Dr. Norm

Be happy!

2010-01-30T11:12:00.000-08:00

Are you one of those people who keeps searching for happiness? If you are, there's a stong likelihood that you won't find it. Do you know why? The answer is simple. Your happiness is within you. Surprised? Don't be.

Happiness is not something that's external to you. That's why people and things cannot make you happy. Surely, they can help to enhance your happiness. However, happiness resides within you. Only you can make yourself happy.

So, from this day forward, recognize that your happiness begins inside of you. Think happy thoughts, sing happy songs and engage in happy activities. You will feel very happy and on top of the world.

In this state, you will attract things and people to you that will enhance your happiness. Try it beginning right now and you will be very surprised. When you feel you attract like energy into your life. Therefore, refrain from going around unhappy and wearing a frown. You will only attract the same into your life.

You can get anything you want

2009-12-31T17:55:00.000-08:00

You can get anything you want. That’s true! Some of you may have doubts about this assertion and that’s understandable. It’s no wonder. There are so many people who’re making this claim on the blogosphere and elsewhere.

With the first decade of the twenty-first century coming to a close and in anticipation of the beginning of the next one, I’d encourage you to work with me on this little project.

Again, I can understand any misgivings that you may have given the rampant misinformation and scams out there. However, give it a chance. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

You have to understand that merely wishing or occasional wanting does not make you attract the things you want. You have to be focused on them. And you have to want these things badly.

Write them down and keep this information with you so that you can read it when you awake each morning, during the day and before you go to bed at night.

Picture yourself using the things you want in the desired situation and give thanks to God for helping you to acquire them. Do not tell anyone what you are asking for. Continue this practice until you get the things you want and add to your list as necessary.

By following the above advice you will manifest all the things you want. Try it and get all the things you desire.

Help others to get the things they want. And, also, make an effort to serve others in any way you wish.

A sure-fire recipe for success

2009-11-30T17:14:00.000-08:00

Do you find yourself always busy: hurrying here, hurrying there, and, at the end of the day, you’ve not achieved much of what you desire?

Do you feel as if you are caught in a revolving door going around and around?

And, when you look at where you are in life, do you think you should be further ahead?

If the foregoing describes you even a bit, you need to stop what you are doing and do some introspection. You need to get a good understanding of where you are and where you want to go.

Once you have made this determination, you have to re-think your strategy. You have to examine what you’ve been doing since it’s obviously not working for you.

Accept this fact and make considered changes. Don’t be a victim and keep doing the same thing over and over. If you do, you will only get the same result you’ve been getting.

You should endeavor to meet people who are accomplished in those areas you’re aspiring to succeed in. Alternatively, go to the library and conduct research on people who’ve succeeded in the same area(s). Emulate them and benefit from the tips they provide.

The rule is "work smart." Persistence breathes success; so don’t give up. Obstacles will arise; however, persevere and you’ll see that they are not insurmountable. You must keep focused on your goal. The more you do, these obstacles will disappear.

Understand that setbacks are a part of your growth. So do not be deterred. Learn from them and keep your eye on the prize.

Follow the preceding advice and your success will be assured.

Make it work for you; you can do it

2009-10-31T17:44:00.000-07:00

Do you get the feeling that your goodness has eluded you? If your answer to that question is in the affirmative, understand that you're not alone. Your ship has not sailed. You've to learn to be patient. Your abundance will not come to you on your schedule but on the Universe's.

In the meantime, you must watch what you think, say and do. Thoughts, speech and actions that are not wholesome will only further delay the flow of all that's good to you. Even in these bad economic times, you must hold your chin up despite the temptation to become despondent and harbor negative thoughts.

Refrain from comparing yourself to others. Rather, focus on what you want to achieve and the Universe will see to it that whatever it is comes your way. Do not make the mistake of engaging in acts that are unwholesome to make your dreams come true. Whatever you may gain by such means will not be lasting and will only make your life very stressful. Stress is unhealthy and unspiritual. You don't need it.

Do not spend your life thinking about what you don't have. Think, instead, about what you have. Be appreciative of eveything you have and be grateful. Give thanks to the Universe daily and express your sincere gratitude. Think that you can bring forth whatever you desire. Know that you can make it work for you and you'll see positive results.

Take steps to receive your abundance

2009-09-29T23:03:00.000-07:00

The natural inclination for many of us is to “stock up” on stuff when there’s a sale. We like to hoard things. However, such practices are ill-advised if you want to attract the things you want in life. Hoarding keeps us back since it fosters poverty consciousness, thereby preventing our good from flowing to us.

Free flow is the way of nature. Take a river, for example. It flows continuously and effortlessly toward an ocean, a lake, a sea or another river. And it transports various materials as it flows. People who live near a river often salvage many valuable items carried along by the flow.

On the other hand, a stagnant body of water can be a source of environmental hazard.
It is said that stagnation is death.

You must follow the way of nature. So, refrain from clogging up the conduit that’s bringing your good to you. Avoid “stocking up” on things. And give away things you don’t need or haven’t used in a while. Clear the path to receive your abundance!

Use your imagination to create whatever you want

2009-08-31T14:47:00.000-07:00

"Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire; you will what you imagine; and at last you create what you will." —George Bernard Shaw

Whatever you see around you is the result of a thought that originated in someone’s mind. Everything that exists in this world was preceded by an imagination of it.

You, too, can create whatever you desire. However, before you can make it happen, you must be able to develop a vivid imagination of whatever you want in all od its fine details. You must be able to see it very clearly in your mind’s eye.

And don’t worry about how whatever you desire will come about. Just be passionate about it and have faith in the process. These requirements represent crucial components for creating the things of your desire.

Practice the foregoing and anticipate the creation in the physical of the things you imagine that you want. However, you will only get positive results if you truly believe it. You will see it when you believe it!

Take charge of your life!

2009-07-30T20:59:00.000-07:00

"Would you like me to give you a formula for success? It’s quite simple, really: Double your rate of failure. You are thinking of failure as the enemy of success. But it isn’t at all. You can be discouraged by failure or you can learn from it. So go ahead and make mistakes. Make all you can. Because remember that’s where you will find success." –Thomas J. Watson, Sr.

Many people wait around for luck to come their way, and, after many years, they are still waiting. Whereas I do not believe in luck, as such, I’d ask them to take action while they wait for luck to arrive. In fact, a wise man once told me that the more he worked, the luckier he became.

With the foregoing in mind, I’d encourage you take charge of your life now. Do not sit back and leave things to chance or hand control of your life over to someone else. This is your life. It’s real and not a dress rehearsal. So, step up to the plate and take charge. Be the best you can in each inning of your life from this day forward.

I’ve used the letters of the word “Charge” to underscore this point:

C - Commitment and competence: Be committed to whatever you do and endeavor to be the best at what you choose to do. Don’t worry about if you can do it or if you have the skills. If you’ve thought about it you can do it. And know that commitment engenders competence to achieve that which you desire.

H - Honesty, humility and hunger: These are essential attributes for success in life. Be honest in everything you do and be humble while being hungry for the success you want to achieve;

A - Action, asking and attitude: It is very seldom that something constructive happens if you just sit back and do not act. And you must embrace lifelong learning. Learn from others. Ask questions of those who have succeeded doing what you want to do in life. And, develop and attitude by being constantly grateful and thankful to the Universe;

R - Resilience: Bend but never yield. Be determined and thick-skinned. Never lose your focus. Keep your eye on the prize. And do not let failures keep you from achieving your success. Regard them simply as learning experiences on your way to accomplishing what you want;

G - Generosity, golden rule, guts and gut-feeling: There's much power in being generous to your fellow human beings. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." You must have the guts to pursue a project but always follow your gut-feeling; it provides the best guidance; and,

E - Empathy. Have empathy for others. We are all interconnected. Therefore, we are our brothers’ (and sisters’) keepers.

Finally, love what you do; be passionate about it. Blaze the trail, if you must. There's much satisfaction to be gained from taking the path not yet travelled. And never ever accept that it can't be done because someone said so. Rather, prove them wrong.

Let go, and let God

2009-06-28T09:57:00.000-07:00

Whatever you do, do it with confidence and honesty with God as your guide. Make it a habit and think how you may serve humankind.

Don't let fear or negativity prevent you from pursuing your goals. Literally countless reasons will enter your mind why you won’t succeed. It is a normal occurrence. Try not to focus on any of them. Instead, think of the present. You can control it. However, you cannot control the things you may fear that might never happen. And always act with determination, love, peace, and clarity.

Never give up; even when it seems the odds are against you achieving the things you desire. However, don’t play God by trying to force things to happen. Rather, make it your business to pray and meditate every day. This practice will enable you to gain the inner calm and stillness that will enhance the clarity in your mind of what you want to achieve. It will help you to “Let go, and let God.” He’s always there to do the things for you that you can’t do.

I learn to be at peace even when there is outer disruption. I aim to be focused and calm. This approach enables me to become one with the ongoing presence and activity of God in me and in the situation at hand. I keep my faith active and strong and I follow the clear God-directed path that leads me to my good and also for the good of all.

It works. Try it for yourself and you’ll receive startling results!

How to get whatever you want

2009-05-26T18:23:00.000-07:00

Do you find it difficult attracting whatever you want, especially in way of material things? For example, do you find that monetary wealth eludes you?

There’s no doubt you’ve been told that working hard is the answer to yout problem. However, I’m sure you’ve discovered by now that it’s not the solution.

To attract whatever you want, you must give it away. If you want to attract money, make it a habit of giving away some of the money you have. Do not think that you don’t have lots of money and, therefore, you have to hoard the 'little' you have. Hoarding money promotes a poverty consciousness. It engenders stagnation and prevents growth.

I know it’s easy to say that you’ll give some money to family and friends or to charity when you win the lottery. However, you should be aware that money is present in great abundance. Nature provides an infinite money reservoir that can never be exhausted. When you give money you attract more money from this abundant source. This occurs because nature abhors a vacuum.

When you give away some of your money a space is thereby created that must be filled by a like entity. Therefore, money will flow in effortlessly to fill the void. This is a natural process that should never be impeded. Money is to be kept circulating. That’s why money is called currency. Like current, it is intended to be kept flowing.

In order to achieve your desired end, it’s better to give away money with no strings attached. You should surprise friends or members of your family by sending them some money.

If you prefer, give away money anonymously. Leave a few bills in an elevator, the library or the subway. Or, send money to someone who has suffered a financial setback.

If you practice the foregoing, you will attract so much money into your live you’ll be surprised. Try it and enjoy the feeling it creates within you.

Learn how to embrace your dreams

2009-04-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

I still meet people who, unwittingly, have given control of their right to pursue their dream to another person. They have put themselves totally at the mercy of a current or prospective employer. Sometimes, the person is their spouse, other family member or a friend. They haven’t learned that their desire to become, to do or to have whatever they want rests largely with them.

Then, there are those who grow impatient and cast their dream aside because it's not coming true fast enough. If you’re guilty of such an act, it’s maybe because you were trying to claim someone else’s dream. You must know the difference.

When a dream is truly your own, you’re passionate about it. You can literally taste it. Nothing in this world will make you abandon it. The passage of time becomes irrelevant in your pursuit. You know you want it and that you want it badly.

Going after your dream is not a sprint. And any notion of ‘overnight success’ is idle and wishful. In fact, it seems fair to say that there’s no such thing as overnight success. Real lasting success takes time to achieve. And, upon its realization, you’ll find that the journey is more satisfying than the attainment of the dream. Maybe it’s the reason there’re those who are able to realize one success after another with great satisfaction. They have acquired what it takes to succeed.

Have you ever noticed that people who’ve attained a first dream are able to attain others? Or, that if they achieve success and subsequently fall on hard times they can usually become successful again?

We become successful by depending on ourselves. Nevertheless, accept assistance from others in the pursuit of your dreams. However, do not put too much dependence on anyone. You have what it takes within you to achieve all your dreams.

Could your attitude be holding you back?

2009-03-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

"Set your sights high, the higher the better. Expect the most wonderful things to happen, not in the future but right now. Realize that nothing is too good. Allow absolutely nothing to hamper you or hold you up in any way." —Eileen Caddy

As human beings we tend to compare our life to that of others. In many cases we blame our situation on our gender, our race, the boss, the government or society in general. Very seldom do I ever hear people blame themselves for their life’s circumstances.

I’m not suggesting that you should start blaming yourself for what has happened to your life. Rather, I’m asking you to start right now taking stock of yourself. Your attitude may be sabotaging your success.

Many motivational speakers and others tell us that whatever we become or what happens to us is as a result of what we think about. I’d like to modify that message to say, “We become what we think about most of the time.” It’s our predominant thought that manifests.

Therefore, whether consciously or unconsciously, whatever we think about we become. You create your experience via your underlying beliefs whether they are conscious or unconscious. If you're not conscious of your beliefs then you must make them conscious.

As the famed psychologist, Carl Jung said "Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate."

Take a stock of yourself and change your attitude. Stop playing the blame game. Recognize that the power to improve your situation resides within you. Start by developing a positive attitude. Express gratitude and be thankful for the things you have and stop focusing on what you don’t have. The latter serves to engender a negative defeatist attitude.

Smile more. And, whenever someone asks you how you are, stop saying things like: “Not too bad,” “So-so,” “Just surviving.” Instead, say: “I’m in control of my life, I’m wonderful and I’m getting better and better.” Follow this advice and accept the changes that will occur in your life.

Be able to articulate clearly what you want

2009-02-21T11:57:00.000-08:00

Are you feeling weary? Are you losing hope with each passing day? Are you tired of the seemingly endless struggle you’re going through?

The odds are the present worldwide economic crisis has only made your situation worst. You must learn, however, that you can realize considerable improvements in your life despite the current downturn and that predicted for the next few years. Recognizing that you should not allow yourself to be defined by external circumstances is very important.

Regardless of what exists in the physical world, you have the facility to create whatever you want. That is to say, you can change what you see in your outside world.

However, you must refrain from focusing on the things around you that you do not want. Rather, try and see things the way you want them to be. Remember the well-known adage, “Whatever you focus on expands.”

Therefore, you must know exactly what you want and not think about what you do not want. Having a vague idea about what you want is not good enough. You must know and be able to express it in definite terms using positive words.

If you cannot articulate clearly what you believe you want, you do not know what you want! And, that’s a fact.

So, before you can change your present situation, you must take some time to thing about what you want in concrete terms. Once you’re clear about what you want, by focusing on it during your waking hours you will be surprised by the result.

Rid yourself of the institutional mind-set

2009-01-27T00:12:00.000-08:00

The institutional mind-set leads to institutional thinking. It is limiting and its sole purpose is to make us conform.

There’s a lot to be said for the freedom to think outside the proverbial box. It promotes creativity and the ability to develop new and innovative ways of doing things. Furthermore, it engenders personal exploration and enables us to determine our true purpose in life.

If you have difficulty accepting prescribed ways of doing things, do not become discouraged. Recognize that, despite the fact that we’re similar beings, each one of us is unique. Hence, it’s not unusual for us to reach our desired goals by traversing decidedly different paths. There’s no one route to attain our success.

Many entrepreneurial pursuits were triggered by a thought that others could not fathom because nothing like the product or idea existed. The inability was due to the fact that they’re institutional thinkers.

For real progress, allow yourself the freedom to think for yourself. Be skeptical of prescribed approaches to living your life. Place emphasis on personal inquiry and embrace self-discovery. And, finally, be wary of the rules and obligations that others may want to force upon you.

The power of meditation

2008-12-22T01:27:00.000-08:00

We allow our lives to be governed by countless fear-based thoughts, and related emotions, that condition us to accept limitations. Hence, we do not realize the power that we possess. As a result, sadly, many of us defer to celebrities and political figures to make things happen for us.

Immersed in a sea of negative thoughts, we imagine even more negatives. Consequently, in the physical, life becomes darker and darker and we feel increasingly helpless.

By blindly accepting these prevalent, negative thoughts we allow our life’s paths to be dictated by others. In addition, we allow external influences to control our lives.

Those of us, however, who are aware that it is our dominant thoughts and beliefs that provide the power will recognize the way out. We will appreciate the higher truth of who we are.

Our life mission is to connect with our innermost self so that we may transcend any apparent limitations. The reality we perceive with our senses is not the true reality. It is merely a small portion of reality masquerading as the whole.

Know that in life, there is no need to rebel. Instead, your goal should be to transcend. You should endeavor to "be in this world; not of it." It is your recognition that the outer world is a reflection of your inner thoughts and beliefs which have been conditioned by your experience.

Clearing yourself of negative energies through daily meditation provides a direct link to what is real; i.e., the pure consciousness residing within each of us.

Meditating will bring about your connection with the Spirit. Unhealthy emotions, such as fear and anger, will diminish gradually. You'll be freed to transcend to higher states of consciousness. More of your own true self will come to the fore, and, at the same time, you’ll attract to yourself others and things of similar vibration.

Your world will become more synchronistic. And you will repel people who are angry and fearful.

Those who stick around will be calmer and more centered. And you will radiate love.

Being in a state of higher consciousness gives you the potential to have a much greater effect on the world than the most gifted and well-meaning orators and political leaders. The higher your consciousness and energy are vibrating, the faster your thoughts will manifest.

When you tap into your innermost self, you become aligned more closely with the Source of all creation. Your consciousness will thereby connect you to the Divine Intelligence. You’ll then have at your disposal the entire Universe to help you manifest the highest good for all. You’ll have the power to create heaven on earth.

Calm breeds success

2008-12-16T09:14:00.000-08:00

Although it may not be very well known, it’s one of my favorite songs from the 1960s.The lyrics resonated with me quite strongly at the time:

“I get my kicks from watching people
Running to and fro’
And if you ask them, where they are going
Half of them don’t know
Yet they are the ones who think I’m crazy
But they don’t realize
That I’m just grooving; yeah grooving
Grooving out on life”

Take it easy. Don’t worry. And there’s no need to hurry. Follow this advice and you’ll see that you are always in the right place at the right time. And that good things come to you.

You will get to appreciate that all events take place according to divine timing. Whatever it is, if you need to be there it won’t happen before you arrive.

Know that your good belongs to you; nobody can take it or prevent you from claiming it but you. It’s yours. All you need to do is to get into the consciousness so that you can claim it.

The supply is unlimited; it can never be exhausted. In order to get yours, you must obey the spiritual Law of Supply and Demand: As you use what you have, you thereby increase your demand on the supply from the Infinite Source which increases as a result.

However, the demand must precede the flow. The demand comes when you stake your claim.

Recall the parable of the talents: More is given to those who utilize what they have. I’m sure you are also familiar with the saying: “God helps those who help themselves.” And Jesus also said: “For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance.”

Only you by way of what you say, your thoughts and deeds can impede or block the flow of goodness to you. You need, therefore, to watch what you say, and control your thoughts and actions. By so doing, it will ensure that you attain the requisite level of consciousness to effect synchronization with the flow thereby causing the realization of your desires.

Therefore, know that the right automobile will be there for you when you are good and ready to acquire it. Have you ever heard the saying: “What is for you cannot be un-for you”? Well, it’s true.

So, quit being anxious and know that land will be available for you to build your dream home whenever you are ready to do so. Stop the hurrying or worrying. Learn to exercise patience even when things go against your plans. Maybe your dentist or doctor happens to be running behind schedule and your appointment is delayed.

Relax and take the opportunity to glorify and offer praise to God in silent prayer. There’s absolutely no need to hurry or worry or be anxious. They are unspiritual actions.

As such, they serve to delay the flow of your desires from the Universe to you. Cease and desist your current practices and you will see your abundant goodness flowing to you to in an unimpeded manner. I guarantee it!

Don't give up on your dreams

2008-12-08T16:44:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard it said that, “Losers quit when they fail while winners fail until they succeed”?

This saying is so true. Those who believe in their dreams and are very passionate about them can relate to it.

They pursue their dreams with everything they have and they do not allow themselves to be bothered by distractions and so-called failures. You should follow their example in the pursuit of your dreams.

There will be many who will want to discourage you as you pursue your dreams. Those who tell you that you cannot succeed are only imparting their own fears. Go after your dreams and show them what’s possible when you believe in what you’re doing.

At the end of the day, you’ll understand that the real reward lies not in attaining your goal but in the journey toward its attainment. This latter has the potential to provide you with untold satisfaction. It will test your mettle and enhance your personal growth and development.

Therefore, never abandon your dreams. Rather, take any setbacks you face in stride Learn from the mistakes you make along the way and use them to make your dreams become reality. And with persistence and determination you’ll succeed in realizing your dreams.

You don't have to continue to live a mediocre life

2008-11-29T20:25:00.000-08:00

Are you satisfied with your present circumstances? If not, do you have a plan to change them?

Recognize that you have the power to change your present situation. Your life is not a dress rehersal. So don't treat it as if it were.Live your life to the fullest by unearthing your hidden potential and live the life you were born to live.

There're far too many people who, for oner reason or other, choose to live a mediocre life. They put off the things they want to do. And, as a result, they live an unhappy and unfulfilled life. Don't be like them.

You don't have to lead an ordinary existence. Think about what you want to achieve and pursue it in a steadfast manner. Know that there's no limit to whatever you want to become, to do and to have in this world.

At one of my seminars, a few years back, I went around the room to each attendee and asked the following question: "What would you do if you learned from your physician that you only had a couple of years to live?"

Despite all the wonderful things they said the would do, it was clear that they saw their dreams and aspirations as largely unattainable. It was quite sad for me to see so many capable and intelligent people seemingly letting life just pass them by. They accepted living a life they did not want to live. There was no doubt they all wanted more from life. However, they didn't seem to appreciate that they had a choice.

Therefore, my next question to the group was, "Why aren't you doing the things you say you want to do now while you have your whole life ahead of you?"

Don't wait until ill health makes it difficult for you to go after whatever it is that you want to achieve in this life. Try not to listen to those who may tell you that you can't do it. You will encounter many such people. Secretly they would like to improve their circumstances.

Their negative attitude says more about them than it says about you. I urge you to go after your dreams without undue delay. Your success will inspire them to pursue theirs. And it will make you feel pleased to know that you were able to help them by showing them what is possible. In addition, achieving your dreams will enhance your happiness.

To achieve your success, never leave anything up to chance

2008-11-20T22:26:00.000-08:00

I do not believe in luck. And neither should you. Nothing happens by chance. You have to go after whatever you want. By taking definite steps to get what you want, the forces of nature will conspire to help you in your quest. I guarantee it!

Develop a positive attitude and know that anything is possible. Focus on whatever it is that you want to become, do or have in this life.

Contrary to popular belief, achieving outstanding success doesn’t require you to work hard. Rather, it requires you to work smart.

You may not achieve your goals even after several attempts. However, that’s no reason for you to give up. Refuse to accept what is universally known as failure as a bad thing. It is not.

There’s a reason why you do not achieve, at first, that which you desire. Oftentimes, it’s because the Universe wants to teach you something. Once you’ve learned the lesson success will be yours.

So pay attention and enjoy the journey on the way to achieving your success. And aim high. Recognize that it takes the same amount of effort to achieve great things as it does to obtain lesser ones.

Believe it and you'll see it

2008-11-10T08:27:00.000-08:00

Are you one of those people who say, “I will only believe it when I see it”? If you are, I have to tell you that you’re missing the point.

You should understand that you must believe it before you’ll see. This latter approach works for everything. It’s consistent with what the Bible teaches: “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”

It appears, in general, the unwillingness to follow the foregoing guidance is more prevalent among those who exhibit left-brain dominance. They seem to be more skeptical than their right-brain-controlled counterparts; hence, they have difficulty manifesting their desires.

One must believe in the power of believing and have faith in the Universe. It is well known that faith is born of gratitude. A grateful mind expects good things and expectations become faith.

The Bible defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” So, whatever you desire in the invisible takes form in the material world according to your faith.

You must believe this truth. It will enable you to become, to do, and to have whatever you want in this world.

When you get the idea fixed in your consciousness that the desire you feel for an improved life is in harmony with the desire of the Universe for more complete expression, your faith will be further enhanced. And giving thanks to the Universe, when you pray for the things you own only in imagination, is a strong expression of your faith. Gratitude produces faith and grateful thanksgiving increases your faith.

You should practice the principle underlying what is called “creative spiritual anticipation of a desired outcome.” It is based on the power of believing. You combine the powers of your thoughts with oral prayer, and anticipate the attainment of what you want to accomplish. This practice is consistent with the Bible’s teaching, “What things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."

Simply believe it and leave the when and how it will be manifested up to the Universe. When you believe it you will see your desires manifest before your eyes. Try it and experience miracles for yourself!

Are you interested in seeing the result of a miracle?

2008-10-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

Do you spend your time worrying and complaining about the ‘little’ you have and are hoping or wishing for it to increase? You’re using a hopelessly futile approach.

What you should do instead is give away some of what you have to someone. There’s always someone who has less than you have and could use some help. It may be a relative or a friend whom you’ve not seen in a while. Surprise this person by sending them some money, for example. We can all use some extra money.

To that person your action is a miracle. In fact, once they get over the shock, asking what’s it’s for, saying that you didn’t have to do it and that they can’t accept it, don’t be surprised if they admit that your ‘gift’ came in very handy to help pay some overdue bills or to be used to buy dinner.

Whenever you give money to someone in need the Universe sees to it that you’re similarly rewarded. In a short while, money will come to you; maybe from a totally unexpected source. It happens due to a basic law of nature. Nature will always act to fill any space created.

Therefore, do not look at giving away some of your money as a painful depletion of the source (in this case your bank account). Recognize that more of it will come to you to fill the space created by giving away some of it. Understand that giving and receiving are actions that are inextricable linked. Have you ever heard the saying, “The more you give is the more you receive”? Well, it’s very true. Try it for yourself and you will see.

Sure-fire strategy to get all the money you want

2008-10-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

What did you hear about money when you were growing up? What did your parents say to you when you asked for money? What were the old money clichés you learned?

Whatever they were, they have created your inner “money mantras.” They influence your actions respecting money whether or not you are conscious of them. And, as a result, they contribute to your present financial reality.

Some people believe that the pursuit of money is inappropriate. This belief is fear-based. There’s a fear that if they amass a huge sum of money, it will corrupt them and make them a slave to material things, etc.

You may have heard that money is evil or that it will make you become selfish, uncaring, lonely and miserable. These are all falsehoods. Nevertheless, there are people who say they are satisfied with having just enough money to provide food and shelter for their family.

Therefore, you’ll hear them say, “I don’t care about having a lot of money” or “I do not want to be a millionaire.” There’re also those who have difficulty reconciling having a lot of money and being religious. They see the former as ungodly. Are you one of these people?

What’s of import is how you obtain money and what you do with it. Therefore, you must guard your words. Words are powerful. Saying you have no desire to have a lot of money, you’re telling the Universe, the source of the supply, that you’re contented with having little.

You must develop the mind-set that the Universe wants you to have as much money as you want to meet your needs and to help others. Having a lot of money will enable you to do so.

Clearly, you must care about money and think of all the good things you’ll be able to do with lots of it. However, you should not worship it. Rather, see it only as something that is used in the exchange of goods and services.

You should say each day, “I really want to help and serve people, and making a lot of money will help me to achieve this goal.” Recognize that you have the power to decide how to use the money, that flows into your life, for good. Donate to charity, expand your work to help more people, beautify your surroundings, give to the arts, and invest in worthy businesses doing socially responsible work.

We are spiritual beings having a material existence. We should not deny either reality. Our success in life is largely a function of how we're able to reconcile both. We create our own reality as a result of our attitudes, beliefs, thoughts and feelings.

To change your experience with money, you have to change your mind about money. The practice of positive affirmations will put you in the proper frame of mind. You will look and feel happier, more content—and that’s the look of people who attract a lot of money and put it to wholesome ends.

Whatever you think about expands. Think about money and the good having lots of it will enable you to do and you will be surprised to see the result.

Do not shudder when you think about having to pay bills, including taxes. Understand that money is to be kept in circulation so that more of it comes back to you. Think, rather, of the joy that money can bring to your life!

You must make room for your prosperity

2008-10-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

Are you one of those people for whom visualization isn’t a problem? Do you pray and do all the right things and yet prosperity seems to elude you?

If your answer to the above questions is in the affirmative then you need to examine your situation. It may simply be that you’ve not made room to receive your prosperity!

Many of us tend to hold on to things even though we have no need for them. And oftentimes, we live with clutter as result. If you’re guilty of this practice it may be causing your lack of manifestation. Therefore, I’d encourage you to rectify things right away.

Go through your clothes closets and drawers and I bet you’ll be amazed at all the things there that you’ve not used in a while. There are others who would be happy to have them.

So, remove from your closets and drawers anything that you’ve not worn in the last four to six months. Ask a family member or good friend if he or she would like to have them. Alternatively, you may call up one of your local charitable organizations and donate these items to them. Many of these charities make regular neighborhood pick-ups.

By clearing out these items, you’ll be making it possible for you to receive new ones from the Universe. Remember: Nature abhors a vacuum!

In addition, you’ll then able to better organize things in an orderly fashion. Orderliness creates positive energy to replace the negative energy associated with lack of order. And positive energy attract positive energy (i.e., things).

And in order for you to benefit from as much positive energy as possible, take the time to tidy up messy rooms in your house or apartment. In fact, it’s important that you make sure that your bedroom is free of clutter at all times, especially when you are sleeping.

There should be no extraneous items in your bedroom. And, especially, keep your bed tidy and clutter-free.

By following the above tips, you’re making room to receive your prosperity. Begin right away and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Fear and your health

2008-10-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

Fear is born of misunderstanding of things as they are. And what we do not understand we are apt to fear.

Have you ever wondered about the calamity if all the things you anticipated with fear had materialized?

I am reminded of the following quote from an unknown source, “I am an old man, and have seen much trouble, most of which never happened.” You can no doubt identify with the essence. And, looking back, you can appreciate that most of your anticipatory fears were groundless.

Worry results from fear. And in recent time the resultant adverse health effects, which may be immediate as well as cumulative, are well known.

Fear inhibits normal body functions. It causes diseases in the human body. Therefore, living in a state of perpetual fear is not good for your health.

Dr. Charles W. Mayo, the late surgeon of the Mayo Clinic fame, said: “Worry affects the circulation…the heart…the glands…the whole nervous system and profoundly affects the health…” You will recall that Jesus also pointed out that worrying is not fruitful. He asked: “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” He was making the point that nothing is gained by worrying.

Worry, anxiety, and similar negative emotions, resulting from fear, come from your living in the past and focusing on the future. You are well equipped to eliminate them and, thereby, preserve your health. To do so, you must take steps to overcome fear.

You must take control of your mind and be focused in the present. It was Emmet Fox, the great twentieth-century philosopher and spiritual leader, who said, “Until you can put your attention where you want it, you have not become master of yourself.”

The power of your generosity

2008-09-30T15:57:00.000-07:00

Do you give out of guilt or due to social pressure? Do you give to obtain a reduction in your income tax or because it is good publicity?

Many people give with strings attached. They give only to get something in return. Their motivation is borne of fear which results from a scarcity consciousness. They do not understand that giving and receiving are inextricably linked.

And there’re those who practice so-called leverage giving. Whatever they give to you, they expect to receive something that cost considerably more, usually in monetary terms. Their generosity is not genuine.

Some people say they have nothing of value to give or share. That’s false. Each of us possesses something that’s valuable or of importance to others.

Understand that you can be generous with non-material possessions. For example, you may consider volunteering your time and looking at other ways you may serve others.

Going beyond the call of duty to help someone at work, or a complete stranger, is an act of true generosity. And so is sharing with someone the little you have. Therefore, resist the urge to focus on the apparent depletion of your material possessions.

Whenever you shift the perspective from yourself to others, positive energy is generated. And, as a result, conditions for attracting goodness to you are created. However, you must be generous without thinking about what you will receive in return.

Your generosity must be sincere. Therefore, do not give simply to impress or to receive acknowledgement. If you do, you may not appreciate real power of generosity and the benefits attendant.

How to attract money

2008-09-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed that people like Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Lee-Chin, and others, make it a habit of regularly giving away some of their accumulated wealth? Do you also notice that their financial holdings improve from year to year?

By their action, these people are demonstrating how they attract money into their lives. The reward they receive from giving away money is consistent with the fundamental universal scientific and spiritual law which governs life on Earth. When you give away something more of it will come back to you. It works for everything, including money.

Nature abhors a vacuum. Therefore, when you give away something an attractive force is set up to attract more of it to fill the void thereby created.

However, you have to set the stage to attract money into your life. It entails changing whatever negative beliefs you may be harboring about money and/or people who have amassed considerable monetary wealth. For example, do not accept that money is bad or that wealthy people are evil. And make sure that your desire to attract money is for pure and wholesome ends.

Money is energy, and, therefore, its flow should not be impeded. It should be kept in constant circulation. Holding back on paying your bills or otherwise hoarding money engenders a poverty consciousness that effectively delays the flow of money to you.

People who refuse to repay their debts are doing themselves great harm in respect of attracting money. Therefore, if you have outstanding loans make an effort to address them right away.

And rid yourself of the need to rely on others to give you money. This practice makes the Universe see you as a charity case and someone who is prepared to be a taker and not a giver. You must be seen as self-reliant and willing to embrace all the goodness that comes with financial independence.

Manifesting requires more than thinking positively

2008-09-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

"Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy." —Norman Vincent Peale

There’s a lot of skepticism out there concerning the belief that we all have the ability to manifest our desires. It is no wonder considering that there are so many people who have not been successful in doing so.

Many people say they only harbor positive thoughts and are very adept at visualizing what they want. And, yet, they’re unable to attract the prosperity and abundance they desire.

Thinking positively and visualizing are important for manifestation. However, there are other equally crucial expectations and requirements. For example, to enhance the effectiveness of your visualization, you must harness the power of your imagination and include all five senses as much as possible.

The enthusiasm that is generated from the thought of obtaining your desires represents a very significant emotion. It must be directed appropriately. Indeed, you must use it to bolster your belief in being able to manifest and your faith in the manifestation process.

You can think positively and visualize all you want. However, if you do not believe in your manifesting ability and have faith in the process, your efforts will be in vain.

Furthermore, how and what you think and say about prosperity and prosperous people have a lot to do with your success in manifesting. Thinking of prosperity as unfair for whatever reason and/or making negative remarks about wealthy people will thwart your manifestation. Your thoughts and words will create a blockage and, thereby, delay the transmission of your prosperity to you.

Therefore, see yourself as very deserving of all the goodness in this world. Accept the fact that it is your birthright to have all the good things you desire. Embrace prosperity and abundance and help others to do the same.

Excerpted and edited from Take Steps to Realize Your Dreams—a powerful how-to, self-help/spiritual, inspirational and motivational guide by Dr. Norm Williams. Visit
http://www.pdbookstore.com/comfiles/pages/NormWilliams.shtml to obtain more information, including how you may purchase this book.

The voice of your ego or that of the true Self?

2008-09-12T14:49:00.000-07:00

Your ego is your false self that co-exists with the true Self. And it does a good job of preventing you from knowing the latter.

By so doing, your ego keeps you in the dark about who you are. It doesn’t want you to know that you are connected to the Universe from which you get your strength.

Your ego’s goal is to separate you from real love and true power. It does so by enticing you with visions of physical and intellectual dominance.

The true Self, on the other hand, represents your consciousness. Therefore, you must permit the true Self, rather than your ego, to be the controlling influence in your life.

It is your ego’s intention to master the Universe—not to be a part of it. By being able to transcend your ego’s desires increases your ability to discover the true Self.

Unhappily, because your ego is very skillful, you tend to mistake it for the true Self. In fact, it’s very difficult to distinguish between the voice of your ego and that of the true Self.

Your ego tries to assure you that it’s always there to protect you. And it does everything it can to gain your confidence in that regard. However, do not be fooled by your ego. Its primary motivation is to have control over you.

Instead of your ego wanting to guide you, your ego needs to be guided. Divine guidance can only come from the true Self—the spiritual essence that goes to the core of who you are.

How can you tell when the voice you hear is that of your ego or the real Self?

The voice of your ego is characterized by anger, anxiety, complaint, fear, rationalization, reactiveness, self-aggrandizement and self-centeredness. Conversely, the voice of the true Self is compassionate, forgiving, grateful, harmonious, humble, loving, merciful, peaceful, tolerant and trusting.

By deeply listening, you’ll be able to make the distinction between the voice of your ego and that of the true Self. This is achieved by meditating. With practice, the voice of the true Self will become more distinct than your ego’s.

When you meditate, you will hear the inner voice representing the true Self. You will know it is coming from the true Self because what it says will make sense on many different levels.

It will provide the answer to whatever has been occupying your thoughts; maybe to help you make an important decision. And it will ensure that you receive the requisite wisdom and guidance.

Meditation enables you to come into full awareness of the indwelling Spirit. And you get to realize that there’s no need for you to look outside of yourself to gain the wisdom that you desire to change your circumstances.

You develop the unwavering trust in the power within you that is able to bring about whatever you may want and need. Therefore, I urge you to listen carefully to the inner voice before you act.

Here is how to make visualization work for you too

2008-09-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

"By believing passionately in something that still does not exist, we create it. The nonexistent is whatever we have not sufficiently desired." —Nikos Kazantzakis

The power of visualization has been long recognized. It is due largely to the appearance in 1978 of Shakti Gawain’s book, “Creative Visualization,” that it is now widely practiced throughout the world by many people.

Visualization entails using the mind to create images. It, then, requires the practitioner to focus on these images to cause them to appear in reality. Many people report a lack of success in its application.

For the technique to work, you must involve all five senses as much as possible. In addition, you must leave the transformation from the mental to the physical up to the Universe.

It is well known that we are all blessed with the powerful ability to imagine. However, we may need to practice it in order to be able to visualize effectively.

When you use your imagination to form a mental image of something you want to manifest; in addition to seeing it, you must imagine yourself touching and using it. You must feel the need to obtain it deep in your soul so that you can even taste it.

Your visualization of the thing you desire should not be projected in isolation. You must be able to see it while hearing possible associated sounds and smell it and the surrounding in which you want it to materialize.

The fact that you have the ability to influence your imagination, you can make a conscious effort to create a mental image of anything you want. Therefore, you can visualize things or situations you want to exist in your life.

However, you have to understand that, at the end of your visualization, you’ve completed your part of the process. At that point, you must leave the manifestation up to the Universe.

Excerpted and edited from Take Steps to Realize Your Dreams—a powerful how-to, self-help/spiritual, inspirational and motivational guide, by Dr. Norm Williams. For more information and to purchase this book, you should visit http://www.pdbookstore.com/comfiles/pages/NormWilliams.shtml

Engender an attitude of gratitude

2008-09-06T17:40:00.000-07:00

It’s difficult for me to understand why so many people seem unable to express gratitude. You’ll never hear them say “thank you” regardless of what you may do for them. Is it that they feel it but cannot express it?

It was William A. Ward, the late author, pastor and teacher who said: “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

Saying thanks is not only good manners it shows your respect. And the person will not feel that his or her kindness is being taken for granted. Moreover, the person will be drawn closer to you for expressing your appreciation for whatever it is that he or she has done for you.

The idea is not to simply exhibit moments of gratitude it’s to engender an attitude of gratitude. By engendering an attitude of gratitude, you’ll attract positive people and favorable circumstances into your life. At the same time, it will ward off any negativity.

In order to engender an attitude of gratitude, you should do the following each day:

1. Give thanks to the Universe
Take a few minutes to appreciate nature. Go for a walk and notice all those things that you usually take for granted: the sunshine, the trees, the moon and the stars, a distant mountain range. And say out loud: “Thank you God.”

Give thanks for the beauty that surrounds you. Focus on the details. Think about the little things in your life that make each day special. Perhaps it is your kid’s toothless grin, his or her good health or attempt to be self-reliant.

Be grateful for what you have and do not focus on the things you don’t have. Make a conscious decision to be thankful for your blessings.

Say thanks to God for the things you want realized before you achieve them. For example, whenever I get caught in traffic on my way to an appointment or the airport, I’d say: “Thank you God for getting me to my appointment (or the airport) on time.”

It works for me every time. And I thank God again, upon my arrival, for making it happen.

2. Say “thank you” regularly
Regardless of how small the deed, you must always say thanks to the person. Whether it’s your mom or dad, your spouse or a complete stranger, saying thank you expresses your appreciation and serves to draw the person closer to you.

You may try writing and giving thank-you notes to the people at your kids’ daycare or other caregivers to show that you appreciate what they do for your loved ones. Or, if you have the person's e-mail address, send a thank-you e-card.

3. Associate with grateful people
If you spend a lot of your time with grateful people, you will live a more grateful life because you’ll recognize more things for which you should be grateful. Furthermore, you’ll become more grateful. It is well known that we tend to develop more and more those traits we admire in the people with whom we associate on a regular basis.

4. Encourage others to cultivate the gratitude attitude
Point out to others the power of gratitude. Always say thanks to God in their presence and let them see the benefits you derive from it. Tell them how grateful you are for their friendship and whatever they do for you.

Excerpted and edited from Take Steps to Realize Your Dreams—a powerful how-to, self-help/spiritual, inspirational and motivational guide by Dr. Norm Williams. To obtain more information and to purchase this book, you should visit http://www.pdbookstore.com/comfiles/pages/NormWilliams.shtml

Take back your power

2008-09-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

All of us are blessed with an immense power to create the life we were born to live. At the same time we’re all unique. We were created to have full self-expression in this world on our own terms.

Unfortunately, however, many people have given control of their life to one or more persons. Some are depending on others to provide them with whatever they want while others are waiting on improvement to their luck to some about. They have handed their power over to some external entity.

Many of these people spend their time admiring those who have put their creative power to good use and are living the life they were created to live. Instead of being inspired by them to do the same, they continue to have a passive, unfulfilled existence.

If you find yourself in such a situation, you must take back your power. You can admire others but never relinquish your power to them. Do not stifle your self-expression or allow anyone to relegate you to be a follower when you're here to lead.

You are equal to everyone on this planet. Therefore, there’s no need to force yourself to accept the views of another at the expense of your own truth

Like everyone else, you were created to make a significant contribution in your life. Ignore anyone who tries to tell you otherwise.

Be guided by your gut feeling and endeavor to take steps to share with the world the things you have in your heart. You have the power within you to do marvellous things.

This article is excerpted and edited from Take Steps to Realize Your Dreams—a powerful how-to, self-help/spiritual, inspirational and motivational guide by Dr. Norm Williams. Please visit http://www.pdbookstore.com/comfiles/pages/NormWilliams.shtml for more information and how to purchase this book

How to rid yourself of negative thoughts

2008-09-02T15:16:00.000-07:00

Is it a problem for you to rid yourself of negative thoughts that enter your mind?

It is well known that our thoughts create our world. And we know that whatever we think about expands. Therefore, we must rid ourselves of all negative thoughts. “Think positively!”

However, while to many the advice seems sound, they say it’s easier said than done. Despite forcing themselves not to think negatively, they say they cannot help themselves harboring negative thoughts.

And they find that the more concentrated effort they make to think positive thoughts, the more negative thoughts creep into their minds. Yet, there are those who say simply telling themselves to stop thinking negative thoughts works.

We believe, mistakenly, that a solution on the physical plane may be applied to a problem that exists in the mental or spiritual realm. For example, you can put down your car keys and forget about them without the need to pick up something to replace them.

However, the elimination of a certain thought from your mind depends on the Law of Substitution—one of the well-known mental laws. You can eliminate one though from your mind by substituting another one for it.

Therefore, when a negative thought enters your mind, simply replace it with a positive one. The Law of Substitution is infallible. It works every time.

Excerpted and edited from Take Steps to Realize Your Dreams—a powerful how-to, self-help/spiritual, inspirational and motivational guide by Dr. Norm Williams. For more information and how to purchase this book, please visit
http://www.pdbookstore.com/comfiles/pages/NormWilliams.shtml

Five essential keys to your success

2008-08-30T14:16:00.000-07:00

It is true that success means something different to each of us. However, in the main, it has some characteristics that are universal.

It is not a destination. It’s a continuous process towards successive levels of fulfillment in your life. Indeed, you’ll find that there will always be new vistas for you to explore. And, as soon as you reach one summit, you will become aware of other possibilities from your new vantage point.

Success is an unending process because your idea of success continues to evolve and it changes as you grow. At the end of the day, real success is the recognition that you have used your talents and abilities to serve others, consistent with God’s purpose for your life.

The following are considered to be five essential keys for success:

Passion

Passion is a crucial requirement for your success. You must be enthusiastic, have a strong feeling toward that which you desire and love what you do. You must believe your success is possible and feel, in your bones, the need to achieve what you want.

Vision

You must be focused and see the end clearly the way you want it to be even when the naysayers say you cannot do it. A clear vision helps you to surmount obstacles on the way to attaining your goal.

Risk

Success requires a willingness to take calculated risks and not be deterred by making mistakes. Risk-taking promotes your personal growth and enhances your success-consciousness. Consequently, you’ll be able to overcome any impediments on the way to achieving your desire.

Persistence

You should never accept a ‘can’t-do’ outlook. Always embrace a ‘can-do’ philosophy. And you should view failure as a part of the learning process—a temporary setback on the road to your success.

Integrity

You must endeavor to be honest in everything you do. Resist the urge to engage in unfair or illegal practices. Do not try to take advantage of others.

Utilize your creative power

2008-08-26T11:30:00.000-07:00

We live in a society where there’s no shortage of people who want to force what they think and their way of doing things upon us. They do not believe we can think for ourselves. Therefore, in many instances, they feel the need to ‘interpret’ for us.

Media commentators are constantly offering up their opinions and beliefs. And they waste no time explaining to us what we saw on television or heard on the radio. Consequently, the views held by many of us on issues affecting us are not our own.

It’s no wonder many people aspire for things that do not suit them while others live their lives vicariously through those they admire. The former struggle constantly and achieve little or no success and the latter do not try at all because they have not learned how to use their innate power to their advantage. They are unaware that they, too, are equipped to create the things they want. Instead, they allow themselves to be satisfied with very little when the Universe wants them to have more.

The Universe’s rich abundance is not for a select few. It’s for all of us. Therefore, you must open your mind to the unlimited goodness of the Universe and use your power to create your prosperity.

Do not listen to those who try to put limits on what you can achieve. Understand that any strong desire that you have comes from God. And that it is intended to be aligned with your life’s purpose and to be reflected in the potential that God has given to you.

If it were not possible for you to attain your desire, the Universe would not make you entertain the thought of achieving it. It is the Universe’s plea for you to let God work through you to achieve your desire.

I realize that it’s very difficult to think for yourself and keep focused while you’re being bombarded literally from all sides by the pundits, analysts and experts. My suggestion is to listen to them, by all means, for the potential educational value.

However, at the end of the day, you must believe in your ability to create and rely on your gut feeling. Recognize that you have the power within you to achieve whatever you want in this world.

This article is excerpted and edited from Take Steps to Realize Your Dreams—a powerful self-help/spiritual, motivational and inspirational guide by Dr. Norm Williams. Visit http://www.pdbookstore.com/comfiles/pages/NormWilliams.shtml for more information about this book.

Use a spiritual approach to combat your anger tendency

2008-08-15T22:54:00.000-07:00

Anger is an extremely complex emotion. After fear, it is considered to be probably the next most debilitating feeling that humans confront. However, unlike fear, which usually immobilizes you, anger quite often spurs you to take action—though not necessarily one that’s constructive.

Getting angry is an unspiritual reaction. Furthermore, it can be destructive and it’s not good for your health and overall well-being.

Many well-intentioned approaches have been tried to manage or control anger. However, they have met with limited success. There are reasons to suggest that their ineffectiveness is due to the lack of a good understanding of the underlying causation of anger.

It’s a fact that anger is manifested whenever things do not turn out as desired—i.e., whenever expectations and reality are at variance. It would, therefore, suggest that it is a quality of the mind. And, in general, anger appears when one’s feelings are hurt and shows when one is frustrated or unhappy with life.

As Einstein said, "No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it." Besides, due to their incompatibility, physical remedies cannot be effective in the treatment of something in the mental sphere. And anger is a mental quality.

In view of the foregoing remarks, a well-established preventive approach is known to yield considerable benefits. It's one that's spiritual.

First, you must accept that things will not always go according to your plans and expectations. Secondly, you must understand that you have control only over your actions and attitude and not over anyone else’s.

You must leave everything up to the Universe, recognizing that it knows what’s in your best interest. Nevertheless, you must focus on how you would like whatever it is to turn out. However, at the same time, say quietly while thinking about it: “With the Universe’s will, I accept this or something better.”

There are countless stories of people who were disappointed that their expectations were not met. However, they ended up with something much better for them.

If the thing did not turn out the way you wanted it, take a deep breath. Smile and thank the Universe for deciding that it wasn’t to be to your advantage to be so. Then, say that you’re in grateful anticipation of receiving something better.

Overcome fear to realize your full potential

2008-08-11T23:19:00.000-07:00

"Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing." —Unkown

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines fear as “an unpleasant often strong emotion cause by anticipation ... of danger.” Therefore, it’s anticipated; and, hence, it’s future-based.

All of us suffer from fear. This finding is not surprising because it is well known that we were conditioned to fear from an early age. In addition to be fearful of the dark, it is believed that we learned fear from our parents and other family members. Furthermore, it is said that we assume their fear.

Focusing on fear gives it energy which makes it grow. And our succumbing to fear entails our not taking any risk and ending up living a largely mediocre existence.

A debilitating energy-draining emotion, fear immobilizes you. And it affects your thought process, preventing you from remembering who you really are.

As a spiritual being, with an ego, you’re blessed with unlimited potential. You need only to take appropriate action to claim whatever you want to become, to do, and to have in this world.

Fear is a low vibration negative emotion which precludes your transcending your low state of consciousness. In this state you cannot tap into the real self. Your ego is in charge. And it wants you to be consumed by fear so that it can have control over you.

Ego-directed, fear prevents you from pursuing your aspirations. And, at the end of the day, your ego lets you justify your inaction and helps you to make excuses when you assess the scant reward you have gained.

Overcoming fear is one of the greatest challenges facing humankind. Fear clouds our judgment. And, instead of being able to carefully consider alternative approaches to deal with a situation at hand, fear causes us to be reactive. Hence, our effort is usually less than optimal.

In order for you to realize your full potential, you must surmount your ego, and, thus, overcome fear.

To do so, you must act in the face of fear. Your conscious action will keep you focused in the here and now. Your thoughts will be in the present moment and not in the future.

By your focusing and acting completely in the present moment, you will enhance your state of conscious awareness.

When you attain the state of higher consciousness you will come to know the true self. And you’ll not be conquered by fear because it does not exist there. Therefore, your mind will be free to help you realize all of your possibilities in this world.

This article is featured in the Twenty Fifth Edition of the Carnival of Improving Life which can be found at: http://www.improvedlife.ca/content/twenty-fifth-edition-carnival-improving-life

Is your past holding you back from your success?

2008-08-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

The conditioning we received in our early childhood profoundly affects what we do later in our lives. There’s much evidence to support the importance of true love, positive nurturing and encouragement beginning in our formative years.

In many cases, living a full and productive life is a challenge for those who were bombarded constantly with negative comments. I was asked once by a young man: “Sir, do you know what it’s like being told constantly, growing up, that you should only do what you’re told?”

He didn’t allow me to answer his question before he asked another one. “Or to have your aspirations ridiculed?” he added.

He recited to me titles of books, audiotapes and CDs, by well-known positive thinkers, that he had read or listened to and seminars that he had attended. However, he questioned their value in helping him to cope with his situation.

The pain he was feeling was quite evident. However, he was willing to listen to what I had to say. The gist of what I advised him follows.

You must accept that your circumstances are what they are at present. Acceptance is a crucial first step towards moving on with the rest of your life

Next, you have to let go of any anger or bitterness and learn to forgive. Forgiveness must be directed at everyone to whom you feel any resentment or hold a grudge.

Furthermore, you must also forgive yourself for harboring those feelings towards them. (I invite you to read the article in this blog titled, “The power of forgiveness.”)

At the risk of it appearing that I take your questions lightly or worst that I’m minimizing what has happened to you, I want you to listen carefully to what I have to say. It doesn’t matter where you are right now in your life or what has happened in your past, you were born to be a success.

However, you have to rid yourself of the pain you’re experiencing and pursue the things that you want in life. Recognize that you’re a unique spiritual being and that there’s something in this world that you were created to do very well. I don’t know what it is; however, I know it will enable you to attain fulfillment in your life.

We spoke briefly about my book and he thanked me for taking the time to talk with him. Almost a year later he contacted me to thank me again. He told me that he had read my book three times and that he had followed my advice.

This gentleman has since started his own website design business and says that he’s enjoying life very much. I wish him continued success.

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To tithe or not to tithe: that's a good question

2008-08-06T20:35:00.000-07:00

The question of whether one should tithe or not is being hotly debated by various groups. As with any civilized debate, there are sound arguments for and against the age-old practice.

The word “tithe” means tenth. And tithing, which refers to the obligation of giving one-tenth of one’s income to a religious organization, has its roots in the Old Testament.

Many religious leaders report that more than 70 per cent of their institution’s overall budget comes from tithing. However, it has become a hot-button issue among many commentators. On average, Christians are found to be giving two and one-half per cent of their income to churches and not the expected ten per cent.

To buttress their point of view, many proponents of tithing draw attention to Malachi 3:10: "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse … and test me now in this, says the Lord of hosts. If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows."

Whereas tithing is preached from the pulpits in many present-day Christian churches, it appears the New Testament advocates so-called “freewill offerings.” The dean of the divinity school at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, James Hudnut-Beumier, compares tithing to selling indulgences where a quicker road to heaven is promised in exchange for cash.

Historically, tithes could be paid in kind; such as agricultural products. However, today, payment is usually by monetary means.

People I talk to are adamant about tithing. They say it makes them feel good to tithe.

There’s no disputing the power of generosity (or giving). Metaphysics teaches that giving and receiving are inextricably linked. And, in accordance with divine (spiritual) laws, as you give so shall you receive.

However, should there be any need for anyone to dictate to you how much you should tithe? I believe it should be a personal thing with each individual.

You should not feel pressured to tithe nor should you feel guilty about how much you’re tithing. Neither should you care how much someone else is tithing. And to tithe for appearance’s sake, even though you do not believe in the concept, is a misguided act on your part.

Giving serves to relieve you of scarcity thinking and heightens your abundance consciousness. It demonstrates to the Universe that you recognize that its reservoir, the source of your supply, cannot be depleted. And, therefore, your abundance awareness will attract abundance into your life.

It’s a well-known fact that nature abhors a vacuum. Therefore, when you give something, more of it comes back to you to fill the space created. In fact, there’s also the belief that whenever you give for no particular reason the return of that thing will be multi-fold. And I’m sure you’ve heard that whatever you want you should give it away. More of it will come to you.

Now, is money the only thing that we should give away? Absolutely not!

There are many of us who volunteer our time and talents to worthy causes on a regular basis. It seems to me that such efforts deserve consideration due to their value. Therefore, when you think about tithing, I suggest you do not do so in isolation.

It’s very important that you do not lose sight of the underlying benefits of giving. Clearly, it’s a win-win proposition.

Learn how to pray to get the result you want

2008-08-03T11:59:00.001-07:00

It is said that the paradox of prayer is that we have to learn how to pray, yet we can only receive prayer as a gift. This assertion would appear to explain why praying seems to be so widely misunderstood.

There are people who believe that the power of prayer is dependent on the person who is praying. This notion is totally false.

The power of prayer resides with God to whom we pray. Only God has the power to answer our prayers. Of course, we do not always get everything we ask for when we pray; rather, we get what we permit ourselves to receive. Our desires are only realized if they harmonize with our thoughts, words and deeds and God believes that they will be to our advantage to have them.

There are those who turn to prayer only as a last resort when everything else has failed to provide the results they seek. By this time, they are filled with doubts and are very tense. And, as a result, their prayers are offered in vain.

However, in their ignorance, they pray over and over to God, searching for the ‘right words’ to use and begging to have their prayers answered. To pray is not to beg.

God does not want you to beg for anything. And answering of your prayers does not depend on your eloquence or ability to memorize and regurgitate the scriptures. Your prayers should have context, be simple and straightforward.

You are not only to simply recite to God the verses of the Lord’s Prayer when you pray for the things you want. As you’ll recall, it was given by Jesus to serve as a guide for how one should pray and the things one should focus on.

Praying should be a personal matter between you and God. And, therefore, you should use your own words in asking for the things you want when you pray. However, you must first learn to listen to God in silence and from the “fullness of your heart your mouth will speak.”

Silence brings you in close connection with the Divine Intelligence. And praying, therefore, should be an intimate conversation with you and God. It represents a spiritual experience that goes beyond mumbling some words.

Prayer is to be used to petition, express your gratitude and affirm your faith. Unfortunately, however, many of us have not gained a good appreciation for how we may use it effectively.

Effective praying requires you to pray gently, quietly and effortlessly. It entails your giving thanks to God and feeling gratitude for that which you ask

Your recognition of praying to be every thought you think, every word you say, and every thing you do throughout each day, in addition to any formal ritualized praying, is crucial.

There are people who, in their formal praying, have offered prayer in earnest, at the beginning of the week, to achieve financial independence, for example. However, for the rest of the week their thoughts, words and deeds have focused on lack or scarcity.

They become disheartened and wonder why their prayer is not answered. Clearly, their day-to-day activity is at least 90 percent of their prayer for the week compared to the remainder which was allocated to their formal ritualized praying. Therefore, through the power of God, the Universe tends to respond to that which is the most dominant request. In this case, their negative musings.

This article is excerpted and edited from Take Steps to Realize Your Dreams—a powerful self-help/spiritual, motivational and inspirational guide, by Dr. Norm Williams. For information on purchasing this book visit http://www.pdbookstore.com/comfiles/pages/NormWilliams.shtml

Use affirmations to enhance your life

2008-08-02T15:20:00.000-07:00

“I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was.”

—Muhammad Ali

Affirmations are simple positive statements which describe a desired behaviour or belief. By persistently affirming to yourself that you have already achieved whatever good you desire in your life, you will see it become reality.

Despite much physical evidence to support the benefits to be derived from saying affirmations, it appears there’s a lot of skepticism out there concerning the effectiveness of the technique. However, it seems fair to say that the legendary prizefighter, Muhammad Ali, used it to convince himself. It may be argued that he became the greatest boxer of all times.

The use of affirmations is in keeping with spiritual laws which say that we can bring anything we desire into our life by confidently affirming that it is so: “Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee …” [Job 22:28]. Linking an image and an emotion to the affirmation makes the technique very powerful.

The positive statements are intended to influence your subconscious. They serve to form an impression on your subconscious mind through repetition and emotional intensity. Therefore, it is important that you say them out loud a few times a day.

However, you should take care not to repeat them hurriedly and without any emotion. As Ali was also quoted to say, "It's the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen. "

Think about what you’re saying and say it with intent in order to communicate the right message to your subconscious mind. As you say the affirmation, you must imagine yourself in a situation where you are experiencing the pleasure you’re gaining from the result.

Is the use of affirmations new to you? Have you had difficulty getting the technique to work for you? As with any new skill or technique, you have to exercise patience.

Start off small and practice it to gain confidence before taking on more challenging things. So, have a bit of fun and see how it goes. You’ll be amazed by the results. I promise you.

Excerpted and edited from Dr. Williams's new book, Take Steps to Realize Your Dreams—a powerful self-help/spiritual, motivational and inspirational guide. For information on how to obtain this book, visit http://www.pdbookstore.com/comfiles/pages/NormWilliams.shtml

Manifesting doesn't work for you?

2008-07-31T14:07:00.000-07:00

By now you may have heard about 'The Secret' movie or the book version, and the backlash that has ensued. Whereas it's not my aim to deal with it here, I believe you will find the information given in this article to be valuable in your endeavoring to benefit from the application of the underlying principles it espouses.

Do you spend a lot of your time worrying about all the things you don’t have? Please don’t.

If you want to manifest your desires that practice is not recommended. It’s highly counter-productive.

So, from this time forward, you must stop thinking about what you don’t have. And, instead, focus on the things you have. If you do, you’ll see appropriate changes occurring in your life.

Worrying about what you don’t have is futile. It only makes you sad. And it’s natural that you’ll begin to compare yourself with those who have the things you want. It will make it worst since you'll feel sorry for yourself. As a result, you'll become envious.

Worry and envy represent negative energy. They are unspiritual. Therefore, they compound the problem and prevent you from manifesting.

You should take heed the well-known Eastern maxim which says, “What you think upon grows.” Follow this advice and think about all the things that you have in your life and be grateful for them.

In addition to material things, your thinking should include your family and the intangibles such as their love as well as your health and that of your loved ones, etc. And, yes, your job: even if you feel you’ve outgrown it. Focus on them daily and give thanks to the Universe for them.

Furthermore, you must observe one of the great laws of the Universe—the Law of Polarity (Opposites). It states that everything has two equal and opposite sides. Therefore, everything or situation that may look bad to you has an equal amount of good within it. However, you may have to look closely for it. It's a matter of perception.

Your focusing on things you want or don't want will give you more of it, consistent with the popular law of physics: To every action there’s an equal an opposite reaction.

So, find the good in every situation, focus on it and be thankful for it. By doing so, positive energy will be generated and the forces of the Universe will conspire to direct to you the good that you desire.

By expressing your gratitude it doesn’t mean you’re satisfied with what you have. It shows that you understand that whatever it is, is the way it is. And that you recognize that we live in an ordered, bountiful Universe where things do not come about due to luck or by chance. That everything happens for a reason, in accordance with predictable scientific laws.

From the foregoing, you should understand that everything you put your attention to will eventually come to you. By focusing on and showing appreciation for the things you have they will expand and increase abundantly in your life. Therefore, you must make sure the things you focus on are the things you want.

Excerpted and edited from Take Steps to Realize Yours Dreams—a powerful self-help, motivational and inspirational guide by Dr. Norm Williams. For further details visit http://www.pdbookstore.com/comfiles/pages/NormWilliams.shtml

Manage your fears and live your dreams

2008-07-29T12:20:00.000-07:00

Fear causes many of us to settle for far less than we deserve. This result is counter to the Universe’s desire. It wants all of us to have more in order that we may have full self-expression in this world.

Both successful and unsuccessful people have fears. The difference is the former pursue their dreams in spite of their fears. They recognize that fear does not exist in reality, but in our minds.

Our fears are due to our apprehension of some impending occurrence. They serve to put imaginary obstacles in our minds and effectively weaken our achievement consciousness.
Why should we spend valuable time thinking about some future event(s) that may never occur?

Living your life thinking about something that may never happen is unwise. Rather, you should live in the present and spend your time acting on the things that are taking place.

The Buddhist monk and philosopher, Thich Nhat Hanh, tells about enjoying a cup of tea as an analogy. He says you must be completely in the here and now in order to enjoy the tea. Only when you are focused in the present can your hands feel the warmth of the cup. And only in the present can you savor the aroma and appreciate the taste of the tea. If you are worrying about what may happen in the future you will miss the experience that comes with enjoying the cup of tea. And, before long, the tea will be finished.

The same thing is true of life. If you’re not living in the present, you’ll not appreciate what life holds for you. And, like the cup of tea, your life will be over before you know it. Consequently, you’ll have missed out on opportunities to live your dreams.

So, it’s important than you learn to manage your fears. Begin by living your life in the present moment. And do not allow your fears to get in the way of realizing your dreams.

This article is excepted and edited from Dr. Williams's new book, Take Steps to Realize Your Dreams. For more information and to purchase this book, please go to: http://www.pdbookstore.com/comfiles/pages/NormWilliams.shtml

The power of forgiveness

2008-07-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

“The remembering of injuries is spiritual darkness the fostering of resentment is spiritual suicide. To resort to the spirit and practice of forgiveness is the beginning of enlightenment; it is also the beginning of peace and happiness.” —James Allen

(For more information and to purchase this book, please go to:
http://www.pdbookstore.com/comfiles/pages/NormWilliams.shtml)

Many people tell me that the Law of Attraction doesn’t work for them. They say that although they know the things they want to achieve, and are able to visualize them, their efforts are not fruitful. Naturally, they want to know what's the problem.

Are you one of those people who’re unable to manifest your desires and realize your dreams?

There could be many reasons why people have problems manifesting their desires. However, in a great many cases, it’s traced to their inability to forgive.

The unwillingness to forgive induces unnecessary tension within us which prevents us from appropriating our immense creative power. Therefore, if you’re not manifesting your desires it may be that there is someone whom you have not forgiven. You may be harboring old resentments or holding a grudge against someone or a group of people.

Forgiving is an important positive act that reconnects us to our power from which we became disconnected, in the first place, due to the blockage of energy flow caused by tension. It allows us to continue loving and to begin the healing process.

In the same way you can forgive others you must also forgive yourself for holding on to the pain. Forgiveness is as much about your relationship with others as it is about your relationship with yourself.

Many people are reluctant to forgive because they feel that it would only trivialize what they went through. This feeling comes from their egos. It is spiritually healthy to forgive, without any reservation, those you believe have done you wrong. Forgiveness comes automatically from forgiving. Therefore, when you forgive, your transgressions are also forgiven.

The Law of Forgiveness is one of the great mental laws. It says that in order for you to overcome life’s challenges and make real spiritual progress, you must forgive those whom you feel have wronged you. You must forgive everyone, without exception, whom you believe has caused you harm or pain. You must forgive them not just in words but in your heart. By this, I mean, you must mean it sincerely.

To forgive those who’ve injured you doesn’t mean simply that you should be indifferent to them. You must understand that you’re not forgiving them for their sake. It is for your sake.

You must understand that you are responsible only for your deeds and not for the actions of those you believe have wronged you. They can always justify what they have done. Their actions towards you were due to the condition of their lives at the time. And not to forgive them is to give them power to control your thoughts and actions.

Refusing to forgive takes considerable effort. It involves a lot of wasted energy that could be better directed in a constructive way. As a result, you miss an opportunity to express love because you are so focused on being hurt. Furthermore, it prevents you from gaining the wisdom you need to accomplish great things and to overcome life’s difficulties. At the same time, your heart becomes hardened to receive happiness and joy. Essentially, holding on to something that is bad prevents you from receiving something that’s good. You must let go of the hurt.

Not to forgive shows your ignorance of how you fit into the Universe and how the Universe works. Forgiveness affords you peace of mind and poise so that you can be in harmony with the Universe in order to realize true happiness.

As you forgive, you open your heart to God’s love within. You forgive relying on the love of God to resolve all disagreements. By letting love overcome misunderstanding, you release a healing flow into your actions.

Like a lot of people, you may be saying that you have no one to forgive. Think again.

You must perform an act of forgiveness right away. A grudge, resentment, or hate binds you to the person it is directed to by a cosmic link due to your thought. By a spiritual act of forgiveness, you must set yourself free.

So, sit quietly by yourself right now, without thinking about anyone in particular, for at least fifteen minutes. Turn your attention to the Creator and the beauty of the Universe. Next, say the following with feeling: “I freely forgive, unequivocally, all those who have hurt or injured me in any way. And I ask to be forgiven by those whom I have hurt.” Then remain silent for at least five to ten minutes, breathing in and out deeply, while you follow the rhythm of your breath.

Get to know who you are

2008-07-23T19:48:00.000-07:00

Blaise Pascal, the famed seventeenth-century mathematician/physicist and theologian, said, “One must know oneself, if this does not serve to discover truth, it at least serves as a rule of life and there is nothing better.”

Until you are awakened to the truth, you will spend your life embracing false beliefs about who you are. You will take for granted that what is seen on the physical plane is who you are; or, as some people say, is “your authentic self.”

Moreover, you will persist in the belief that the various roles you play and the things you acquire during your life will enhance who you are. However, these falsehoods will only serve to further impede your progress towards fulfillment in your life.

The time will come when you will know who you really are. You will know that you are one with the creative force of the Universe.

This truth will reveal itself to you one day in the fullness of God’s time as “the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” Then you will not continue to live in darkness (ignorance). And you will no longer rely on the external for guidance. For: “the Spirit of truth …will guide you into all truth.” You’ll come to know that nothing outside of you can prevent you from achieving your good in this world.

The Bible says you were created in the image and likeness of God. Hence, there is a God-like, absolute part of you. Therefore, whereas you can change, “reinvent or redesign” your physical self, the true Self is unchangeable.

When you become aware of the true Self, you will know who you are. And, according to the Bible, the truth will set you free. It will free you to realize your possibilities.

And you will come to know that you are a part of me, I am a part of you, and that we are all a part of God. The apostle Paul underscored this point when he wrote, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.” And yet, each one of us is unique.

We see this phenomenon throughout nature. For example, each snowflake is unique but is still a part of the snow. Similarly, each wave in the ocean has its own unique characteristics, yet each one comes from it.

Sunbeams cannot separate themselves from the sun anymore than snowflakes can separate themselves from the snow or the waves from the ocean. Neither can human beings separate themselves from one another or from God. Like the sunbeams, the snowflakes, and the waves of the ocean, you are part of creation and a part of nature.

Therefore, you have a connectedness and interdependence with all living things on Earth while you are connected to God, the Infinite Source. Recognition of your oneness is crucial to your ultimate success in your journey through life.

You represent both a physical and a spiritual nature. You have a visible physical or mortal self and you are an invisible spiritual true Self.

All of you are familiar with the former. However, what you might not have known, up until now, is that it’s not who you are.

The reason for this lack of awareness is due to the fact that the true Self lies dormant within you. You can only have knowledge of it when it is awakened.

Naturally, before this awakening occurs, and, therefore, due to your ignorance, you have no reason to suspect that your physical self is not absolute and that it is not who you think you are. Unlike the true Self, it is influenced by the nurturing, cultural conditioning and experiences to which you are exposed during your life.

Therefore, you are not your physical self. As the possessive adjective “your” suggests, it belongs to you. It is not you.

You may recall the following scene in Lewis Carroll’s well-known novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland:
“ ‘Who are you?’ asked the Caterpillar.
Alice replied rather shyly,
‘I—I hardly know, Sir, just at present—at least.
I know who I was when I got up this morning, but
I think I must have changed several times since then.’ ”

Your body is not the true Self. It has been referred to as the temple of the soul. Indeed, it is a vessel for your mind and the Spirit that is the true Self. Your body represents the interconnectedness in nature. Each part is connected to every other part through nerves and the circulation of blood. Consequently, what takes place in one area of your body affects other areas.

When you become aware of the true Self, you will know who you really are. You will then be in a position to let who you are shine through you. And, as a result, you will be able to let your unique gifts and talents expressed to the world through you. You will recognize your possibilities. And you will come to understand every other living being with whom you interact on this planet.

Silence is truly golden: It improves your overall well-being

2008-07-23T13:54:00.000-07:00

Are we afraid of silence?

We give so much time to the activities of the outer life that we have little appreciation for quiet time. The irony is: spending quiet “alone-time” heightens our awareness of what’s going on in our lives. Furthermore, it enhances our overall wellness by contributing to a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

We seem to associate silence with sadness or death. Indeed, we talk about “dead silence.” And it’s our custom to observe “a minute of silence” to reflect on a tragic event and to remember the victims. Did the mid-1960s hit, “Sound of Silence,” by Simon and Garfunkel contribute to our conditioning in this regard?

Quiet times enable us to attain a conscious connection with the Infinite in the inner world. The great philosophers, religious and spiritual visionaries, from the Buddha, to Lao-tzu, to the Prophet Mohammed, to Jesus Christ shared one thing in common. They all courted solitude.

Before going on their “inner retreat,” there was nothing spiritual about any of them. Therefore, there’s no denying that they benefited from going into the silence alone with their thoughts. It enabled them to unearth their enormous power by consciously harmonizing their thoughts with their creative energy. Even after they’d attained their lofty heights of Divine Knowledge, they would retire for brief periods of silence and solitude to renew their power.

Solitude serves to relax us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. You need to take time out daily from your busy outer material world for spiritual introspection. It’s the best expenditure of time that you could ever make.

Blaise Pascal, the famed scientist, said: “All man’s miseries derive from not being able to sit quietly in a room alone.” Spending time alone in silence, to focus on the divine presence within, you’ll become conscious of the wisdom, the love, and the life that you are. And you’ll become receptive to the universal light of truth. Hence, you’ll become aware of your creative power and grow in spiritual knowledge and understanding.

Finding the time and space to enter into the silence, you will hear the inner voice.

“Silence of our eyes
Silence of our ears
Silence of our mouths
Silence of our minds
…in the silence of the heart God will speak.”

—Mother Theresa

By making time for the quiet you’ll discover new energy and vitality. And you’ll be better able to deal with whatever issues that may arise in the affairs of your everyday life.

“Be still! The crown of life is silentness
Give thou a quiet hour to each long day,
Too much of time we spend in profitless
And foolish talk Too little do we say.”

—A. L. Salmon

You should, therefore, make it a habit to go into the silence for at least fifteen minutes but no more than an hour each day. If you are able to do it at the same time, that’s fine. However, it’s not absolutely necessary that you do so.

The inner silence is potent. It eliminates the internal chatter through which we create our world. The calm engendered enables us to radiate positive energy toward those we encounter. As a result, we’re able to bring others and our surroundings into harmony with ourselves. Peace of mind comes with the quiet.

Albuquerque, NM-based silence coach/spiritual mentor Rikki Fowler agrees that, “We can cultivate silence without doing formal meditation.”

When you attempt to enter into the silence for the first time, you may find it difficult. Don’t force it. Be calm and free yourself of any anxiety or eagerness. Don’t think about yourself or your problems. Let go of your fears and troubles for a while. Think about an inspirational quote. Allow your thoughts to center on the Creator and focus on relaxing your body, beginning with your toes and moving slowly up to the crown of your head.

After you’ve become physically still, you should concentrate on becoming mentally still. You can achieve this latter state by breathing deeply.

Let your thoughts pass by without following them. Focus on each breath as you inhale and exhale. Following the rhythm of your breathing attunes you with your Life Force. Listen to the silence between your thoughts, between your breaths and remain completely still.

Marvellous changes will take place within you. You’ll experience a quieting of the nerves, relieving of stresses and tensions in your body and a gradual elimination of fear and doubt. An unbelievable calm and serenity will come over you and you’ll feel renewed and full of confidence.

Don’t let entering into the silence be a burden. It may be difficult to do initially. Therefore, you’ll need to practice it.

You must not neglect your daily communion with God;
There is much wisdom awaiting your reception;
You need to withdraw physically and mentally from the noise in the outside world;
You need to achieve inner silence to receive enlightenment.

Make sure that your surrounding is quiet. Assume a comfortable position with your spine fully supported. And avoid becoming tense or anxious. Your mind may wander at first. However, don’t despair; simply bring it back.

Don’t focus on any thoughts that may enter your mind. Inhale and feel the air enter your nostrils as your lungs expand. Exhale and inhale again focusing on your breathing as you continue the process.

Like working out regularly at the gym, the effects of entering into the silence are accumulative. They become evident over time.

Silence vitalizes you on a spiritual level in a similar way as lifting weights and/or doing exercises affect your body. You’ll not see the changes in yourself like you see from the enhanced muscle tones and overall getting of the body in improved physical shape in the case of the latter. However, others will be able to see the results of it on you and will comment accordingly.

Stillness replenishes your personal power and increases your faith in your ability to create whatever you want or need. According to Fowler, “Silence allows the creative process. It’s giving the right mind space…”

By entering into the silence, we substitute repose of mind for the nervous energy from the busy world in which we live. We develop renewed thinking including a fresh outlook for dealing with problems.

We hear about people going away on silence retreats to “rediscover” themselves. They report achieving improved physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health.

And, in many organizations, the decision-makers go off-site on a retreat for a few days annually. Besides engaging in team-building, strategizing and other activities, they take the opportunity to “relax, refuel and recharge.” Headed back to their offices, they credit the leisure time for their renewed vigor.

Enhance your spiritual understanding

2008-07-23T13:40:00.000-07:00

“You may call that which creates and sustains the world God … but ultimately you are the proof that God exists, not the other way around.” —Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

Many people believe that God (often referred to as “the big guy in the sky”) is outside of them to be called upon to solve their problems whatever they may be. They do not recognize God’s indwelling presence within them and the facility it provides for them to transcend life’s challenges, and, hence, shape their lives.

God is Creative Energy that is the source of all visible reality: human beings, animals, trees, plants, etc. And the Bible teaches that God is Spirit. As Plato put it, “There could be no body, no visible reality, unless there is first Spirit as creative cause.”

There’s only one God in the Universe, one source of all the different forms of life as we know them. And, as creative energy, God is the cause of everything in the Universe as well as the power that sustains them. God is Wisdom and Intelligence. All the wisdom and intelligence that exist in the Universe represent God.

Humanity is the most complete expression of God. “In his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

You were created by God because He wants to express Himself through you. He’s Omnipresent; therefore, He must be in you. Hence, He’s a part of your being. He’s all in all, so you must be in Him. He’s Spirit and you were made in His image and likeness; hence, you are spirit.

The reality underlying everything is God. Every thing is one and the same Spirit manifesting in different ways. The various forms of life are one life. All the wisdom in the world is God manifesting in different ways. He is in every human being as infinite wisdom waiting to be brought forth into physical manifestation.

God, the source of our existence, is not only Omnipresent, He’s Omnipresence. He is both Omnipotent and Omnipotence. God is not merely Omniscient, He’s Omniscience. Everything that you can think of in its absolute perfect form is God.

You are a three-part being consisting of Spirit, body and soul. Both the Spirit and the body are clothed in the soul. The Spirit is your innermost being, the absolute part of you. It never changes though your circumstances and thoughts are changeable. It is the Christ in you, the God in visibility.

The substance of God is the unchanging principle at the core of your existence. It is the divine or real self that is spiritual and perfect and which cannot be seen on the physical plane.

Your body is your visible mortal part. It has a brain. Your body’s brain has a mind, your rational mind. And your Spirit has a mind as well—the real mind. The former is changeable because it gathers information through the five senses: sight (visual), hearing (auditory), touch (tactile), smell (olfactory) and taste (gustatory). The unchanging mind of the Spirit represents life. It is the Divine Mind and it represents your consciousness.

Our own individual minds are connected to God’s. Therefore, there is only one mind and that is God’s—the Universal Mind.

God did not only create us He is the fountain of life that abides in us. He is the ever present Intelligence that fills our minds. God is our inexhaustible supply of spiritual and material blessings; He’s both the Giver and the Gift.

In trusting in God as your all He will see to it that everything that you desire comes to you. This Truth is in accord with the Bible’s teachings, “What things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

God resides in you. Therefore, your own indwelling spirit provides all the wisdom, courage, peace, joy, health, and strength that you desire.

We were created in the image and likeness of God. Therefore, we have things in common with Him. In the case of our spirit, it differs from His only by degree because a part must be the same in kind and quality as the whole.

Consider this analogy. One drop of water from the ocean is the same as the ocean water as a whole in terms of its molecular structure, physical, and chemical properties. The difference lies only in the quantity.

Similarly, as individual manifestations of God, each one of us contains the whole which is God. However, like the drop of water, we don’t consider each individual to be God in the entirety but as God taking form in some degree. Therefore, like God, we have the power to bring into visible form that which we conceive of in our thoughts.

Until you become aware that God is not to be found afar off but that He dwells in you, the Christ is “asleep in you.” When you have “awakened” the Christ within you, a great calm will come over you. You will come to understand that the God in you will help you to overcome any difficulty that you may encounter and will bring peace and harmony to the situation.

However, to achieve this end, you must focus on the Christ in you and not that within anyone else. By doing so, you’re working with God to raise your level of consciousness above the obstacles in your path so that you can become, do, and have whatever you want in this world.

True love is unconditional

2008-07-23T09:45:00.000-07:00

"True love gives nothing but itself, and takes nothing but from itself.
Love does not possess, nor would it be possessed.
For love is sufficient unto love. Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself…” —Kahlil Gibran

Every day people all over the world say they’ve “fallen in love.” Some say it was love at first sight. And, soon thereafter in many cases, they declare their intention to be together “until death do us part.” However, after some time, many say their love has died and they decide to part ways. Increasingly, it’s becoming the expectation rather than the exception. And it has led the popular culture to ask, “What’s love got to do with it?”

Many people confuse their state of emotional dependency with “being in love.” They’ve handed over the responsibility for their self-worth to another person because they don’t love themselves. As a result, they feel an emptiness inside them that needs to be filled. Therefore, they’re really “in need” and not “in love.” However, they have an expectation for what the other person must do in order for them to “feel loved.”

Eventually, two needy people will become disappointed in each other. Each will blame the other for not loving her or him the way that he or she wants to be loved.

What they don’t understand is that you love someone for who he or she is and not for what she or he can do for you. Besides, you can’t give something you aren’t aware that you have. You can’t give love if you don’t recognize that it’s present within you. Many of us don't have the awareness. Furthermore, it seems clear that we need to be reminded what love is.

Poet Gibran’s words in this article’s epigraph are quite revealing. However, it seems appropriate to look to Shakespeare for some additional wisdom.

The great poet and playwright wrote “Love is not love which alters when alteration finds … Or bends with the remover to remove. Oh no! It is an ever fixed mark that looks on tempests and is never shaken …”

Both poets have provided us with profound complementary perspectives on love. It would appear that any confusion about love comes from what’s depicted in the movies or written in romance novels. One or more of our emotions-based ego-controlled addictions provide(s) the driving force for this jealous romantic model of love. Therefore, it is clear that it’s not true love.

Our inability to transcend our egos’ power-addictive influences has resulted in many negative consequences. For example, it makes us view love as something that ascribes right of ownership, and, hence, control over another. Therefore, it fosters the mistaken belief that “to love” is synonymous with “to possess.” There’s also the misguided notion that we’ll only come to know real love when we find “the one who completes us.” This is due to our lack of appreciation of the fact that we’re all one. Besides, we are complete as we are.

Moreover, we were socialized to believe that someone must do something to earn or deserve our love. And that, in like manner, we must earn or deserve another’s love. Consequently, we place some condition on love. It’s, therefore, not uncommon to hear someone say, “If you love me, you would do (or give me) such and such.”

However, true love is unconditional. It does not expect anything in return.

Jesus said: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” And that we should “Love our enemies.” Are these clues we’ve ignored? It's unfortunate that none of the traditional institutions we rely on really emphasizes what love is and its importance.

Underscoring the significance of love, the Apostle Paul, in I Corinthians 13, described its nature and characteristics in some detail. His description includes, “… Love is patient, and is kind and is not jealous …”

Furthermore, the Bible teaches that God is Love. Therefore, love comes from God; hence, it’s divine. It surpasses affection or sentiment and does not judge or moralize. And because God is Omnipresent, He’s in you; therefore, love is within you.

Since love is divine, it tends to turn attention upon the ideal, the perfect, and the beautiful. Therefore, it does not see people’s faults. It focuses on their good qualities. It’s, probably, for this reason they say that love is blind.

Love is not blind. Rather, it blinds us to the apparent flaws and shortcomings of others. Therefore it enables us to appreciate the beauty in everyone and precludes us judging anyone. Love is the greatest force in human nature. It influences the laws of nature to engender harmony in you, others, and your surrounding. And, it will improve everything in your life.

You’re able to love unconditionally when you become one with the Law of Higher Consciousness. You can only reach this state when you overcome your ego-based, power-driven addictions or passions and preserve those divine qualities such as humility, compassion, and self-surrender. These divinely inspired attributes help to draw and bind humankind together and bring gladness to the world.

We were created in the image and likeness of God. And so, loving unconditionally makes us become more like the Creator. Loving unconditionally helps us to develop compassion for others and enables us to see the good in them and in every situation. Therefore, we are able to love them for who and what they are and not what we think they should be. It’s this principle that underlies unconditional love.

The more you come to recognize and deal effectively with your ego-motivated demands, the more you’ll come to love and accept yourself and others unconditionally. Moreover, you’ll come to realize that you’re doing exactly what you need to do with your experiences in order to grow to higher levels of conscious awareness.

As you begin to surmount your ego, any urge to manipulate or change others or your environment will disappear gradually. With an enhancement in your state of consciousness, you become attuned to the richness and abundance of the Universe. And you learn to harmonize your energy with that of the people you encounter.

Loving unconditionally entails loving on every level: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It’s letting love flow through the Christ in you to all of God’s creation. When you love unconditionally, you become a different person. Your doubts and fears disappear. You become joyous. You feel at peace and your relationships become spiritual.

There are many great laws that govern life. However, the one that’s at its foundation is the Law of Love. It determines what we’re to become and what we’re to accomplish in our lives.

Jesus said that love is the greatest commandment. Love engenders happy, successful, and prosperous living. There’s absolutely no power greater than love. It’s the only power that prospers us in every way.

There are teachers .... And then, there are teachers

2008-07-23T02:18:00.000-07:00

Teachers are to help their students to realize their fullest potential. To do so, they should challenge their minds, encourage, inspire, and guide them.

Throughout your life’s journey you’ll have many teachers, both inside and outside of the classroom. Almost everyone you meet will point out something that’s important.

There’s no such thing as a chance encounter. And, at the right time, someone will draw something to your attention that will have a profoundly positive effect on the rest of your life.

It will happen when you come to appreciate and express sincere gratitude to the Universe for what you have, and are enthusiastic about your ability to achieve much more. According to the well-known Zen Proverb, “When the student’s ready, the teacher will appear.”

However, Galileo was quoted to say “You can’t teach anybody anything, only make them realize the answers are already inside them.” And Aristotle said, “You can never learn anything that you did not already know.” It seems, despite these authoritative admonitions, there are some teachers who have lost their way on this score.

Many teachers strive to educate their students, consistent with the true meaning of the term. The word “educate” comes from the Latin “educere” which means “to lead forth.” Therefore, to educate is to draw out from the students that which exists within them.

Our teachers should not force knowledge upon us. Instead, they are to remind us about things we’ve forgotten. However, to satisfy their egos, some teachers make far-reaching inferences about their students’ abilities without due consideration for each student’s uniqueness. Oftentimes they draw unfounded conclusions about which student is better than the other and which one is the best.

They do not recognize that each of us is a unique being and, therefore, it’s senseless to compare us with each other. The only comparison they should be making is of each student, with him or herself, in terms of his or her progress from a particular point in time to another.

However, the practice of making comparison begins quite early, and, in many cases, by our parents who are our first teachers. Comparing us fosters a sense of separateness and the belief that human beings must compete with each other in order to survive. The truth is each of us has a connectedness with each other and all living things. And there’s ample evidence to prove that human survival is enhanced by co-operation and not by competition.

Instilling in us that we are separate beings impairs our ability to love one another unconditionally. And assuming a competitive mind-set engenders fear and hones our skills of aggression. Furthermore, it conjures up a scarcity consciousness, and, therefore, the mistaken belief that the Universe’s supply is limited; hence, we must compete with others to obtain our share. The result of these prevailing misconceptions is quite evident in the world today.

There are teachers who are guilty of what I call 'promoting one-dimensionality in our thinking.' For example, they do not enlighten us with regards to the perspective concerning “success” and “failure.”

Consequently, we’re not conditioned to look at a "failure” as achieving a result; albeit not the desired one at that particular time. Therefore, we have little or no appreciation for viewing a failure as the possible seed for future success—a temporary setback that could lead to a pleasurable result.

In fact, many of us are not equipped to deal with making a mistake. It may very well be because our teachers didn’t point out to us that the mistakes made by world-class scientists, for example, often provide a better insight into the spirit and pre-suppositions of their times than do their successes.

Albert Einstein was certainly the greatest physicist of the twentieth century, and one of the greatest scientists of all time. Therefore, it may seem presumptuous to talk of mistakes made by such a towering figure. It is, however, somewhat consoling to note that even Einstein made mistakes.

It’s good to know that our legendary predecessors were not prophets whose work we must accept as infallible guides. Knowing that they were simply great men and women who prepared the groundwork for the better understandings we have gained, and from which we’ve benefited, provides much motivation for us to emulate them.

Today, we enjoy many inventions that might not have come about if the inventors had not viewed their failures as simply not obtaining the desired result on those attempts. Thomas Edison, the famed inventor of the incandescent light bulb, comes to mind. And everyone knows what Post-it Notes are. They are those self-stick notepapers most people use. Did you know that this product wasn’t planned?

In 1968, Spencer Silver, a 3M scientist, was conducting research in the company’s laboratories to improve the adhesives it uses on its tapes. He came up with a new adhesive that stuck to objects but which could be easily lifted off and reapplied again and again. However, he was unable to convince the company that it was a marketable product. Nevertheless, over the next five years, Silver shared it with his colleagues via seminar presentations.

Arthur Fry, Silver’s 3M colleague who sang in his church’s choir, was using markers to keep his place in the hymnal but they kept falling out. Remembering Silver’s adhesive, he used some to coat the markers. Incredibly, he found that the markers stayed in place and that he was able to lift them off the pages without causing any damage.

The rest of the story, as they say, is history. Fortuitous, some may believe. I disagree. Nothing happens by chance. Both scientists simply attained a state of mental readiness.

The amazing result of the “failed” experimentation won Silver and Fry their company’s highest honor for research. They also received numerous awards within the international scientific community.

Perhaps, most important, by teachers drawing attention to the fact that even the greatest scientists make mistakes and that many turn initial non-successes into successes can provide inspiration to those who follow other supposed paths to truth.

How to make sure you manifest your desires

2008-07-22T21:08:00.000-07:00

“When an object or purpose is clearly held in thought, its precipitation, in tangible and visible form, is merely a question of time. The vision always precedes and itself determines the realization.” —Lilian Whiting

We all have hopes, dreams and aspirations. What are yours: To have excellent health, to be happy and prosperous, to get a better-paying job, to write a best-selling novel, to buy a big house or a Mercedes-Benz? Regardless of what it is that you want, you can get it.

Achieving these things do not occur by chance. You have to take definite steps in order to set the stage to bring them about. An important part of the process requires that you give yourself permission to make whatever you want become reality.

No one but you can prevent you from manifesting your desires. Not your partner, not your employer, not your neighbor. Absolutely nobody! Not even the government or the state of the economy. You are the only one that stands in the way of the realization of your dreams and aspirations.

Your inability to achieve your desires, to date, may be traced to deep-seated doubts and a lack of clarity about what you really want. It may also be due to your unbelief that you deserve what you say you want. If any of the foregoing is true in your case, I urge you to make the appropriate changes right away.

You must understand that you possess great creative power that you can use to your advantage. So, instead of chasing your dreams and aspirations, you should use this facility to create them.

It’s important that you’re aware that the Universe is on your side. It wants you to manifest your desires. This is because your accomplishments will enable the Universe to better express itself through you. Therefore, you must rid yourself of your limiting beliefs about yourself and your ability to achieve whatever you want. And, despite possibly years of harboring this mindset, you must take the necessary steps to change it right away. Moreover, you must be very clear about what you want to achieve.

Everything you see in the physical world was preceded by an idea that was first conceived of in someone’s mind as a thought. In addition to the thoughts you think, whatever you say and do are critical to the creative process. Your habitual thoughts, speech and deeds are important elements in the process creating what you want.

Therefore, if you’re not creating what you want, you must change what you’re thinking, saying and doing every day and all day long. It’s well known that you manifest your dominant thoughts and they are influenced by what you say and do.

Despite what you may have been led to believe, manifesting whatever you want is no secret. By constantly engaging in positive thinking and being mindful of your words and actions prepare you for creating whatever you desire.

However, you must believe in the process and have faith in your ability to create and be sure that you know clearly in specific details that which you want to achieve. To complete the process, you must visualize what you want to become, to do, and to have.

Hold the respective thought in your mind, with feeling, and say a brief prayer to your Creator claiming what you want. With the requisite faith in believing, you will feel enthusiastic about the possibility of achieving that for which you’ve prayed. The attendant feeling contributes to the realization of your desires.

Once you have completed the prayer, do not think about how the manifestation will take place. And do not pray for the same thing over and over again. This practice serves to thwart the spiritual manifestation process. It sends the message that you do not believe the first prayer is working to bring about that for which you’ve asked in the Creator’s name.

You must exercise patience and not try to force the hand of the Universe to bring about the result. It’s as if you’re dictating to the Universe to meet your schedule. You should "Let go, and let God."

And you should not tell anyone about the things you have asked for in your prayer. Rather, let them wait to see them when they materialize in the physical. You will see it if you believe in the process.

Live your life's purpose

2008-07-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

“A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write if he is to ultimately be at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be.” —Abraham Maslow

Each one of us was born for a definite purpose. Some of us stumble upon what our purpose is quite early in life, others remain uncertain of what it is for quite a long time while the rest never finds out.

Do you know what your purpose is? If you don't, there’s really no need to panic. This article will help you to determine what it is.

In accordance with the Law of Being, you were born to have a happy, enjoyable and fulfilled life. However, in order for you to achieve this end, you must live your life’s purpose.

Your purpose is linked to the God-given gifts with which you were born. Therefore, you must find out what they are, develop and use them to the best of your ability.

Instead of nurturing our innate talents, many of us choose to imitate those of others. We do not appreciate that each of us is a unique being.

Each of us was born to do something outstanding in our life. Therefore, you should not spend your time simply admiring the talents of your heroes and, thereby, end up living your lives vicariously through them.

You should be aware that you are a spiritual being who is blessed with limitless possibilities. Indeed, you have a personal call to greatness. Know that there’s something in this world that you were born to do very well to make a significant contribution to the world.

As a unique creation of God, you were born with special talents to enable you to give full expression to the world. The Bible says, “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee …. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them.” This advice is crucial.

Therefore, refrain from having more appreciation for what the Creator has given to someone else. Rather, you must align your God-given gifts with your purpose. By taking this important step, you’ll be setting the stage to live the life you were born to live

Whereas people can help you to develop your special talents, no one can tell you what your real purpose in life is. To find out what it is, you must focus on your talents, nurture and develop them while you listen to your inner voice. It will provide you with the necessary guidance.

By your purpose, I do not mean a profession. However, it’s a fact that your purpose can lead to something by which you could earn a livelihood. I guarantee it!

In any event, your purpose is something more fundamental. It’s your raison d’être or your personal calling. Something you love to do very much and you’re very passionate about. That which gives you such great satisfaction you never get tired doing it. It’s a joyous expression of who you are.

There are many people who spend their life going through the motion just for the money. They are able to afford many of the things that money can buy; however, they will admit to you that they do not like what they have to do to get the money. Therefore, they do not look forward to doing it the next day and the days that will come after that.

When you’re living your life’s purpose, you'll love and enjoy what you do. Oftentimes you'll lose track of time while you’re doing it. You do not want to take a break from it. And you can’t wait for the next day to dawn for you to get back to doing it.

There’s something that each of us was born to do extremely well. You’re no exception.

Finding out what your purpose is should not be burdensome. In order to find out what's your purpose, think about the things you’ve have accomplished, to date, whether as part of a group or by yourself. They don’t have to be earth shattering. Recognize that everything happens in good time. The important thing is how you feel while doing them.

Therefore, try to recall the skills you utilized the most and your feelings while you were engaged in the effort(s). This simple exercise will provide you with clues about what your natural talents are and the things you enjoy doing.

Next, pay attention to that which stimulates and energizes you to the fullest. Think about what it is that you like doing so much that you do not even think about the passing of time while you are doing it. While you are on a break from it, you’re so excited you can’t wait to return to it.

You should know that in all of creation, there has never been anyone like you. Your talents, desires, insights, and ways of doing things are unique to you. When you find out what is your true purpose in life, you will feel it and you'll know it. There will be absolutely no doubt in your mind. It’s not what others may think about it that’s important it’s how it feels to you.

So, as others have said, I urge you not to die with your “music” still in you. Find out what your purpose in life is and do it with love. Live it, be it and share it with the world. It will give you much fulfillment and joy. And your happiness will be, thereby, enhanced.

Problems or opportunities?

2008-07-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

Are you one of those people waiting for the perfect time to embark on a project and take control of your life? I’ve often heard people lament that if it wasn’t for one thing or another they would start their own business or write a book.”

Well, I’ve news for these people: The perfect or right time to do anything is the present. There’s no time like now. That’s right!

So my advice to you is to go for it, and stop making excuses. There are far too many people who allowed their dreams to die with them. You should make sure you’re not one of them.

It’s futile to sit back and wish for a life without problems. We are a part of an ordered Universe where nothing happens by chance or accident.

Understand that whatever problems you’re faced with they’ve come about for a reason. Therefore, refrain from sitting back and thinking that you have to eliminate them before you can go on with your life; rather, establish some realistically achievable goals and make an effort to pursue them despite your problems.

You need to see your problems for what they are. And, at the same time, do not view them to be insurmountable.

Your problems are the Universe’s way of sending you messages. So, you should understand that whatever problems that come about at any point in your life are not accidental or coincidental. They are for a definite reason. Whatever is happening to you is a signal from the Universe. Therefore, instead of feeling sorry for yourself, it may be a good idea for you to give some thought about what the Universe is trying to tell you.

See your problems and difficulties as challenges. And understand that it’s futile to focus on them in the pursuit of your goals in life. Know that you can accomplish whatever you want to despite your problems. Be aware that you are blessed with the wherewithal to surmount difficulties and challenges.

Think about what you want to achieve and refuse to concede to any obstacles on your way to attaining it. It was Henry Ford who said, “Obstacles are those frightening things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.”

Don’t be deterred by problems. Always remember that they came about for a reason. When you change your outlook about them, you will be able to deal with them effectively. By assuming this mindset, opportunities will present themselves to you to accomplish whatever you want in life.

History abounds with many who refused to allow their problems to impede their progress in the pursuit of their desires. Ultimately, they were able to make a significant contribution in life.

The thirty-second U.S. President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was a paraplegic who had to be helped in and out of his wheelchair. Yet, he brought America out of the Great Depression and he is regarded by historians as one of the world's most respected and revered leaders of all times.

Following a physical collapse, Bob Hawke, conquered his alcoholism to become Australia's longest-serving Labour Prime Minister, winning four federal elections.

Wilma Rudolph, born poor and African American in depression-riddled Tennessee, was stricken with polio at the age of ten. Life didn't seem very promising to young Wilma. However, she overcame these problems and went on to win three gold medals in track and field at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Her accomplishments made her an inspiration to the world.

Three decades years later, another potential U.S. Olympian was facing the crisis of her life. Gail Devers was training to compete in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics when she suddenly broke out in sores all over her body. No one seemed to know the cause.

The decision was made to amputate her feet when the doctors noticed some improvement in her condition. She was finally diagnosed with Graves Disease

Overcoming this adversity, she went on to win the 100-meter race in Barcelona. And, four years later, with her home crowd cheering her on, she repeated this amazing feat in Atlanta in the1996 Olympics. "I wouldn't change a thing," Devers was later quoted to say, looking back on her ordeal. "It was a blessing. It made me the person I am today. It made me a stronger, better person."

The foregoing are only a few cases to highlight how people were able to conquer their problems instead of allowing themselves to be conquered by them. I have drawn attention to them in this article to show that unlimited possibilities exist for all of us regardless of our age, gender or race. You are no exception. However, you should be aware that quite often opportunities are disguised as problems.

Therefore, don’t take the view that the glass is half empty; rather, see it as half full. Know that there is something positive to be found in every situation.

What opportunities are there in your life right now waiting for you to discover them? You may never find out if you do not change the way you look at your “problems.”

Think wholesome thoughts always and improve the condition of your life

2008-07-22T14:30:00.000-07:00

Are you completely satisfied with your present life's circumstances? If your answer to this question is not in the affirmative, I encourage you to read on.

From my talks with a lot of people I continue to be amazed to learn that so many have resigned themselves to simply eeking out a meager existence. They are unaware that they can act to improve the condition of their lives.

This goes for you too. You're blessed with the facility to change your life for the better.

As a spiritual being, you have the power within you to create the life you want to live. Therefore, it rests solely with you to improve your present condition whatever it may be.

You must understand that it is you who have created your present situation and that you have complete control over whatever changes you want to see in your life. You should also know that bringing about the outcomes you desire requires relatively little effort.

Manifesting your desired outcomes is governed by the immutable Law of the Universe—the Law of Cause and Effect. Your thoughts are the "cause" and what is materialized on the physical plane is the "effect." You have no control over the effect; however, you can influence the cause.

We see this universal law at work in nature. For example, whenever a farmer plants tomato seeds he or she can be assured that tomatoes will be appear. To see barley would be impossible. It could never happen. That would be in violation of the law.

Similarly, whatever seeds (thoughts) you plant in the fertile soil of your mind (or, your inner world), you can expect to see the physical equivalent manifested in your outer (material) world. It is not your momentary passing thought that gets transmuted in the physical. Rather, what you see in your external world is due to your predominant thoughts.

Each event that you see unfolding in your life results from your thoughts, whether conscious or unconscious. Therefore, by controlling what you think about, you have the ability to bring about what you want to see in physical form.

The Law of Cause and Effect can never fail: “you reap (actualize) what you sow (think about),” regardless of whether you are conscious of the latter or not.

Famed psychologist Carl Jung said, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” You must, therefore, endeavour to be aware of your thoughts as much as possible at all times.

As the thinker of your thoughts, you are also the creator of your circumstances. A thought that creates an impression on your subconscious mind is ultimately manifested in your material world. The Universe cannot help to bring about outcomes that are contrary to the thoughts you’re thinking.

Poor health, lack, bad relationships and similar negatives that you do not want in your life are the effect produced by your thoughts. Focusing on them to bring about change is futile. It will only create more of the same in your life. You have to work on changing the cause.

This fact is based on the most fundamental law of the mind and is consistent with the well-known Eastern maxim: “What you think upon grows.” Whatever it is, thinking about it gives energy to it to sustain it.

Whatever you allow to occupy your mind becomes a reality in your life. Therefore, you must change your thoughts for the better in order to change your circumstances. To achieve this end, you must practice right thinking by keeping your mind focused on the best in everything all the time.

The thoughts you hold in mind can make you rich or poor. Right thoughts tend to bring about prosperity; wrong thoughts tend to lead to poverty. It doesn’t matter what your present circumstances are, you can improve them by thinking thoughts of abundance.

It is not what you believe but what you give to your thoughts that produce the outcomes you desire. For example, to produce good health your thoughts must be wholesome and contain healthful qualities. At the same time, your mind must be in the subjective belief of what good health is. Similarly, to create monetary wealth you must develop a wealth consciousness.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that thought control is the key to shaping your destiny and, hence, your life. Your experiences will come to you as a result of another universal law, the Law of Attraction. Through this law, you will meet in the outer world the experiences which correspond to those of your inner world. Your predominant thoughts, which result from your mental attitude, will act like a magnet to attract like people, events, conditions and circumstances to you.

Whatever you think, your thoughts will materialize as your experience. Therefore, you can shape your life here and now by the way you permit yourself to think each day and all day long. You are the sole architect in creating your destiny. It is completely in your hands and nobody else’s: not your parents’, or your siblings, or your spouse’s, or your employer’s, or your neighbors’, or your adversaries’.

Now that you know the importance of changing and controlling your thoughts, you can take the appropriate action to create the outcomes you want to see in your life.

How to achieve the prosperity you desire

2008-07-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

“Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe, and enthusiastically act upon … must inevitably come to pass.” —Paul J. Meyer

You are no doubt conditioned to believe that you have to work hard to achieve the prosperity you desire. Recall the adage: ‘No pain, no gain.’ Well, it’s not true!

Have you ever noticed that the majority of people in this world work very hard and have very little to show for it while there are those who do not work hard yet they have so much more?

The reason for this is quite understandable. You benefit from working smart not from working hard. The amount of prosperity you attract is inversely proportional to the effort you put in. Therefore, it explains why those who work the hardest are remunerated the least.

To the uninitiated, this finding may seem to be unfair. Unfortunately, such a conclusion is reached only by those who do not understand how the Universe operates.

Regardless of your gender, age, racial or ethnic background, whether you have any religious beliefs or not, you can achieve the prosperity you desire. You must believe it to be true. This fact is in accordance with divine, immutable law.

You must recognize that you’re a creation of the Universe and are a part of nature. Secondly, you must appreciate that the Universe has everything in abundance. And it wants you to be abundantly prosperous. However, you should know that your prosperity will not come to you by your working hard.

Therefore, if you’re not attracting the prosperity you desire, you must change your approach. More likely than not, you may be expending too much effort to achieve that end.

You must believe that every good thing is present in the invisible (i.e., the spiritual) waiting for you to claim yours. However, to make your claim you must follow nature's example.

You'll notice that trees, flowers and grass grow and flourish relatively effortlessly. And that it takes no effort for the stars, the moon, and the sun to move. Yet, the beneficial results of their actions to the Universe's creation are enormous.

In a similar way your aim should be to provide benefits to all living things. This may best be achieved by being of service to others.

You must understand that there’s no need to covet anyone else’s prosperity because there’s more than enough in the world for each of us. The Universe’s bounty is limitless. Therefore no one must have less so another may have more.

It is, therefore, futile to believe you can manipulate people in order to make worthwhile gains or that you can succeed at others’ expense. Success obtained by such means is not real, and, therefore, you'll not find it to be pleasurable. You should, rather, try to help others to gain their prosperity. This practice is part of working smart.

Furthermore, there's a huge difference between operating on the physical plane compared to the spiritual realm. Whereas considerable effort (force) is required to accomplish a task on the physical plane, it is not the same in the case of work performed in the spiritual or mental realm.

For example, the more force you exert on a screw the faster it goes into an object. However, in the case of the mental or spiritual, it works in quite the opposite way in accordance with the Law of Relaxation—one of the great mental laws. This is because in terms of the latter reliance is placed on the Universe to achieve the desired result. It is well known that using effort creates tension and stress and induces anxiety; all of which are unspiritual.

Therefore, as a rule, you should take no action until you know what you want and are able to visualize it, feel it and be enthusiastic about it. In the event you become overwhelmed or anxious, or have any doubts, it’s a sign that you’re not ready to act.

When you’re ready to take action, you’ll know. You’ll feel it in your soul. You’ll come up with the appropriate action and it will get you in tune with the Universe.

By being in harmony with the Universe, the associated forces will align themselves in the direction from which your good will flow to you. And the Universe will reward you for taking the action you’ve taken, and, as a result, you’ll receive abundance and prosperity.

How to get whatever you want

2008-07-20T16:24:00.000-07:00

Everything you see in the physical world was preceded by an idea that was first conceived in someone’s mind as a thought. The transformation is a result of humankind’s innate ability to create. Transforming a mental image into its physical equivalent is effected through what I call imagineering—the creative process of manifesting one's desires.

There’s one universal formless material that’s all around us. And each of us has the power to transform it into whatever we want.

This facility is linked to the power of your imagination. It entails creating a vivid image in your mind of whatever it is that you want to actualize in the outer (material) world, and thinking about it with enthusiasm and deep feeling. Then, impressing the image of the thought upon your subconscious mind causes it to materialize.

In order for you to achieve the results you desire, you must:

Develop the right mental attitude

Psychobiologist Robert W. Sperry received the Nobel Prize in medicine for his contribution to our knowledge of the brain. He discovered that dreams, vital energy and creative insight come from the right side of the brain while linear, logical, short-term and short-sighted thinking come from the left side. Sperry’s breakthrough research findings have helped us to understand how the human brain functions.

What stimulates the right brain the most is a sense of high purpose. You may have heard stories of remarkable feats performed by someone. For example, a person single-handedly lifting a heavy object like an automobile off a loved one or picking up a sick child and running miles to get to the nearest hospital. The surge of energy is traced to the high purpose.

Ideally, the aim is to bring about “whole-brain” thinking where our left-brain cooperates with the right so that we can benefit from the latter’s unlimited creative energy. Whole-brain thinking is best activated through joyful and passionate activities.

With the right mental attitude, you can train your thoughts to follow a constructive path. Therefore, you’re able to use your mind as a creative instrument and not as one that just performs routine tasks. In order to properly use the mind, you must direct all of its powers: willpower, the powers of thought and your thinking upon that which you want to achieve.

Engender right thinking

Every thought consists of two main components; namely: knowledge and feeling. It is the latter that gives power to a thought. Regardless of how magnificent or compelling the associated knowledge is; if the thought lacks feeling, nothing will result from it. However, no matter how insignificant the content of your thought may be; if it carries the requisite feeling, something will materialize from it. And the more feeling there is in your thought the greater the power to materialize it.

It’s what you give to your thoughts that produces the results you want. Whatever you think, your thoughts will materialize as your experience. And, by right thinking, you can control your thought to create whatever you want in this world.

Invoke the requisite mental action

To obtain what you want, it is crucial for you to be able also to develop a vivid imagination. You have this facility. However, you may have to practice.

It is not good enough just to have a superficial idea of what you wish to attain. Your desires must be clear and strong in order to arouse those forces within you through which they are to become reality.

You must hold the particular image clearly in your mind in all it details. Furthermore, you have to be able to picture it and feel it deep in your soul.

Therefore, you must imagine yourself being the way you want. You need to be able to see yourself becoming, doing and having what you are determined to become, to do and to have. For example, imagine yourself living in the surroundings that you have in mind and associating with the people you want to. Focus your mind on the image you have created and see yourself engaging in a conversation with people as the case may be.

Picture yourself dressed in the appropriate manner, including consideration for the weather conditions. If your image is of a winter location, feel the cold weather on your face. In the case of a location where it usually snows you should picture yourself walking in it.

If it’s the image of summer, you must feel the heat and the breeze on your hands and face. Feel yourself perspiring from the sweltering heat. The visual creation of the respective images in fine details enhances the manifestation of your desires.

The prospect of attaining your desires will make you become very enthusiastic. Your enthusiasm will generate the constructive forces that will cause your mind to move towards the new possibilities.

You should harness and properly direct these forces by concentrating exclusively on whatever it is that inspired you. By so doing, your mind will move toward the image and gain a greater conception of it. Your enthusiasm will increase, as a result, and your mind will move forward further. In time, the power of your mind will increase to work out those possibilities, upon which your attention is directed, to produce the desired results.

Before your dreams can be manifested, they must enter the subconscious field. And you’ll express your desires as a result of the thoughts habitually dwelt upon, provided they have the associated feeling.

Excerpted and edited from Take Steps to Realize Your Dreams—a powerful self-help/spiritual, inspirational and motivational guide, by Dr. Norm Williams. It's available at http://www.pdbookstore.com/comfiles/pages/NormWilliams.shtml