I realized as I was reading chapter fifteen that I don't really know anyone that wants to be happy, not according to how Michael defines choosing happiness. All of us say we want to be happy but we have "a deep-seated set of preferences" that we choose over and over again as more important than our happiness. Really wanting to be happy is about letting go of the qualifying of our happiness.
I want to be happy but my car isn't working.
I want to be happy but I am 10 pounds overweight.
I want to be happy but my boss is a tyrant.
I want to be happy but I had terrible childhood.
I want to be happy but I have had a string of bad luck.
I want to be happy but my spouse drives me crazy.
I want to be happy but I don't have all the money I need to do all the things I want.
I want to be happy but my kids are not making the choices I want them to make.
Really wanting to be happy is choosing happiness in all conditions.
What is really cool about making the decision to be unconditionally happy is not that I will instantaneously be happy forever more, but that I will get to see/recognize what I am making more important than my own happiness. What I am allowing to get in my way. When we consciously see the reasons we are selling out on our own happiness, my bet is that nine times out of ten we will easily be able to let go of the reason for not being happy, and be able to find our happiness again.
Now this may seem ridiculous, to choose happiness when things appear to be going wrong. What could possibly be the benefit of that? Well, in Michael's words, "your heart will be so open and your spirit so free, that you will soar up to the heavens." Choosing happiness even when there are justifications for not being happy is the key to "the peace that passeth all understanding," the freedom that generations of people have fought for, and the unconditional love upon which all religions have been based.
LOP is choosing joy over my set of preferences.
Living On Purpose (LOP) is remembering, believing in, and expressing who we really are. This blog is the sharing of the moment by moment experience of practicing Living On Purpose . . . because we all want to feel good.
Sunday 21 July 2013
Sunday 7 July 2013
An Untethered Soul Discussion -- Chapter Fourteen
Since my last Untethered Soul post I have probably read chapter fourteen three times. There is so much in it that I am enjoying, and each time I read it there seems to be yet another level of clarity for me. However, for this moment in time here are some of the highlights for me.
On page 132 Michael talks about peace. It reminds me of a realization I came upon a couple years back when people in my life saw me dancing around singing,"I'm a loser" (I think it is from an old Beatles tune). Now that may not sound like a great break through, but it was. It was representative of the freedom and peace I felt when I shed all cares about what others thought and said about me. It was a complete embrace of exactly who I am without editing, pretending or justifying. It was complete appreciation of myself with all blemishes, mistakes, and 'un-normal' aspects of me -- total peace . . . complete freedom.
What I heard on page 133 is that our power in life does not come from outer-directed control (trying to control everyone and everything), our place of power is inner-directed control (remembering Who I Really Am in every moment). It may seem like a scary thing to do, to let go of controlling our outer world, but that is where my peace and freedom reside.
There is the saying, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." In this chapter what I got is, "Insanity is resisting what is."
And lastly, on page 135, what I heard is that the walls we build around ourselves, to protect us, are the very walls that become the prisons that we resist, resent, and for which we blame others.
The peace and freedom I hear Michael referring to in this chapter far surpasses that for which any other person may hold a key. This peace and freedom is a gift from me to me and comes with wings un-clippable by anyone else.
When I LOP I know I am free -- that's what allows me to fly.
On page 132 Michael talks about peace. It reminds me of a realization I came upon a couple years back when people in my life saw me dancing around singing,"I'm a loser" (I think it is from an old Beatles tune). Now that may not sound like a great break through, but it was. It was representative of the freedom and peace I felt when I shed all cares about what others thought and said about me. It was a complete embrace of exactly who I am without editing, pretending or justifying. It was complete appreciation of myself with all blemishes, mistakes, and 'un-normal' aspects of me -- total peace . . . complete freedom.
What I heard on page 133 is that our power in life does not come from outer-directed control (trying to control everyone and everything), our place of power is inner-directed control (remembering Who I Really Am in every moment). It may seem like a scary thing to do, to let go of controlling our outer world, but that is where my peace and freedom reside.
There is the saying, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." In this chapter what I got is, "Insanity is resisting what is."
And lastly, on page 135, what I heard is that the walls we build around ourselves, to protect us, are the very walls that become the prisons that we resist, resent, and for which we blame others.
The peace and freedom I hear Michael referring to in this chapter far surpasses that for which any other person may hold a key. This peace and freedom is a gift from me to me and comes with wings un-clippable by anyone else.
When I LOP I know I am free -- that's what allows me to fly.
Friday 5 July 2013
Well-Being Breaking Loose
I grew up believing that if I didn't control life and others, if I didn't resist what I didn't want, if I didn't work hard and justify myself, 'all hell would break loose'. Very exhausting.
I now know that when I relax, when I open, when I let go, and allow life, 'all well-being breaks loose'. Very freeing.
LOP is being free.
I now know that when I relax, when I open, when I let go, and allow life, 'all well-being breaks loose'. Very freeing.
LOP is being free.
Saturday 22 June 2013
An Untethered Soul Discussion -- Chapter Thirteen
I find Michael's words to be so clear and ring so true, I don't think I have much more to say about them. So, I will let them speak for themselves.
"If you want to go beyond your model, you have to take the risk of not believing in it. If your mental model is bothering you, it's because it doesn't incorporate reality. Your choice is to either resist or go beyond the limits of your model." (page 120)
"If you really want to see why you do things, then don't do them and see what happens." (page 121)
"So, there are two ways you can live: you can devote your life to staying in your comfort zone, or you can work on your freedom." (page 122)
"When you truly awake spiritually, you realize you are caged. . . . You see that you're afraid to tell people what you really think. You see that you are too self-conscious to freely express yourself. You see that you have to stay on top of everything in order to be okay." (page 123)
"Throughout each day, you frequently hit the edges of your cage. When you hit these edges, you either pull back or try to force things to change so that you can remain comfortable. . . . Sometimes you can't even fall asleep at night because you're too busy thinking about what you need to do to stay within your cage." (page 124)
When you are trained, like a great athlete, to immediately relax through your edges when they get hit, then it's all over. You realize that you will always be fine." (page 125)
I could have included more, but my purpose was not to transcribe the whole chapter. Which of Michael's ideas put a smile on your face?
"If you want to go beyond your model, you have to take the risk of not believing in it. If your mental model is bothering you, it's because it doesn't incorporate reality. Your choice is to either resist or go beyond the limits of your model." (page 120)
"If you really want to see why you do things, then don't do them and see what happens." (page 121)
"So, there are two ways you can live: you can devote your life to staying in your comfort zone, or you can work on your freedom." (page 122)
"When you truly awake spiritually, you realize you are caged. . . . You see that you're afraid to tell people what you really think. You see that you are too self-conscious to freely express yourself. You see that you have to stay on top of everything in order to be okay." (page 123)
"Throughout each day, you frequently hit the edges of your cage. When you hit these edges, you either pull back or try to force things to change so that you can remain comfortable. . . . Sometimes you can't even fall asleep at night because you're too busy thinking about what you need to do to stay within your cage." (page 124)
When you are trained, like a great athlete, to immediately relax through your edges when they get hit, then it's all over. You realize that you will always be fine." (page 125)
I could have included more, but my purpose was not to transcribe the whole chapter. Which of Michael's ideas put a smile on your face?
Sunday 9 June 2013
An Untethered Soul Discussion -- Chapter Twelve
In this chapter Michael shares an allegory of us locking ourselves in a dark house, in the middle of a bright open field, searching for and trying to create some light. In other words, all we have to do is let go of our self created walls and the light naturally is shining.
Michael writes, "If you see a wall and it is protecting you from unending darkness, you will not want to go there. But if you see a wall that is blocking the light, you will want to go there in order to remove the wall." Pondering what is on the other side of my walls need not be viewed as scary. In fact, I want to be viewing it as fun and exciting; a place I want to go.
If I really get this chapter's allegory, that I am in a dark house out in the middle of a bright open field and I am wanting more light in my life, opening the door and walking through it is an obvious, easy, welcomed choice.
LOP is knowing that living a light-filled life may not be normal, but it is natural.
Michael writes, "If you see a wall and it is protecting you from unending darkness, you will not want to go there. But if you see a wall that is blocking the light, you will want to go there in order to remove the wall." Pondering what is on the other side of my walls need not be viewed as scary. In fact, I want to be viewing it as fun and exciting; a place I want to go.
If I really get this chapter's allegory, that I am in a dark house out in the middle of a bright open field and I am wanting more light in my life, opening the door and walking through it is an obvious, easy, welcomed choice.
LOP is knowing that living a light-filled life may not be normal, but it is natural.
Saturday 1 June 2013
An Untethered Soul Discussion -- Chapter Eleven
I love this chapter of Michael's! Well, I love all of them, but this one really seems to bring it home for me. What I get from this chapter is resistance of what I don't like in my life (i.e. psychological pain) by withdrawing, pulling back, protecting myself, or defending my point of view, imprisons me. Letting it go is my path to freedom.
For me there is a physical analogy that depicts this psychological concept really well. My husband is an ART practitioner, meaning he does deep tissue work that has a reputation of being a bit uncomfortable (some may call it painful). When he works on me I notice that as his fingers 'dig' into a muscle my natural reaction is to resist/protect/defend by tensing up. As I tense up the initial problem becomes worse, and then I resist even more.
The answer to my freedom from the physical discomfort is to relax, breathe, and allow his fingers to assist the muscle to stretch and relax. As I open and allow his fingers to go deeper, amazingly it does not hurt, but instead actually feels good and I can sense a flow of relief. He has assisted me to get to the other side of the tight/knotted/resistant muscle. He has assisted me to relax into my bodies natural well-being.
I see that it is no different with psychological discomfort. When I resist something that happens, or something someone does, I become even more uncomfortable. If I allow the situation into my experience, remember to breathe, relax, stretch to embrace my truth of the situation, and trust the well-being, this situation assists me in getting to the other side of the resistance, to where my freedom awaits.
LOP is opening to that which I may want to resist and allowing it to assist me in remembering Who I Really Am.
For me there is a physical analogy that depicts this psychological concept really well. My husband is an ART practitioner, meaning he does deep tissue work that has a reputation of being a bit uncomfortable (some may call it painful). When he works on me I notice that as his fingers 'dig' into a muscle my natural reaction is to resist/protect/defend by tensing up. As I tense up the initial problem becomes worse, and then I resist even more.
The answer to my freedom from the physical discomfort is to relax, breathe, and allow his fingers to assist the muscle to stretch and relax. As I open and allow his fingers to go deeper, amazingly it does not hurt, but instead actually feels good and I can sense a flow of relief. He has assisted me to get to the other side of the tight/knotted/resistant muscle. He has assisted me to relax into my bodies natural well-being.
I see that it is no different with psychological discomfort. When I resist something that happens, or something someone does, I become even more uncomfortable. If I allow the situation into my experience, remember to breathe, relax, stretch to embrace my truth of the situation, and trust the well-being, this situation assists me in getting to the other side of the resistance, to where my freedom awaits.
LOP is opening to that which I may want to resist and allowing it to assist me in remembering Who I Really Am.
Friday 24 May 2013
An Untethered Soul Discussion -- Chapter 10
"The prerequisite to true freedom is to decide that you do not want to suffer anymore." This is the sentence that starts Chapter 10 of "The Untethered Soul". Seems simple enough and yet, I have watched myself be willing to give up the suffering in some situations more than others. We suffer by engaging in our fearful, pessimistic, or controlling thoughts. We may think we want to give up suffering, or that we don't suffer, however, if we pay attention we will probably find we are doing it on a daily basis.
After making the decision that I am no longer willing to hold myself back, to suffer, I then see that life is full of opportunities for letting go and being more free. Michael writes that we can find these opportunities to let go of our 'suffering' by hearing ourselves when we are focused on "the problem of the day." The Abraham-Hicks materials encourage us to use our emotional guidance system to realize when we are not being who we really are (which is suffering). Whichever way works best for us, there is no need to work hard at becoming aware of when we are still suffering. Once we genuinely decide that we are done with trying to earn our worthiness through suffering, we will easily see where we are ready to be more free.
Michael writes that when we catch ourselves suffering the key to freedom is to just be quiet. " . . . not that your mind has to be quiet. You be quiet. You the one inside watching the neurotic mind, just relax." We don't need to fight our thoughts, chastise ourselves for them, deny them, or worry about them. Just relax, and open, and watch them and we will realize that they are not us. Who we really are (WWRA) is actually watching the chatter.
Of course, I may find I need to remind myself to relax a few times, or ten times, well maybe a hundred times a day. But, this is not a concern because . . . "If you follow this path, the only action you ever take is to relax and release. When you start to see this stuff going on inside, you just relax your shoulders, relax your heart, and fall back behind it."
LOP is taking a breath, catching myself in those moments when I have forgotten Who I Really Am, and once again opening to the Me behind me.
After making the decision that I am no longer willing to hold myself back, to suffer, I then see that life is full of opportunities for letting go and being more free. Michael writes that we can find these opportunities to let go of our 'suffering' by hearing ourselves when we are focused on "the problem of the day." The Abraham-Hicks materials encourage us to use our emotional guidance system to realize when we are not being who we really are (which is suffering). Whichever way works best for us, there is no need to work hard at becoming aware of when we are still suffering. Once we genuinely decide that we are done with trying to earn our worthiness through suffering, we will easily see where we are ready to be more free.
Michael writes that when we catch ourselves suffering the key to freedom is to just be quiet. " . . . not that your mind has to be quiet. You be quiet. You the one inside watching the neurotic mind, just relax." We don't need to fight our thoughts, chastise ourselves for them, deny them, or worry about them. Just relax, and open, and watch them and we will realize that they are not us. Who we really are (WWRA) is actually watching the chatter.
Of course, I may find I need to remind myself to relax a few times, or ten times, well maybe a hundred times a day. But, this is not a concern because . . . "If you follow this path, the only action you ever take is to relax and release. When you start to see this stuff going on inside, you just relax your shoulders, relax your heart, and fall back behind it."
LOP is taking a breath, catching myself in those moments when I have forgotten Who I Really Am, and once again opening to the Me behind me.
Friday 10 May 2013
An Untethered Soul Discussion -- Chapter Nine
Posted to Facebook May 12th.
Well, I have found this chapter to be short, but to the point. Protect our thorns, or let go of them!
What Michael stimulated for me in this chapter, is a curiosity about what I am avoiding in my life without consciously realizing it. Here are some things I caught myself avoiding, that I was inadvertantly allowing to run my life: rush hour traffic, not getting enough sleep, being out in the wind, shopping/doing errands when everyone else was doing errands, certain foods/drinks I enjoy, having conversations with some people, getting assistance from others, rushing, taking care of things on my "to do" list, being out of control.
What I am hearing Michael say is that in my attempt to avoid situations like the above, I will go to great lengths. And these 'great lengths' will end up taking over my life until eventually the freedom I was trying to create by avoiding the situations has been replaced by the 'great lengths' that I have come to believe are true and necessary.
So, as I don't try and avoid, I can see that . . .
I don't create freedom by avoiding rush hour traffic, I am only truly free when I can sit in rush hour traffic and resist it not.
I don't create an energized body and mind by getting a certain amount of sleep each night, I feel energized when I let go of the things I am resisting in my life.
I don't create fun by being upset that the wind is blowing, I create fun by choosing to fly my kite with the help of the wind.
I don't create ease by trying to avoid others, I create ease by focusing on what I do want and allowing all others to do the same.
I don't create a happy, healthy body through a rigid routine, I create a flexible, adaptable body through balance and variety.
I don't create my reality by trying to control what others say and do, I create my reality by being fully present in each moment and being aware of what it has to offer.
I don't earn my worthiness by doing everything myself, my worthiness is natural, God given, a done deal, un-earnable.
I don't avoid feeling rushed by slowing life down, I avoid feeling rushed by trusting the speed of the current and that I don't have to manage every detail.
I don't handle things on my "to do" list through obligation or pushing myself, I handle them by knowing my answers are out there and I am on an adventure that will find them.
I don't increase my feeling of peace and freedom through controlling things -- that just creates more things to control. I increase my feeling of peace and freedom by allowing WIRA to show up when I let go of avoiding.
What thorns are you ready to let go of?
Well, I have found this chapter to be short, but to the point. Protect our thorns, or let go of them!
What Michael stimulated for me in this chapter, is a curiosity about what I am avoiding in my life without consciously realizing it. Here are some things I caught myself avoiding, that I was inadvertantly allowing to run my life: rush hour traffic, not getting enough sleep, being out in the wind, shopping/doing errands when everyone else was doing errands, certain foods/drinks I enjoy, having conversations with some people, getting assistance from others, rushing, taking care of things on my "to do" list, being out of control.
What I am hearing Michael say is that in my attempt to avoid situations like the above, I will go to great lengths. And these 'great lengths' will end up taking over my life until eventually the freedom I was trying to create by avoiding the situations has been replaced by the 'great lengths' that I have come to believe are true and necessary.
So, as I don't try and avoid, I can see that . . .
I don't create freedom by avoiding rush hour traffic, I am only truly free when I can sit in rush hour traffic and resist it not.
I don't create an energized body and mind by getting a certain amount of sleep each night, I feel energized when I let go of the things I am resisting in my life.
I don't create fun by being upset that the wind is blowing, I create fun by choosing to fly my kite with the help of the wind.
I don't create ease by trying to avoid others, I create ease by focusing on what I do want and allowing all others to do the same.
I don't create a happy, healthy body through a rigid routine, I create a flexible, adaptable body through balance and variety.
I don't create my reality by trying to control what others say and do, I create my reality by being fully present in each moment and being aware of what it has to offer.
I don't earn my worthiness by doing everything myself, my worthiness is natural, God given, a done deal, un-earnable.
I don't avoid feeling rushed by slowing life down, I avoid feeling rushed by trusting the speed of the current and that I don't have to manage every detail.
I don't handle things on my "to do" list through obligation or pushing myself, I handle them by knowing my answers are out there and I am on an adventure that will find them.
I don't increase my feeling of peace and freedom through controlling things -- that just creates more things to control. I increase my feeling of peace and freedom by allowing WIRA to show up when I let go of avoiding.
What thorns are you ready to let go of?
Thursday 11 April 2013
An Untethered Soul Discussion -- Chapter Eight
I love Michael's descriptions, in the first few pages of chapter eight, in regards to how many of us do life from a place of trying to control it. That couldn't possibly be because I relate to what he is saying : )
On page 71 he says, "If you have a lot of fear, you won't like change. You'll try to create a world around you that is predictable, controllable, and definable." And, "Because people don't deal with fear objectively, they don't understand it. They end up keeping their fear and trying to prevent things from happening that would stimulate it. They go through life attempting to create safety and control by defining how they need life to be in order to be okay."
Page 72 says, "If you attempt to arrange people, places, and things so they don't disturb you, it will begin to feel like life is against you. You'll feel that life is a struggle and that every day is heavy because you have to control and fight with everything."
Michael's recommendation for dealing with our fears, and moving beyond a life of struggle is to let the fears come up and then consciously decide to let them go. Don't resist them, just be a witness to them, and they will pass on through. It is my resistance to life that makes it uncomfortable.
The above are just a few of my favourite quotes from this chapter. What passages stand out for you?
On page 71 he says, "If you have a lot of fear, you won't like change. You'll try to create a world around you that is predictable, controllable, and definable." And, "Because people don't deal with fear objectively, they don't understand it. They end up keeping their fear and trying to prevent things from happening that would stimulate it. They go through life attempting to create safety and control by defining how they need life to be in order to be okay."
Page 72 says, "If you attempt to arrange people, places, and things so they don't disturb you, it will begin to feel like life is against you. You'll feel that life is a struggle and that every day is heavy because you have to control and fight with everything."
Michael's recommendation for dealing with our fears, and moving beyond a life of struggle is to let the fears come up and then consciously decide to let them go. Don't resist them, just be a witness to them, and they will pass on through. It is my resistance to life that makes it uncomfortable.
The above are just a few of my favourite quotes from this chapter. What passages stand out for you?
Thursday 4 April 2013
An Untethered Soul Discussion -- Chapter Seven
In chapter seven of The Untethered Soul we are 'Transcending the Tendency to Close'. This tendency, as Michael describes it, is what we do to protect ourselves, our self-concepts, or what some refer to as our ego. This tendency may manifest itself in the habits of withdrawing, closing down, pulling back, getting angry, putting up walls, becoming defensive, blaming, or trying to control the world around us. But, as Michael reminds us, "You will get to a point in your growth where you understand that if you protect yourself, you will never be free."
Michael outlines how we begin letting go of protecting ourselves. First, we just begin to notice ourselves protecting or defending ourselves. As I have noticed where I tend to react and close I have seen there are patterns; common themes.
Second, Michael talks about making a commitment to be free. In my experience 'making' a commitment is not something we do, it is something we become ready for as we realize it is us who is holding ourselves back. As I have witnessed the common themes of where I am protecting and guarding myself, I have had a growing knowing that I am ready to free myself from the chore of protecting these 'soft spots'. I see the amount of energy, time, and even money that I put into trying to control them. I can feel how I have come to a place where I am tired of it, and I am ready to move on. I am ready to be free.
Third, Michael shares with us that we will get to a point where we just notice ourselves making a different decision in those moments where we usually protect. We see or feel ourselves getting ready to protect/defend/close ourselves and we just choose to let it go instead. He writes that eventually what happens is, "Every place you go there's someone or something trying to disturb you, trying to get your goat. Why not let them have it? If you don't really want it, then don't protect it."
Thoughts that have helped me to let go are:
Stop.
Breathe.
There's nothing wrong going on here.
Choose to open (focusing on my heart or solar plexus area).
I don't know all the answers around this, nor do I need to.
I know micromanaging things never really creates the results/success I am desiring.
What I do know is I don't know all the possibilities here, and I want to stay open to them all.
My work is to relax, breathe, trust, and recognize my inspirations as they appear.
There is an ease and unfolding around this situation I want to find.
I am wanting to move through this to where my true freedom lies.
What do you find helps you to let go in those moments you catch yourself ready to protect?
Michael outlines how we begin letting go of protecting ourselves. First, we just begin to notice ourselves protecting or defending ourselves. As I have noticed where I tend to react and close I have seen there are patterns; common themes.
Second, Michael talks about making a commitment to be free. In my experience 'making' a commitment is not something we do, it is something we become ready for as we realize it is us who is holding ourselves back. As I have witnessed the common themes of where I am protecting and guarding myself, I have had a growing knowing that I am ready to free myself from the chore of protecting these 'soft spots'. I see the amount of energy, time, and even money that I put into trying to control them. I can feel how I have come to a place where I am tired of it, and I am ready to move on. I am ready to be free.
Third, Michael shares with us that we will get to a point where we just notice ourselves making a different decision in those moments where we usually protect. We see or feel ourselves getting ready to protect/defend/close ourselves and we just choose to let it go instead. He writes that eventually what happens is, "Every place you go there's someone or something trying to disturb you, trying to get your goat. Why not let them have it? If you don't really want it, then don't protect it."
Thoughts that have helped me to let go are:
Stop.
Breathe.
There's nothing wrong going on here.
Choose to open (focusing on my heart or solar plexus area).
I don't know all the answers around this, nor do I need to.
I know micromanaging things never really creates the results/success I am desiring.
What I do know is I don't know all the possibilities here, and I want to stay open to them all.
My work is to relax, breathe, trust, and recognize my inspirations as they appear.
There is an ease and unfolding around this situation I want to find.
I am wanting to move through this to where my true freedom lies.
What do you find helps you to let go in those moments you catch yourself ready to protect?
Thursday 28 March 2013
An Untethered Soul Discussion -- Chapter Six
In chapter six Michael shares with us that there are three ways I can react to every moment of my day; resist, cling, or allow it to flow through me. The first two reactions are the habits I fall into that create a result of closing. When I resist a moment I am trying to push away something I don't want. When I am clinging to a moment, I am trying to hang on to something that I do want. Both of those reactions are coming from a place of fear. The third reaction, allowing the moment, is the habit that allows my energy to continue to flow; for me to keep up to speed with ME. This is the reaction/habit of remaining open.
Examples:
Someone says something to me that is in disagreement with what I believe or what I want to do. I can resist them be trying to defend and, justify my point. Or, I can allow them to have their opinion because I know that they don't need to believe what I believe in order for me to believe it.
I apply for a job that I really, really want and I am clinging to it because I believe it will be my answers to some money problems, create stability in my life, and make me look good/successful. Or, I can allow/trust the unfolding of the job application because I know my abundance, stability and success come from my confidence in me, not an employer.
I meet someone with whom I am attracted. I can resist them because they remind me of someone who hurt me in the past. I can cling to them in the hopes that they are the one, and I will never be alone again. Or, I can let go of all my preconceived ideas and allow it to be a journey of fun, clarity, and an opportunity to practice WIRA, for however long it lasts.
What resist, cling, and allow examples do you have?
LOP is learning how to choose the reaction of allowing in all my moments.
Examples:
Someone says something to me that is in disagreement with what I believe or what I want to do. I can resist them be trying to defend and, justify my point. Or, I can allow them to have their opinion because I know that they don't need to believe what I believe in order for me to believe it.
I apply for a job that I really, really want and I am clinging to it because I believe it will be my answers to some money problems, create stability in my life, and make me look good/successful. Or, I can allow/trust the unfolding of the job application because I know my abundance, stability and success come from my confidence in me, not an employer.
I meet someone with whom I am attracted. I can resist them because they remind me of someone who hurt me in the past. I can cling to them in the hopes that they are the one, and I will never be alone again. Or, I can let go of all my preconceived ideas and allow it to be a journey of fun, clarity, and an opportunity to practice WIRA, for however long it lasts.
What resist, cling, and allow examples do you have?
LOP is learning how to choose the reaction of allowing in all my moments.
Thursday 21 March 2013
An Untethered Soul Discussion -- Chapter Five
Posted to Facebook March 21st.
What I am hearing Michael say in this chapter is we are energy, an endless supply of energy. The only reason I may not be feeling the energy is because I am blocking it. I block the energy by closing, and instead I want to choose opening.
Michael describes his experience of opening as something that happens in his heart centre. I recently read a metaphor by Wayne Dyer ("There's a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem") where he imagines a cord hanging from his hip and he can plug it into either the material world socket or the spiritual world socket. One creates a feeling of fear (closing) and the other a feeling of peace (opening).
I have always identified with the feeling of opening and closing in my solar plexus. When I am closed, especially for an extended period of time, I feel it as a knot in my gut. I also can conjure a feeling of opening by imagining a funnel of energy above my head (see page 139 "Living On Purpose: Life Beyond Mediocrity")
How, or in what part of your body, do you experience the sensation of closing and opening?
The quote I appreciate from this chapter is on page 46 where he simply and honestly says to us that, "defining what you need in order to stay open actually ends up limiting you." Which says to me that all the laws and rules we have are limiting us more than freeing us.
What are you defining you need to have a certain way in order to stay open? (Examples: the weather, how people drive, how much sleep I get, how my spouse or children act, how my house looks, the way others treat me, my body, our government, the food I eat.)
Suggested exercise: pick a day when you are going to notice, as often as you can, when you feel yourself closing/limiting yourself, and take a moment to consciously relax whatever area of your body you identified with in the first question.
LOP is limitless.
What I am hearing Michael say in this chapter is we are energy, an endless supply of energy. The only reason I may not be feeling the energy is because I am blocking it. I block the energy by closing, and instead I want to choose opening.
Michael describes his experience of opening as something that happens in his heart centre. I recently read a metaphor by Wayne Dyer ("There's a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem") where he imagines a cord hanging from his hip and he can plug it into either the material world socket or the spiritual world socket. One creates a feeling of fear (closing) and the other a feeling of peace (opening).
I have always identified with the feeling of opening and closing in my solar plexus. When I am closed, especially for an extended period of time, I feel it as a knot in my gut. I also can conjure a feeling of opening by imagining a funnel of energy above my head (see page 139 "Living On Purpose: Life Beyond Mediocrity")
How, or in what part of your body, do you experience the sensation of closing and opening?
The quote I appreciate from this chapter is on page 46 where he simply and honestly says to us that, "defining what you need in order to stay open actually ends up limiting you." Which says to me that all the laws and rules we have are limiting us more than freeing us.
What are you defining you need to have a certain way in order to stay open? (Examples: the weather, how people drive, how much sleep I get, how my spouse or children act, how my house looks, the way others treat me, my body, our government, the food I eat.)
Suggested exercise: pick a day when you are going to notice, as often as you can, when you feel yourself closing/limiting yourself, and take a moment to consciously relax whatever area of your body you identified with in the first question.
LOP is limitless.
Saturday 16 March 2013
Oprah's Big Questions
Posted to Facebook March 28th.
If you ever watch Oprah's Super Soul Sunday, you know that she ends her interviews by asking her guests to finish some sentences. Perhaps you might like to try finishing them too.
The thing that matters most to me is?
What is freedom?
I believe in?
I am grateful for?
The world needs?
What is the soul?
What is your definition of God?
If you could ask God one question what would it be?
What is your secret strength?
What's the best piece of advice that you have gotten?
What do you know for sure?
LOP is not about knowing what the right answer is, it is about knowing what MY answer is.
If you ever watch Oprah's Super Soul Sunday, you know that she ends her interviews by asking her guests to finish some sentences. Perhaps you might like to try finishing them too.
The thing that matters most to me is?
What is freedom?
I believe in?
I am grateful for?
The world needs?
What is the soul?
What is your definition of God?
If you could ask God one question what would it be?
What is your secret strength?
What's the best piece of advice that you have gotten?
What do you know for sure?
LOP is not about knowing what the right answer is, it is about knowing what MY answer is.
Advice from a Lake
Posted to Facebook March 20th
This past Christmas I received a bookmark from my sister with a quote on it from Ilan Shamir.
This past Christmas I received a bookmark from my sister with a quote on it from Ilan Shamir.
Advice from a Lake
Be Clear
Make Positive Ripples
Look Beneath the Surface
Stay Calm
Shore Up Friendships
Take Time to Reflect
Be full of Life!
Apparently lakes know how to LOP : )
Thanks to Shan, Ilan Shamir, and yourtruenature.com/learn
Thursday 14 March 2013
An Untethered Soul Discussion -- Chapter Four
Posted to Facebook March 14th
In chapter four Michael talks about the lucid self. I believe what he is referring to is what I refer to in LOP as 'who I really am' (WIRA). It's that part of me that is calm, confident, aware, filled with faith in regards to what I do want, not taking life and what is going on around me too seriously, a very present, in-the-moment experience of life.
Michael refers to the this lucid self, this consciousness, as the subject, and what the subject focuses on as the object, and the subject is aware of objects passing by it all day long (mental objects, emotional objects and physical objects), which is a nice balanced, centered way of moving through my day.
However, sometimes I may loose that centeredness a bit (forget who I really am), and he refers to that as getting lost in the object. We may get lost in worrying about something, we may get caught up in how wrong that guy was for cutting us off in traffic, we may become completely absorbed in a football game or a movie we are watching, we may get so focused on something at work we can't seem to pull ourselves away from it, and in those instances we forget we are the lucid self.
What are some objects you tend to get lost in?
My example: T.V., work contracts, what is going on with my parents and the changes they are experiencing, repairs and changes in our real estate projects, planning trips/events.
When, in what situations, do you remember that you are the subject, the lucid self, where you remain centered?
My example: my morning meditation/connection time, reading books like "The Untethered Soul", having 'conscious' coffee times with others, writing this blog, watching an Abraham-Hicks workshop.
LOP is about using each moment of my day as an opportunity to practice being my lucid self, and expressing that genius out into the world.
In chapter four Michael talks about the lucid self. I believe what he is referring to is what I refer to in LOP as 'who I really am' (WIRA). It's that part of me that is calm, confident, aware, filled with faith in regards to what I do want, not taking life and what is going on around me too seriously, a very present, in-the-moment experience of life.
Michael refers to the this lucid self, this consciousness, as the subject, and what the subject focuses on as the object, and the subject is aware of objects passing by it all day long (mental objects, emotional objects and physical objects), which is a nice balanced, centered way of moving through my day.
However, sometimes I may loose that centeredness a bit (forget who I really am), and he refers to that as getting lost in the object. We may get lost in worrying about something, we may get caught up in how wrong that guy was for cutting us off in traffic, we may become completely absorbed in a football game or a movie we are watching, we may get so focused on something at work we can't seem to pull ourselves away from it, and in those instances we forget we are the lucid self.
What are some objects you tend to get lost in?
My example: T.V., work contracts, what is going on with my parents and the changes they are experiencing, repairs and changes in our real estate projects, planning trips/events.
When, in what situations, do you remember that you are the subject, the lucid self, where you remain centered?
My example: my morning meditation/connection time, reading books like "The Untethered Soul", having 'conscious' coffee times with others, writing this blog, watching an Abraham-Hicks workshop.
LOP is about using each moment of my day as an opportunity to practice being my lucid self, and expressing that genius out into the world.
Thursday 7 March 2013
An Untethered Soul Discussion -- Chapter Three
Posted to Facebook March 7th
In chapter three Michael is asking us who we are, and he points out that the labels we usually use to refer to ourselves are not very accurate. So, over the numerous times I have read this chapter I have taken a stab at trying to answer that question without using the labels of names and roles. Here are some of my attempts.
The first time I read this chapter I wrote, "I am the unique expression of Source as me." As many of you may have noticed I took the easy route on this one and stole it from the Abraham-Hicks materials.
The second time I read this chapter I answered with, "I am the awareness and the experiencer." This one was primarily pulled from the concepts that Michael shares with us -- still not very creative.
The third time I read this chapter I had a number of attempts at fine tuning my answer and I ended up with, "I am an energy, a knowing, that well-being abounds, with a desire to play out that knowing, to experience it, to practice it, in this perception we call physical." Getting better, but still not done.
I also went through the "joy, love" one word answers, however, I knew there was more to it for me than that.
What is the answer that you have, for today, to the question, "Who are you?"
In chapter three Michael is asking us who we are, and he points out that the labels we usually use to refer to ourselves are not very accurate. So, over the numerous times I have read this chapter I have taken a stab at trying to answer that question without using the labels of names and roles. Here are some of my attempts.
The first time I read this chapter I wrote, "I am the unique expression of Source as me." As many of you may have noticed I took the easy route on this one and stole it from the Abraham-Hicks materials.
The second time I read this chapter I answered with, "I am the awareness and the experiencer." This one was primarily pulled from the concepts that Michael shares with us -- still not very creative.
The third time I read this chapter I had a number of attempts at fine tuning my answer and I ended up with, "I am an energy, a knowing, that well-being abounds, with a desire to play out that knowing, to experience it, to practice it, in this perception we call physical." Getting better, but still not done.
I also went through the "joy, love" one word answers, however, I knew there was more to it for me than that.
What is the answer that you have, for today, to the question, "Who are you?"
Friday 1 March 2013
An Untethered Soul Discussion -- Chapter Two
Posted to Facebook March 1st.
This chapter is about my inner roommate. Blah, blah, blah. Chatter, chatter, chatter. It can fill up a whole day and then I look back and wonder, "where did the day go?"
What I got from this chapter is that Michael wants us to realize that the part of us that is doing all the chattering is not who we really are (WWRA). On page 15 he suggests that when we are feeling disturbed about something to ask ourselves "What part of me is being disturbed by this? By doing this I can practice recognizing that the disturbed part of me is actually that part we often refer to as things like our ego, or the personality, or the habitual, or the human doing part of me. It is not WIRA.
Once I've remembered that the part of me that is disturbed is not WIRA, it has felt good for me to then ask myself, "What belief is disturbing me about this?" I found that my answer to this question would add even more clarity to the knowing that this disturbance is not WIRA.
Example: "Oh shoot, I am going to be late. I let that phone call/conversation/work on the computer/workout go on to long. I hate being late. What are they going to think? This is going to put me behind on my schedule for the rest of the day. I never have enough time."
1. What part of me is being disturbed by this? Well, it is that very small part of me that can become consumed with what is going on in this moment, in my little world. It's that small me that gets out of balance with the big ME that knows the sun comes back every morning, the seeds for the plants continue to appear, and that water continues to flow downhill, all without me controlling any of it.
2. What belief is disturbing me about this? I hate rushing. I hate pushing. I hate not being in control. When I am not in control I am vulnerable, unprotected.
3. What does WIRA know? WIRA knows I don't need to rush or push. WIRA knows that remaining calm is how I best arrive on time, and if I don't arrive on time, a simple apology is all that is needed. WIRA knows that there was no maliciousness or ulterior motive or disrespect in my lateness. WIRA knows it is an innocent bleep in the schedule and that there is an unfolding here that I will probably never really comprehend in its fullest. If I want a sense of control in my life WIRA knows I do not do that by trying to control all of the outside circumstances, but by my response to them. WIRA knows that there is nothing from which I need to protect myself; my invincibility comes from my 'vulnerability'.
Ahhh, that has soothed/quieted/stopped the resistance of the inner roommate.
What part of this chapter stood out or had value for you?
This chapter is about my inner roommate. Blah, blah, blah. Chatter, chatter, chatter. It can fill up a whole day and then I look back and wonder, "where did the day go?"
What I got from this chapter is that Michael wants us to realize that the part of us that is doing all the chattering is not who we really are (WWRA). On page 15 he suggests that when we are feeling disturbed about something to ask ourselves "What part of me is being disturbed by this? By doing this I can practice recognizing that the disturbed part of me is actually that part we often refer to as things like our ego, or the personality, or the habitual, or the human doing part of me. It is not WIRA.
Once I've remembered that the part of me that is disturbed is not WIRA, it has felt good for me to then ask myself, "What belief is disturbing me about this?" I found that my answer to this question would add even more clarity to the knowing that this disturbance is not WIRA.
Example: "Oh shoot, I am going to be late. I let that phone call/conversation/work on the computer/workout go on to long. I hate being late. What are they going to think? This is going to put me behind on my schedule for the rest of the day. I never have enough time."
1. What part of me is being disturbed by this? Well, it is that very small part of me that can become consumed with what is going on in this moment, in my little world. It's that small me that gets out of balance with the big ME that knows the sun comes back every morning, the seeds for the plants continue to appear, and that water continues to flow downhill, all without me controlling any of it.
2. What belief is disturbing me about this? I hate rushing. I hate pushing. I hate not being in control. When I am not in control I am vulnerable, unprotected.
3. What does WIRA know? WIRA knows I don't need to rush or push. WIRA knows that remaining calm is how I best arrive on time, and if I don't arrive on time, a simple apology is all that is needed. WIRA knows that there was no maliciousness or ulterior motive or disrespect in my lateness. WIRA knows it is an innocent bleep in the schedule and that there is an unfolding here that I will probably never really comprehend in its fullest. If I want a sense of control in my life WIRA knows I do not do that by trying to control all of the outside circumstances, but by my response to them. WIRA knows that there is nothing from which I need to protect myself; my invincibility comes from my 'vulnerability'.
Ahhh, that has soothed/quieted/stopped the resistance of the inner roommate.
What part of this chapter stood out or had value for you?
Tuesday 26 February 2013
The Camel and the Needle
The other day I was attempting to get a lot of things done; get them off my 'to do' list. Now, you'd think I'd know better than that by now, since I go on and on about Living On Purpose. But sometimes it is just so tempting to fill myself up by trying to accomplish a lot of things. Well, it didn't go very well. By the end of the day I was tired and frustrated because everything I had attempted to 'get done' had seemingly backfired -- sound familiar? I threw my hands up in exasperation and said, "I can't make anything happen!" Then a voice, and a chuckle from within said, "Ahh, you said it yourself."
I can't make anything happen, I can only allow them to happen. When I am making them happen I am forcing, controlling, worrying about, being right about things in order to get'em done. I may get away with this mediocre method of creating in my life for a while, but eventually it will lead to exhaustion and probably giving up.
As I heard myself say, "I can't make anything happen," the biblical reference, "it's like trying to get a camel through the eye of a needle" flashed through my head. In this story a rich young man wants to know what he needs to do to obtain eternal life, and Jesus instructs him to follow the commandments. The rich young man replies that he has done that and wants to know what else he needs to do. So Jesus tells him to sell all he has and follow him. Well, that feels like a lot to give up/let go of for the young man. He probably began to question how much he really wants eternal life? Jesus turns to his disciples and, in my opinion is meaning to exagerate his point by saying, " . . . it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
Well, sometimes it may seem more likely for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle (next to impossible) than it is to let go of controlling things, making things happen, or trying to fill the void of unworthiness through accomplishment and achievement, but it is not. LOP guarantees that letting go of making things happen, and instead relaxing into the ease and flow of allowing what we want, will be more productive. Productive as in bigger, better, and faster than what we were expecting through making things happen.
LOP means the willingness and belief in letting go is how the camel will fit through the eye of a needle .
I can't make anything happen, I can only allow them to happen. When I am making them happen I am forcing, controlling, worrying about, being right about things in order to get'em done. I may get away with this mediocre method of creating in my life for a while, but eventually it will lead to exhaustion and probably giving up.
As I heard myself say, "I can't make anything happen," the biblical reference, "it's like trying to get a camel through the eye of a needle" flashed through my head. In this story a rich young man wants to know what he needs to do to obtain eternal life, and Jesus instructs him to follow the commandments. The rich young man replies that he has done that and wants to know what else he needs to do. So Jesus tells him to sell all he has and follow him. Well, that feels like a lot to give up/let go of for the young man. He probably began to question how much he really wants eternal life? Jesus turns to his disciples and, in my opinion is meaning to exagerate his point by saying, " . . . it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
Well, sometimes it may seem more likely for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle (next to impossible) than it is to let go of controlling things, making things happen, or trying to fill the void of unworthiness through accomplishment and achievement, but it is not. LOP guarantees that letting go of making things happen, and instead relaxing into the ease and flow of allowing what we want, will be more productive. Productive as in bigger, better, and faster than what we were expecting through making things happen.
LOP means the willingness and belief in letting go is how the camel will fit through the eye of a needle .
Thursday 21 February 2013
An Untethered Soul Discussion -- Chapter One
Posted to Facebook February 21st.
What ideas/phrases stood out for you in this chapter?
My Answer:
Page 9 " . . .(the voice inside your head is) just trying to find a comfortable place to rest."
Examples: when I am thinking about something while I am trying to sleep -- brain buzz; when I am trying to find a solution and all I can see/feel is the problem.
Page 10 "What commotion is my mind making about life?
Examples: my Dad being moved into a nursing home; repairs that I want to do; how am I going to LOP with all that is scheduled for this year?
Page 11 "Narration makes you feel more comfortable with the world around you. . . . it makes you feel as though things are more in your control."
Examples: rehearsing conversations I want to have with doctors, family, repair people (often from a more defensive stance than a win/win stance).
Page 12 "This mental manipulation of the outer experience allows you to buffer reality as it comes in."
Example: I buffer what I am experiencing outside of me by interpreting it through my defensive/protective stance, and that reassures me that I am right, which feels better than interpreting that I may be wrong.
Page13 "If you decide not to narrate . . . you will feel more open and exposed (vulnerable)."
But, I will also feel more free, more ease, and more peace. I have realized that trying to control things just creates/attracts more things to control. I really do not want more things to control, I was just using control to try and feel better/buffer my perceptions of what is going on in the world around me.
What are your thoughts on these ideas, or others, in Chapter One?
What ideas/phrases stood out for you in this chapter?
My Answer:
Page 9 " . . .(the voice inside your head is) just trying to find a comfortable place to rest."
Examples: when I am thinking about something while I am trying to sleep -- brain buzz; when I am trying to find a solution and all I can see/feel is the problem.
Page 10 "What commotion is my mind making about life?
Examples: my Dad being moved into a nursing home; repairs that I want to do; how am I going to LOP with all that is scheduled for this year?
Page 11 "Narration makes you feel more comfortable with the world around you. . . . it makes you feel as though things are more in your control."
Examples: rehearsing conversations I want to have with doctors, family, repair people (often from a more defensive stance than a win/win stance).
Page 12 "This mental manipulation of the outer experience allows you to buffer reality as it comes in."
Example: I buffer what I am experiencing outside of me by interpreting it through my defensive/protective stance, and that reassures me that I am right, which feels better than interpreting that I may be wrong.
Page13 "If you decide not to narrate . . . you will feel more open and exposed (vulnerable)."
But, I will also feel more free, more ease, and more peace. I have realized that trying to control things just creates/attracts more things to control. I really do not want more things to control, I was just using control to try and feel better/buffer my perceptions of what is going on in the world around me.
What are your thoughts on these ideas, or others, in Chapter One?
Thursday 14 February 2013
A Dream Versus A Goal
Posted to Facebook February 26th.
My whole life I have felt challenged around the concept of setting goals. Not only do I feel they don't really work for me, I don't like how they feel. With that said, the idea of having a dream does feel good to me. So, what is the difference? It's the essence.
When I use the word goal the essence behind it for me is one of "I have to" or "I should". The way I grew up was if I said I was going to do something, it was set in stone, and come hell or high water, I had to make good on it. Goals often ended up feeling suffocating, limiting, controlling, burdensome, and exhausting for me. On the other hand dreams have the feeling of creativity, spontaneity, adventure, freedom, and there is permission to believe in ME.
Goals are often accompanied by dictated specifics like deadlines, measurable quantities, known outcomes.
Dreams are more general and allow the opening to answers that I may not yet know.
Goals seem to easily lose their initial appeal and end up feeling like work.
Dreams continue to fly with a momentum of their own.
Goals are easily used to judge myself negatively ("I'm not there yet.").
Dreams increase my appreciation for the experience. ("I'm so 'lucky' to be doing this.")
Goals can end up feeling like I am forcing something to happen.
Dreams feel like I am along on a great ride.
Goals feel like they are something I need to micro manage.
Dreams are something where I get to keep playing with the big picture.
Goals versus dreams; they are only words. What matters is the essence I attribute to them. One set of essences is mediocre, one is LOP.
My whole life I have felt challenged around the concept of setting goals. Not only do I feel they don't really work for me, I don't like how they feel. With that said, the idea of having a dream does feel good to me. So, what is the difference? It's the essence.
When I use the word goal the essence behind it for me is one of "I have to" or "I should". The way I grew up was if I said I was going to do something, it was set in stone, and come hell or high water, I had to make good on it. Goals often ended up feeling suffocating, limiting, controlling, burdensome, and exhausting for me. On the other hand dreams have the feeling of creativity, spontaneity, adventure, freedom, and there is permission to believe in ME.
Goals are often accompanied by dictated specifics like deadlines, measurable quantities, known outcomes.
Dreams are more general and allow the opening to answers that I may not yet know.
Goals seem to easily lose their initial appeal and end up feeling like work.
Dreams continue to fly with a momentum of their own.
Goals are easily used to judge myself negatively ("I'm not there yet.").
Dreams increase my appreciation for the experience. ("I'm so 'lucky' to be doing this.")
Goals can end up feeling like I am forcing something to happen.
Dreams feel like I am along on a great ride.
Goals feel like they are something I need to micro manage.
Dreams are something where I get to keep playing with the big picture.
Goals versus dreams; they are only words. What matters is the essence I attribute to them. One set of essences is mediocre, one is LOP.
An "Untethered Soul" Discussion -- Introduction
Posted to Facebook February 14th.
"This above all: to thine own self be true. . ." William Shakespeare
Michael asks the question on page two, "Are the many aspects of my being all equally part of my 'self,' or is there only one of me -- and if so, which, where, how, and why?"
My answer: I believe there is one authentic me; that's what I refer to as 'who I really am' (WIRA). As a child I can remember specific instances when I said to myself, "I just want to be me." It was a gut feeling that there was a ME I was wanting to be, and I knew I wasn't. But I didn't really know who that ME was, or how to be it. In addition, I didn't seem to be able to catch or recognize when I wasn't being ME. And, at that time, I never even considered the question of who it was that knew there was a difference between me and ME? I have spent the last forty years looking for answers to those questions and learning how to be ME.
Over time I have become better at identifying when I am being me (an image I present to others for protection/acceptance), and when I am being ME (WIRA). Every moment of every day is about being WIRA as best as I know how -- that's what I refer to as LOP.
What has been your experience in regards to Michael's question?
Friday 8 February 2013
"The Untethered Soul" -- Question One
What brought you to "The Untethered Soul"? What was happening in your life? What were you wanting more of? How did the book land in your lap?
My Answer:
I remember that for about a month before I found the book I had an intense feeling of wanting to be more open. I probably did not even know what that really meant for me, I just wanted to feel the opposite of justification and control and push (I had just finished a very busy contract).
My Answer:
I remember that for about a month before I found the book I had an intense feeling of wanting to be more open. I probably did not even know what that really meant for me, I just wanted to feel the opposite of justification and control and push (I had just finished a very busy contract).
I think I originally caught a snippet of Michael on one of Oprah's "Supper Soul Sunday's", and I just knew that I wanted to read the book.
As I look back now I can see how his words were a perfect match to my desire of wanting to understand/be more open. It seems like it has taken me farther than I expected, but I know that is not true. I asked, and was ready for, every morsel.
Now it's your turn (if you like -- or just listen)!
Go to Facebook: 'Living On Purpose With Sandi', for more discussion.
Thursday 7 February 2013
An "Untethered Soul" Discussion
As some of you know, a book I have really enjoyed this past year is "The Untethered Soul" by Michael A. Singer. I have read through it a few times now and have been feeling like I am want to continue to digest it, but perhaps now in a new way. I had invited anyone who was interested, to join in on a discussion group, however, that timing did not seem to work for people.
So, I am inspired to move forward with thoughts, questions, and potential discussion via blog and Facebook. Every once in a while I will post my thoughts and questions and highlights from one of the five parts of the book and you are welcome to join in if you are inspired.
My focus for the discussion is to:
-- take what we have heard Michael's words saying to us and evolve, digest, and practice them in our own lives;
-- help us remember who we really are;
-- build faith in who we know we really are;
-- find ways of expressing who we really are;
-- benefit from the momentum of co-creation; and
-- have fun
With Appreciation (for today's technology) and Anticipation (of digging into those pages once again),
Sandi
Friday 1 February 2013
A Cocooning Weekend
Sometimes the thought runs through my head that I just want to have a cocooning weekend. I think that desire is not so much about hunkering down on the couch with a blanket, good book, and a crackling fire (although, that will often do just fine), but about wanting some guilt, obligation, resistance, and 'should' free time.
I believe my cocooning desire is less about actually cocooning and more about finding and fostering the essences of (perhaps read these slowly enough that you can feel them) peace, ease, freedom, fun, spontaneity, creativity, and relaxation. And honestly, I could experience those essences in so many activities.
So I wish you all a cocooning weekend (whatever that means for you), and if a whole weekend doesn't seem possible then maybe a day, and if not a day maybe an hour.
Happy Groundhog Day!
I believe my cocooning desire is less about actually cocooning and more about finding and fostering the essences of (perhaps read these slowly enough that you can feel them) peace, ease, freedom, fun, spontaneity, creativity, and relaxation. And honestly, I could experience those essences in so many activities.
So I wish you all a cocooning weekend (whatever that means for you), and if a whole weekend doesn't seem possible then maybe a day, and if not a day maybe an hour.
Happy Groundhog Day!
The Sweet Spot
People sometimes talk about finding the 'sweet spot' of some activity. And no, this is not about adding sugar to something.
Golfers may find the 'sweet spot' with their swing when they let go of everything they have learned and experienced, and allow the intuitive body to take over and find the perfect swing for that shot with effortless knowing.
A speaker may have a well crafted speech planned, each word selected, and then during the delivery they listen to a flash of intuition that leads to a saying, or a story, or a statement, that is felt as a ripple of knowing throughout the audience.
A jogger may find a rhythm where they feel they could go on forever.
I love it when I find the sweet spot cross country skiing. It feels like the waxing. the conditions, and my energy level have all culminated at this perfect place where each glide is effortless and beautiful -- like I am flying.
'Sweet spots' may seem to be something that we only experience out-of-the-blue. As if they only happen when we are not expecting them, that they sneak in through the back door and then we find ourselves immersed in their wonder. However, I don't believe 'sweet spots' are meant to be an oddity in our life. They may not be normal occurrences, but I do believe they are natural.
Perhaps if we let go of what we have learned and experienced more often, listen to our flashes of intuition, and allow ourselves to find our rhythm, life would be more sweet.
LOP is living more of my life in the 'sweet spot'.
Golfers may find the 'sweet spot' with their swing when they let go of everything they have learned and experienced, and allow the intuitive body to take over and find the perfect swing for that shot with effortless knowing.
A speaker may have a well crafted speech planned, each word selected, and then during the delivery they listen to a flash of intuition that leads to a saying, or a story, or a statement, that is felt as a ripple of knowing throughout the audience.
A jogger may find a rhythm where they feel they could go on forever.
I love it when I find the sweet spot cross country skiing. It feels like the waxing. the conditions, and my energy level have all culminated at this perfect place where each glide is effortless and beautiful -- like I am flying.
'Sweet spots' may seem to be something that we only experience out-of-the-blue. As if they only happen when we are not expecting them, that they sneak in through the back door and then we find ourselves immersed in their wonder. However, I don't believe 'sweet spots' are meant to be an oddity in our life. They may not be normal occurrences, but I do believe they are natural.
Perhaps if we let go of what we have learned and experienced more often, listen to our flashes of intuition, and allow ourselves to find our rhythm, life would be more sweet.
LOP is living more of my life in the 'sweet spot'.
Friday 25 January 2013
Horse Then Cart
There is the saying, "you are getting the cart before the horse," meaning we are doing things backwards. We may get the cart before the horse because we think what we really want is in that cart, but we forget that the horse is the driving force, the fuel, the real focus, and what is in the cart naturally arrives because of the driving force of the horse. When we put the cart before the horse we have no driving force and it ends up being very hard work getting anywhere.
So, it's not money that is suppose to be the horse (driving force), that's what is in the cart and will naturally come with the horse. The horse is us being passionate about and enjoying what we are doing.
The weight loss is the cart; feeling healthy and energetic are the horse.
The 'perfect' mate is the cart; the ability to love and appreciate are the horse.
The university degree is the cart; the learning is the horse.
Success is the cart; having fun is the horse.
Convincing others of something is the cart; knowing what I believe is the horse.
Taking care of others is the cart; taking care of myself is the horse.
The all inclusive vacation is the cart; the ability to breathe, relax, and let go are the horse.
Having people over for dinner is the cart; having open and genuine relationships is the horse.
The winning of the medal is the cart; the knowing I can do it is the horse.
Our laws and rules are the cart; understanding each other is the horse.
The 'fame' is the cart; the being who I really am is the horse.
LOP is putting the horse before the cart.
So, it's not money that is suppose to be the horse (driving force), that's what is in the cart and will naturally come with the horse. The horse is us being passionate about and enjoying what we are doing.
The weight loss is the cart; feeling healthy and energetic are the horse.
The 'perfect' mate is the cart; the ability to love and appreciate are the horse.
The university degree is the cart; the learning is the horse.
Success is the cart; having fun is the horse.
Convincing others of something is the cart; knowing what I believe is the horse.
Taking care of others is the cart; taking care of myself is the horse.
The all inclusive vacation is the cart; the ability to breathe, relax, and let go are the horse.
Having people over for dinner is the cart; having open and genuine relationships is the horse.
The winning of the medal is the cart; the knowing I can do it is the horse.
Our laws and rules are the cart; understanding each other is the horse.
The 'fame' is the cart; the being who I really am is the horse.
LOP is putting the horse before the cart.
Monday 21 January 2013
LOP Is Not a Competition
Posted to Facebook Feb. 1st.
As we get on the path of LOP, and are interacting with others, we may find there is the tendency to want to prove to others we are LOP by sharing our exciting stories of 'getting it', or of desires manifesting. When I catch myself doing that I know I am caught up in an old habit/belief of wanting to prove or justify myself, my worthiness, my choices in life.
Contrary to that, the times I really feel like I am LOP, I don't seem to need to share or convince anyone of anything because it is so genuine, and complete, in and of itself.
When in groups of people who are practicing LOP, and the justification habit pops up, it can start to look/feel like a competition of who is LOP better. When I find myself caught up in such a conversation it is a good reminder that I have gotten off track. At that point I try and remember WIRA by letting go and just listening, really focusing on what the others are saying, and just appreciating the moment.
LOP is practicing LOP even when I am sharing my experience of LOP.
As we get on the path of LOP, and are interacting with others, we may find there is the tendency to want to prove to others we are LOP by sharing our exciting stories of 'getting it', or of desires manifesting. When I catch myself doing that I know I am caught up in an old habit/belief of wanting to prove or justify myself, my worthiness, my choices in life.
Contrary to that, the times I really feel like I am LOP, I don't seem to need to share or convince anyone of anything because it is so genuine, and complete, in and of itself.
When in groups of people who are practicing LOP, and the justification habit pops up, it can start to look/feel like a competition of who is LOP better. When I find myself caught up in such a conversation it is a good reminder that I have gotten off track. At that point I try and remember WIRA by letting go and just listening, really focusing on what the others are saying, and just appreciating the moment.
LOP is practicing LOP even when I am sharing my experience of LOP.
Henry David Thoreau
"Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplicity! Simplicity! Simplicity!"
-- Henry David Thoreau
-- Henry David Thoreau
Thursday 10 January 2013
Inner Directed Service
Posted to Facebook Jan. 25th
I recently heard someone speak about their goal of being in service. Sometimes we can feel we must put aside what we love, and who we really are (WWRA), to be in service, when actually I believe it is the exact opposite.
Service could be described as coming from two different directions -- an inner or an outer. When I am listening to the inspirations of WIRA, I am being inner directed. When I am trying to guess/figure out what others need, I am being outer directed. When I am inner directed I am infused with my passions and desires, excited about possibilities, eager for more. When I am outer directed it often feels like obligation or needing to control things. It can feel like we are trying to fix someone, like there is something wrong. One of these options inspires, brings hope, and uplifts, the other not so much.
And maybe our logical minds try to jump in and say, "That can't be possible! How can I possibly be serving anyone as I follow my dreams and desires?" But then I would ask, did Gretzky not serve us by playing hockey? Did Mozart not serve us by writing his music? Did Einstein not serve us by 'selfishly' focusing on his science? Did Disney not serve us by building his wonderland? Did Steve Jobs not serve us with his obsessive attention to detail? Did Mandela not serve us with his dream of freedom?
LOP is following my dreams and knowing THAT is my service.
I recently heard someone speak about their goal of being in service. Sometimes we can feel we must put aside what we love, and who we really are (WWRA), to be in service, when actually I believe it is the exact opposite.
Service could be described as coming from two different directions -- an inner or an outer. When I am listening to the inspirations of WIRA, I am being inner directed. When I am trying to guess/figure out what others need, I am being outer directed. When I am inner directed I am infused with my passions and desires, excited about possibilities, eager for more. When I am outer directed it often feels like obligation or needing to control things. It can feel like we are trying to fix someone, like there is something wrong. One of these options inspires, brings hope, and uplifts, the other not so much.
And maybe our logical minds try to jump in and say, "That can't be possible! How can I possibly be serving anyone as I follow my dreams and desires?" But then I would ask, did Gretzky not serve us by playing hockey? Did Mozart not serve us by writing his music? Did Einstein not serve us by 'selfishly' focusing on his science? Did Disney not serve us by building his wonderland? Did Steve Jobs not serve us with his obsessive attention to detail? Did Mandela not serve us with his dream of freedom?
LOP is following my dreams and knowing THAT is my service.
Thursday 3 January 2013
Doggy Footing
Posted to Facebook Jan. 21
We use the term 'pussy footing' to call up images of a cat carefully, quietly, slowly, calculatingly placing its paws with each step. Often the cat is putting a stalk on something he wants, and he doesn't want to disturb anything before he gets it.
We also use this term when referring to our human companions, although it may have a slightly different meaning. Human pussy footing is also sometimes referred to as 'walking on eggshells'. It too calls up the image of carefully, quietly watching ones step, especially when around a person we are not wanting to disturb. Children walk on eggshells around parents. Employees pussy foot around bosses. Spouses pussy foot around each other. We may pussy foot/walk on eggshells when we are asking for assistance from a store clerk. We may pussy foot around our neighbours or our teachers or authority figures. We may have been taught that the best way to exist in our world is to carefully, and quietly, watch our step.
Now compare that quiet, flying under the radar, cat to the image of a puppy, with paws three sizes to large for its body, bounding into a room to be a part of whatever fun might be going on. He may not be able to put the breaks on in time, there may be a few things knocked out of place, and there is certainly a change in the energy level of the room. There is probably a smile or chuckle on the faces of most who are observing. He is not apologizing for showing up. He is so ready for the fun that is available in that moment. He loves everyone that is there unconditionally. And, if there is something that shows up in the next room that looks like even more fun, without hesitation, or apology, he is off to check that out too. The puppy enters the room unabashedly himself. Yes, with time, this puppy will also learn to enter the room more reserved, but he will probably never pussy foot.
LOP is allowing myself to unabashedly, without hesitation, unapologetically enter the 'rooms' of my life. LOP is about doing more doggy footing.
We use the term 'pussy footing' to call up images of a cat carefully, quietly, slowly, calculatingly placing its paws with each step. Often the cat is putting a stalk on something he wants, and he doesn't want to disturb anything before he gets it.
We also use this term when referring to our human companions, although it may have a slightly different meaning. Human pussy footing is also sometimes referred to as 'walking on eggshells'. It too calls up the image of carefully, quietly watching ones step, especially when around a person we are not wanting to disturb. Children walk on eggshells around parents. Employees pussy foot around bosses. Spouses pussy foot around each other. We may pussy foot/walk on eggshells when we are asking for assistance from a store clerk. We may pussy foot around our neighbours or our teachers or authority figures. We may have been taught that the best way to exist in our world is to carefully, and quietly, watch our step.
Now compare that quiet, flying under the radar, cat to the image of a puppy, with paws three sizes to large for its body, bounding into a room to be a part of whatever fun might be going on. He may not be able to put the breaks on in time, there may be a few things knocked out of place, and there is certainly a change in the energy level of the room. There is probably a smile or chuckle on the faces of most who are observing. He is not apologizing for showing up. He is so ready for the fun that is available in that moment. He loves everyone that is there unconditionally. And, if there is something that shows up in the next room that looks like even more fun, without hesitation, or apology, he is off to check that out too. The puppy enters the room unabashedly himself. Yes, with time, this puppy will also learn to enter the room more reserved, but he will probably never pussy foot.
LOP is allowing myself to unabashedly, without hesitation, unapologetically enter the 'rooms' of my life. LOP is about doing more doggy footing.
Happy 2013!
Posted to Facebook January 2nd.
I've always liked the arbitrary, man-made event of moving into a new year.
I like the freshness, the 'turning over a new leaf', the 'new beginnings' feeling it has.
I like having a time in the year when I consciously reflect and put into perspective the past twelve months.
I like the feeling of clarity I get by revisiting my priorities.
I like taking the time to appreciate all that transpired in the past year; what I've learned, what I've enjoyed.
I like purposefully deciding what I now want.
I like the freedom of letting go of the old, and having a fresh slate.
I like the creativity of imagining the new.
I like the excitement of the unknown that is around the corner.
I like the promise of increased daylight.
I like making new plans.
I like the spaciousness that is created after Christmas decorations are again packed away.
I like the falling out of routine while on holidays and then the getting back into a routine.
I like the new year because it is a time when it is easy to reaffirm my intention to make decisions and choices in alignment with who I really am.
Happy New Year! May you perceive every step of the way as an enjoyable, ever evolving adventure.
I've always liked the arbitrary, man-made event of moving into a new year.
I like the freshness, the 'turning over a new leaf', the 'new beginnings' feeling it has.
I like having a time in the year when I consciously reflect and put into perspective the past twelve months.
I like the feeling of clarity I get by revisiting my priorities.
I like taking the time to appreciate all that transpired in the past year; what I've learned, what I've enjoyed.
I like purposefully deciding what I now want.
I like the freedom of letting go of the old, and having a fresh slate.
I like the creativity of imagining the new.
I like the excitement of the unknown that is around the corner.
I like the promise of increased daylight.
I like making new plans.
I like the spaciousness that is created after Christmas decorations are again packed away.
I like the falling out of routine while on holidays and then the getting back into a routine.
I like the new year because it is a time when it is easy to reaffirm my intention to make decisions and choices in alignment with who I really am.
Happy New Year! May you perceive every step of the way as an enjoyable, ever evolving adventure.
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