

Daily Inspiration 5-30-13

"On teaching people a lesson:

You're actually not teaching them a lesson,

because the people who most need to

learn a lesson, haven't, and won't.

What you're actually doing is diverting yourself

from your path as well as ruining your day

in a quixotic quest for fairness,

fairness you're unlikely to find."

 

-- Seth Godin

I was thinking about holding grudges and knowing some people who hold some with companies and people for a variety of reasons. They boycott the companies or do something else that is bent on teaching them a lesson, and it is a colossal waste of time and energy.

Like the quote above says: "what you're actually doing is diverting YOURSELF from YOUR path as well as ruining YOUR day." Not much revenge or justice there. And, it is so true that as we are angry, hold grudges (angry, resentful thoughts), we really do a disservice to ourselves more than anything.


Love Is Allowing Others To Be What They Choose For Themselves (Or Choose To Do) Without Any Insistence They Satisfy Us.

Spread Some Joy Today--Love them anyway. It's all good. And, love yourself in the process.

Daily Inspiration 5-29-13

"Sometimes letting things go

is an act of far greater power

than defending or hanging on."

 

-- Eckhart Tolle

Perseverance can be an important tool to help us get through some tough spots and help us get through to a successful conclusion. It can also be a great stumbling block and keep us on a path that is likely not to succeed no matter how much we want it to.

A friend knows I read a lot and suggested a book that he found interesting and helpful. The title is Necessary Endings by Henry Cloud. I read a good part of it and it reinforced much of what I have learned in my own life. Like the song, The Gambler made popular by Kenny Rogers said, "you've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em," Henry Cloud makes a case about the possibility that not giving into perseverance is a good strategy from time to time.

We're so often taught that sticktoitivness is a virtue, that perseverance is a virtue and that only the strong survive and many other popular ideas of overcoming is the best thing we can do and that when we fail to do these things, we risk being "three feet from the gold" in failure. This is such a strong thing that is taught us that we are repelled by the idea that to give in can be a good thing.

I know in my life that there are times when I have persevered and it paid off and I also know there were times when I let it go before it was done and it was the right thing to do. We are the only judge of that. It doesn't matter what others say (and remember they are probably enamored with the perseverance and hero ideals) about what we do. We need to make our own choices, have the courage to make them and then act in faith that we are our own best judge.


Quitting Is Not Necessarily A Bad Thing After All.

Spread Some Joy Today--Good on you for the choices you make. Keep making them!