Hi friends.
I am exhausted and emotionally fried.
AND I want to tell you that today on the plane back from Chicago, after writing five or six pages of "morning pages" (read "venting and spewing") and strolling up and down the aisle smiling at people and talking with a little boy about his panda bear who has recently been advanced from orange belt to green belt in some sort of teddy bear martial arts, I read the last few chapters of The Science of Getting Rich, and my heart opened up. The work is magnificent and full of love and encouragement. I was really moved and grateful.
I arrived after an effortless flight to the welcoming Austin airport where my bag was already on the luggage belt by the time I got to it. I oozed gratitude as I took the shuttle to my car, choosing the $10 bill over the $1 bill because I KNOW there is more and that we are giving increase to all! Almost nothing jazzes me up like tipping big. In my Clear Mental Image, I leave $100 bills in the tip jars at my favorite cafe. Cafe Mundi, this means You!
Had beautiful conversations with good friends, including one in person over lunch, went to the gym, and am home in my pajamas now.
The afternoon and evening took a turn for the intense for me mentally and emotionally (not to mention being exhausted from all of the above and more), and still, I sit in gratitude.
I see that there are places to let go of before I can fully be living in The Certain Way, and they are presenting themselves to me. As much as I have feared them, I can see how they can also be compassionate changes for all involved: liberating. I must liberate myself. Otherwise I'm suffocating. And that is the OPPOSITE of what the good Mr. Wattles teaches us.
Treat yourself. Read the last few chapters of SGR if you haven't lately. It's a joy.
I'm deeply grateful for the book and for the focus on gratitude. I know I was present to it before, and I see how much more deeply I am present to it now as well as to the way it makes one buzz with presence.
And I called up a good friend having forgotten that she is also a devotee, as it were, of Eckhart Tolle, and I knew that was the answer to the prayer I put out to God earlier in the evening. I told Him, "You never let me down." I have faith.
And for that I'm deeply grateful.
Sat Nam.
Love,
IP
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
What do I CHOOSE to focus on?
I feel I'm being pulled in different directions by my thoughts and emotions.
[But those guys dancing up there are just TOO FUN!]
I want to celebrate the feeling of gratitude. Today I got to sleep late after a wonderful night's rest. Then I ate a delicious breakfast and had a good workout. Then I got to accompany my step-mom, Ronda, and a devoted employee of my dad's to meet my dad at the March of Dimes Leadership in Healthcare Awards where my dad was honored.
It was very sweet, and I was grateful to be there.
After lunch I bought a small chai and chatted on the phone with my dear friend Jodi who is also traveling and felt the joy of walking through beautiful downtown Chicago. I felt fantastic. Then I was blessed to come across dancing puppets and was blessed to give them a $10 tip because that was what I had available to give. They grabbed the money and danced with it. It was awesome! Then the puppeteer spoke to me from behind the screen, speaking his gratitude. It was wonderful.
Then I enjoyed the sculpture garden outside of the Art Institute of Chicago, my favorite art museum in the world, and then I went inside, where I asked the security guard for a band-aid and he had one in his pocket! Wonderful.
Then I got to swim in the joy of the artwork from Caldecott Award children's books. The art was moving and magnificent and I was swept away into reading the full-featured books that were available, like perfect courses of a tasting menu.
I read about Harriet Tubman and her absolute devotion to and trust in God and what she was able to accomplish from it. Miracles, really. I read about a man who mailed himself to freedom. I read about two little boys who had the best week ever! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I wandered the halls of the East Asian exhibit and fell in love with a 14th century statue of Guanyin and an ancient sandstone Hanuman head.
When I got back to the house, I had a tasty dinner made for me and got to eat with my dad and his wife.
These beautiful events are what I want to focus on.
Truthfully, there are emotions tugging me in other directions, however, since I'm following the Certain Way, I'm going to focus like that. That's what this experiment is all about, isn't it?
F it, that feels inauthentic.
I just want some space to say that I feel troubled that my father thinks I don't do anything productive. Mr. Wattles, can you please guide me here? It hurts!
It's so awesome: I just uploaded the photo at the top of the page, and it's so incongruent with opening sentence and with the above paragraph! I had opened SGR to look for guidance.
This is the section I turned to:
Convey the impression of advancement with everything you do, so that all people shall receive the impression that you are an “advancing personality,” and that you advance all who deal with you. Even to the people whom you meet in a social way — without any thought of business and to whom you do not try to sell anything — give the thought of increase.
You can convey this impression by holding the unshakable faith that you, yourself, are in the way of increase and by letting this faith inspire, fill, and permeate every action. Do everything that you do in the firm conviction that you are an advancing personality and that you are giving advancement to everybody. Feel that you are getting rich, and that in so doing you are making others rich and conferring
benefits on all.
You can convey this impression by holding the unshakable faith that you, yourself, are in the way of increase and by letting this faith inspire, fill, and permeate every action. Do everything that you do in the firm conviction that you are an advancing personality and that you are giving advancement to everybody. Feel that you are getting rich, and that in so doing you are making others rich and conferring
benefits on all.
(The Science of Getting Rich, Chapter 14)
Thanks, Mr. Wattles. And, thanks, also, for going on to say that one must not brag or boast. It helps me to see that defending is the same type of thing, like boasting or bragging. So when my beloved dad challenges me on what he thinks would be productive and what he thinks I'm not doing, I don't answer. The productivity in that situation is to keep my heart open. That is it. And also to see that that's just his point of view, and that my role continues to be giving off the impression of increase = love, compassion, presence and devotion.
Ah, the roller coaster of life! Didn't I read somewhere today to SURRENDER?
Ah, the roller coaster of life! Didn't I read somewhere today to SURRENDER?
Monday, September 28, 2009
Grateful for my Diamond
Wow. I got a really big ah-ha moment as we wrapped up our wonderful weekly call tonight (see previous post where I mention the group that I'm in and the topic we discussed).
I realized that I have kept myself from asking big. I'm choosing in this moment not to have to explore the why of it! It doesn't matter. I can just shift. I can choose to ask - or choose not to. Yes.
Mr. Wattles, what do you have to say?
That quote is taken right from here: The Science of Getting Rich, and I invite you to swim in its yumminess as I have been.
I'm so thankful tonight for my Diamond call and for the gentle and generous folks on it. I told them tonight that I'm positive that my coming into the Diamond is a direct result of my studying SGR (that is, if we're playing the game of cause and effect). For the fun of it, let's play!
Thank you!
To quote another friend of mine:
"Keep on creating, inventing and celebrating life! Keep on waking up inspired and tending to the garden of your dreams!" - Shawn Madden (click his name to see and hear more!)
I realized that I have kept myself from asking big. I'm choosing in this moment not to have to explore the why of it! It doesn't matter. I can just shift. I can choose to ask - or choose not to. Yes.
Mr. Wattles, what do you have to say?
All that there is of possibility is seeking expression through people. God wants those who can play music to have pianos and every other instrument and to have the means to cultivate their talents to the fullest extent. He wants those who can appreciate beauty to be able to surround themselves with beautiful things. He wants those who can discern truth to have every opportunity to travel and observe. He wants those who can appreciate dress to be beautifully clothed, and those who can appreciate good food to be luxuriously fed.
He wants all these things because it is himself that enjoys and appreciates them; they are his
creation. It is God who wants to play, and sing, and enjoy beauty, and proclaim truth, and wear fine clothes, and eat good foods. “It is God that worketh in you to will and to do,” said the apostle Paul.
The desire you feel for riches is the infinite, seeking to express himself in you as he sought to find
expression in the little boy at the piano.
So you need not hesitate to ask largely.
Your part is to focus on and express that desire to God.
This is a difficult point with most people. They retain something of the old idea that poverty and
self-sacrifice are pleasing to God. They look upon poverty as a part of the plan, a necessity of nature. They have the idea that God has finished his work, and made all that he can make, and that the majority of people must stay poor because there is not enough to go around. They hold to so much of this erroneous thought that they feel ashamed to ask for wealth. They try not to want more than a very modest competence, just enough to make them fairly comfortable.
I recall now the case of one student who was told that he must get in mind a clear picture of the
things he desired, so that the creative thought of them might be impressed on formless substance. He was a very poor man, living in a rented house and having only what he earned from day to day, and he could not grasp the fact that all wealth was his. So, after thinking the matter over, he decided that he might reasonably ask for a new rug for the floor of his best room and a coal stove to heat the house during the cold weather. Following the instructions given in this book, he obtained these things in a few months.
And then it dawned upon him that he had not asked enough.
He went through the house in which he lived, and planned all the improvements he would like to
make in it. He mentally added a bay window here and a room there until it was complete in his mind as his ideal home, and then he planned its furnishings.
Holding the whole picture in his mind, he began living in the certain way and moving toward
what he wanted — and he owns the house now and is rebuilding it after the form of his mental image. And now, with still larger faith, he is going on to get greater things.
It has been unto him according to his faith, and so it is with you — and with all of us.
(The Science of Getting Rich, Chapter 6)
He wants all these things because it is himself that enjoys and appreciates them; they are his
creation. It is God who wants to play, and sing, and enjoy beauty, and proclaim truth, and wear fine clothes, and eat good foods. “It is God that worketh in you to will and to do,” said the apostle Paul.
The desire you feel for riches is the infinite, seeking to express himself in you as he sought to find
expression in the little boy at the piano.
So you need not hesitate to ask largely.
Your part is to focus on and express that desire to God.
This is a difficult point with most people. They retain something of the old idea that poverty and
self-sacrifice are pleasing to God. They look upon poverty as a part of the plan, a necessity of nature. They have the idea that God has finished his work, and made all that he can make, and that the majority of people must stay poor because there is not enough to go around. They hold to so much of this erroneous thought that they feel ashamed to ask for wealth. They try not to want more than a very modest competence, just enough to make them fairly comfortable.
I recall now the case of one student who was told that he must get in mind a clear picture of the
things he desired, so that the creative thought of them might be impressed on formless substance. He was a very poor man, living in a rented house and having only what he earned from day to day, and he could not grasp the fact that all wealth was his. So, after thinking the matter over, he decided that he might reasonably ask for a new rug for the floor of his best room and a coal stove to heat the house during the cold weather. Following the instructions given in this book, he obtained these things in a few months.
And then it dawned upon him that he had not asked enough.
He went through the house in which he lived, and planned all the improvements he would like to
make in it. He mentally added a bay window here and a room there until it was complete in his mind as his ideal home, and then he planned its furnishings.
Holding the whole picture in his mind, he began living in the certain way and moving toward
what he wanted — and he owns the house now and is rebuilding it after the form of his mental image. And now, with still larger faith, he is going on to get greater things.
It has been unto him according to his faith, and so it is with you — and with all of us.
(The Science of Getting Rich, Chapter 6)
That quote is taken right from here: The Science of Getting Rich, and I invite you to swim in its yumminess as I have been.
I'm so thankful tonight for my Diamond call and for the gentle and generous folks on it. I told them tonight that I'm positive that my coming into the Diamond is a direct result of my studying SGR (that is, if we're playing the game of cause and effect). For the fun of it, let's play!
Thank you!
To quote another friend of mine:
"Keep on creating, inventing and celebrating life! Keep on waking up inspired and tending to the garden of your dreams!" - Shawn Madden (click his name to see and hear more!)
Inner Peace Dance Party, Anyone?
I'm in a gifting club that meets once a week by conference call to talk about all sorts of inspiring topics. Following is the topic for this week's call:
Topic: The well respected author and educator, Dr. Vernon Woolf, who is head of the International Academy of Holodynamics, related in one of his workshops a fact published in an Australian magazine: That if all of the combined wealth of the world were gathered up into one place and then re-distributed equally to all of the worlds' seven billion people, we would each be billionaires. We would each have 4.7 billion dollars! Now, this information is staggering, yes? Well....are we not aware that we live on a very fertile planet in an infinitely abundant universe?
The question: If money were this abundantly plentiful in your life, what would you choose to do with your time on planet earth? Describe the life you would create if money were no object....
I love the question, and I feel that it is very much in alignment with what I write about here. However, first I want to share that I did some looking into that statement. So, it turns out, if all the wealth in the world were evenly distributed, we would each get about $9000. Quite a difference from each of us being billionaires.
But am I bringing negative talk into this conversation?
I don't mean to. What I want to do is contemplate the above question: If money were this abundantly plentiful in your life, what would you choose to do with your time on planet earth? Describe the life you would create if money were no object.
Let me first throw a little Wallace Wattles in here.
So here's the question again: If money were this abundantly plentiful in your life, what would you choose to do with your time on planet earth? Describe the life you would create if money were no object.
I think when I come to Chicago, I would stay in a nice hotel or find an apartment to sublet. I might buy a small house or a condo in Austin to have as my nesting place while in town. It would surely have a great big claw foot tub like I have now and like I saw at Shelly's the other day. It was good for me to see her tub because I think my bathtub keeps me attached to my place. Great to see great big claw foot tubs elsewhere!
Now here's the big question: would I grab an Airstream and a truck and a dj and a chef (can it all be the same person? anyone want to enlist? I can think of at least one person . . . though he suggested we get TWO Airstreams) and hit the road for towns with mild climates and throw impromptu dance parties and food giveaways? What stops me from doing that now?
Am I lazy?
I feel a little tense right now. My nose is stuffed up and runny and I have a head ache and it's cold and windy outside and I'm confused about what I'm doing here and and and and I think about what I read yesterday: Nothing is worth closing your heart over. Nothing. You can relax.
Who am I trying to please in this life?
Am I resisting the Airstream Dance Party idea because I don't want to do it on my own? Could I put an ad on Craigslist? What kinds of weird freaks would I get then? Am I resisting it out of loneliness and not wanting to go alone? Am I resisting because I want my Airstream Dance Party partner also to be my romantic partner?
One thing I know: I'd go to Hawaii in December for the Ram Dass/Krishna Das retreat. That one I know for sure.
And I know that the dance parties are ALL ABOUT increase and more life for all. That is FOR SURE.
I watched some of The Ellen Show today and I'm so glad I did. She had a thirteen-year-old boy on there who loves dancing and she talked with him about how FREE it feels to dance. Yes. I have felt that she would be a great supporter of the Free Organic Veggie Hippie Food Love Van Dance Party.
What stops me?
Yes, being on the road and discovering this country (this WORLD!) is my passion. As is awakening my consciousness, which is my primary purpose and commitment. Does that focus keep me from spreading my focus on this plane?
What stops me?
In contemplating the question for tonight's Diamond call, I wondered how much energy I spend worrying about money? I can feel the pressure that seems to hold me in place. Am I kidding myself to think that that's not the case? What is it that I need to create? What is the clear mental image that I need to create in order to do what I really want to do?
Mr. Wattles tells us that we must work in and on our present place and situation in order to get where we want to be. I can go to work at Austin Lakes Hospital, filled with gratitude, as I typically am there. I can more than fill my present place and hold with faith and purpose (insistence) that I get what I want. And allow it to come to me. It doesn't seem to make sense, but I am committed to this certain way, 30 days at a time, am I not?
I don't know what I want.
It feels like there's a SHOULD out there. That these visions somehow are to lead to happiness, when what I really want is inner peace and a deep knowing of the infinite love and peace within us all. Everything beyond that is icing on the cake.
And, YES, free dance parties and A BIG FAT ROAD TRIP would be a blast.
Will you come with me?
*****
Um, oh yeah, I'd get myself to the dentist. And buy my mom her retirement, however she wants it.
Topic: The well respected author and educator, Dr. Vernon Woolf, who is head of the International Academy of Holodynamics, related in one of his workshops a fact published in an Australian magazine: That if all of the combined wealth of the world were gathered up into one place and then re-distributed equally to all of the worlds' seven billion people, we would each be billionaires. We would each have 4.7 billion dollars! Now, this information is staggering, yes? Well....are we not aware that we live on a very fertile planet in an infinitely abundant universe?
The question: If money were this abundantly plentiful in your life, what would you choose to do with your time on planet earth? Describe the life you would create if money were no object....
I love the question, and I feel that it is very much in alignment with what I write about here. However, first I want to share that I did some looking into that statement. So, it turns out, if all the wealth in the world were evenly distributed, we would each get about $9000. Quite a difference from each of us being billionaires.
But am I bringing negative talk into this conversation?
I don't mean to. What I want to do is contemplate the above question: If money were this abundantly plentiful in your life, what would you choose to do with your time on planet earth? Describe the life you would create if money were no object.
Let me first throw a little Wallace Wattles in here.
"Know that there are countless millions of dollars' worth of undiscovered gold in the mountains of the earth. Know that if there were not, more would be created from the thinking substance to supply your needs. Know that the money you need will come -- even if it is necessary for a thousand people to be led to the discovery of new gold mines tomorrow.
Never look at the visible supply; always look at the limitless riches in the formless substance and know that they are coming to you as fast as you can receive and use them. Nobody, by cornering the visible supply, can prevent you from getting what is yours."
(The Science of Getting Rich, Chapter 5)
Never look at the visible supply; always look at the limitless riches in the formless substance and know that they are coming to you as fast as you can receive and use them. Nobody, by cornering the visible supply, can prevent you from getting what is yours."
(The Science of Getting Rich, Chapter 5)
So here's the question again: If money were this abundantly plentiful in your life, what would you choose to do with your time on planet earth? Describe the life you would create if money were no object.
I think when I come to Chicago, I would stay in a nice hotel or find an apartment to sublet. I might buy a small house or a condo in Austin to have as my nesting place while in town. It would surely have a great big claw foot tub like I have now and like I saw at Shelly's the other day. It was good for me to see her tub because I think my bathtub keeps me attached to my place. Great to see great big claw foot tubs elsewhere!
Now here's the big question: would I grab an Airstream and a truck and a dj and a chef (can it all be the same person? anyone want to enlist? I can think of at least one person . . . though he suggested we get TWO Airstreams) and hit the road for towns with mild climates and throw impromptu dance parties and food giveaways? What stops me from doing that now?
Am I lazy?
I feel a little tense right now. My nose is stuffed up and runny and I have a head ache and it's cold and windy outside and I'm confused about what I'm doing here and and and and I think about what I read yesterday: Nothing is worth closing your heart over. Nothing. You can relax.
Who am I trying to please in this life?
Am I resisting the Airstream Dance Party idea because I don't want to do it on my own? Could I put an ad on Craigslist? What kinds of weird freaks would I get then? Am I resisting it out of loneliness and not wanting to go alone? Am I resisting because I want my Airstream Dance Party partner also to be my romantic partner?
One thing I know: I'd go to Hawaii in December for the Ram Dass/Krishna Das retreat. That one I know for sure.
And I know that the dance parties are ALL ABOUT increase and more life for all. That is FOR SURE.
I watched some of The Ellen Show today and I'm so glad I did. She had a thirteen-year-old boy on there who loves dancing and she talked with him about how FREE it feels to dance. Yes. I have felt that she would be a great supporter of the Free Organic Veggie Hippie Food Love Van Dance Party.
What stops me?
Yes, being on the road and discovering this country (this WORLD!) is my passion. As is awakening my consciousness, which is my primary purpose and commitment. Does that focus keep me from spreading my focus on this plane?
What stops me?
In contemplating the question for tonight's Diamond call, I wondered how much energy I spend worrying about money? I can feel the pressure that seems to hold me in place. Am I kidding myself to think that that's not the case? What is it that I need to create? What is the clear mental image that I need to create in order to do what I really want to do?
Mr. Wattles tells us that we must work in and on our present place and situation in order to get where we want to be. I can go to work at Austin Lakes Hospital, filled with gratitude, as I typically am there. I can more than fill my present place and hold with faith and purpose (insistence) that I get what I want. And allow it to come to me. It doesn't seem to make sense, but I am committed to this certain way, 30 days at a time, am I not?
I don't know what I want.
It feels like there's a SHOULD out there. That these visions somehow are to lead to happiness, when what I really want is inner peace and a deep knowing of the infinite love and peace within us all. Everything beyond that is icing on the cake.
And, YES, free dance parties and A BIG FAT ROAD TRIP would be a blast.
Will you come with me?
*****
Um, oh yeah, I'd get myself to the dentist. And buy my mom her retirement, however she wants it.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
A Ramble of a Blog Entry, from Chicago
I flew to Chicago today. On the plane I read from the book The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer, loaned to me by my friend, Annie, who was the person who sent me to the bookstore to buy The Science of Getting Rich last winter.
I read a chapter that suggested one keep one's heart open, no matter what.
Dig this:
"The most important thing in your life is your inner energy . . . Learn to work with these things . . . You do this by opening and releasing. You do this by not buying into the concept that there is anything worth closing over. Nothing, ever, is worth closing your heart over." (The Untethered Soul, Chapter 5)
Sound familiar? Like maybe, truth, regardless of appearances?
Most everything I read these days I look to see how it relates or fits in with SGR since this is the study I've taken on. And I hope for the best results because I haven't been able to drop my other studies, as Wallace Wattles suggests. Awakening my consciousness and opening my heart - if I do have control over such things - are the most important things to me. Everything else is secondary.
********
I feel that my writing today lacks organization or one particular point. Which, overall, is pointing to my general ADD style of things. So distractable! Sometimes I make a commitment only to look at email/Facebook twice a day. It's interesting to see how much more focused I can be. It does take practice in this ADD world I've created around myself.
Which brings me to the topic of Efficient Action (SGR, Chapter 12). This morning I felt the smoothness of efficiency: getting up and getting ready to go on my trip and making breakfast and cleaning it all up and driving to the airport and getting to my flight, smoothly, easily, on time. No hurry, no worry.
I heard from a friend the expression "stop the splatter" referring to doing too many things at once. What's possible if I actually focus on just one thing at a time?
Mr. Wattles:
I like to look at this through the lens of presence. When we are present with an action, when we are understanding that there is no other purpose at all for us than what's happening right in that moment, we are dialed in to the power of the Infinite. It is the Power of Now that Eckhart Tolle talks about. From there, every act is a success.
There is a de-programming that one must do in order to have a focus like that. In our culture, we are trained that most acts are a means to an end.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said this:
"The good news is that the moment you decide that what you know is more important than what you have been taught to believe, you will have shifted gears in your quest for abundance. Success comes from within, not from without." (Ralph W. Emerson, 1803 - 1882)
That means doing things in the certain way. Mr. Wattles reminds us that in living in the certain way, we may not be doing different things than what we were already doing; we just begin to do them in a different way. Success comes from within.
In my estimation, then, it is not about a competitive push to see who can do more faster than whom and all that jazz. It is about how present we are when we are doing things. And how filled with faith, purpose and gratitude.
I walked along Lake Michigan with my dad today after I arrived in Chicago. It's gorgeous out there, just across the street from his apartment building. I notice in myself when I come here to visit that sometimes I feel awkward. I still feel some of this, even now; worry that I'm disappointing him or causing him discomfort in some way. But I called on what I've been studying and practicing: presence, the impression of increase, keeping the heart open - no matter what, truth regardless of appearances. And noticed my mind wanting to make wrong and then just breathed, looked at the sky, the lake, the trees, the people, and kept feeling the openness and peace and love that I live in and just hung out in that, hoping that it translates.
My dad said to me, "I'm not sure if you're actually my child," jokingly and mystified as to how we can appear to be so different in how we live our lives. I told him, "That could be a liberating thought!" He said it wasn't. He said he still feels responsible for me. I told him, "You don't have to. I know you can't help it, but you really don't."
Would riches satisfy his concerns? Would him knowing somehow on a deep level that I am giving off the impression of increase and that my success is for the good of all? Will he come to know those things?
I hope so because my dad is a good and caring man, and I'm clear about my path, too. May my being radiate peace, radiate the impression of increase, so that others may benefit in exponential ways and so that we all may drop the false need for fear.
That IS the ultimate aim, is it not? Without fear, all things are possible. All love. All celebration.
I read a chapter that suggested one keep one's heart open, no matter what.
Dig this:
"The most important thing in your life is your inner energy . . . Learn to work with these things . . . You do this by opening and releasing. You do this by not buying into the concept that there is anything worth closing over. Nothing, ever, is worth closing your heart over." (The Untethered Soul, Chapter 5)
Sound familiar? Like maybe, truth, regardless of appearances?
Most everything I read these days I look to see how it relates or fits in with SGR since this is the study I've taken on. And I hope for the best results because I haven't been able to drop my other studies, as Wallace Wattles suggests. Awakening my consciousness and opening my heart - if I do have control over such things - are the most important things to me. Everything else is secondary.
********
I feel that my writing today lacks organization or one particular point. Which, overall, is pointing to my general ADD style of things. So distractable! Sometimes I make a commitment only to look at email/Facebook twice a day. It's interesting to see how much more focused I can be. It does take practice in this ADD world I've created around myself.
Which brings me to the topic of Efficient Action (SGR, Chapter 12). This morning I felt the smoothness of efficiency: getting up and getting ready to go on my trip and making breakfast and cleaning it all up and driving to the airport and getting to my flight, smoothly, easily, on time. No hurry, no worry.
I heard from a friend the expression "stop the splatter" referring to doing too many things at once. What's possible if I actually focus on just one thing at a time?
Mr. Wattles:
"The matter turns, then, on the question of whether you can make each separate act a success in itself. And, this you can certainly do.
You can make each act a success, because the Infinite is working with you, and the Infinite cannot fail.
The Supreme Power is at your service. To make each act efficient you only have to put your own power into it." (SGR, Chapter 12)
You can make each act a success, because the Infinite is working with you, and the Infinite cannot fail.
The Supreme Power is at your service. To make each act efficient you only have to put your own power into it." (SGR, Chapter 12)
I like to look at this through the lens of presence. When we are present with an action, when we are understanding that there is no other purpose at all for us than what's happening right in that moment, we are dialed in to the power of the Infinite. It is the Power of Now that Eckhart Tolle talks about. From there, every act is a success.
There is a de-programming that one must do in order to have a focus like that. In our culture, we are trained that most acts are a means to an end.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said this:
"The good news is that the moment you decide that what you know is more important than what you have been taught to believe, you will have shifted gears in your quest for abundance. Success comes from within, not from without." (Ralph W. Emerson, 1803 - 1882)
That means doing things in the certain way. Mr. Wattles reminds us that in living in the certain way, we may not be doing different things than what we were already doing; we just begin to do them in a different way. Success comes from within.
In my estimation, then, it is not about a competitive push to see who can do more faster than whom and all that jazz. It is about how present we are when we are doing things. And how filled with faith, purpose and gratitude.
I walked along Lake Michigan with my dad today after I arrived in Chicago. It's gorgeous out there, just across the street from his apartment building. I notice in myself when I come here to visit that sometimes I feel awkward. I still feel some of this, even now; worry that I'm disappointing him or causing him discomfort in some way. But I called on what I've been studying and practicing: presence, the impression of increase, keeping the heart open - no matter what, truth regardless of appearances. And noticed my mind wanting to make wrong and then just breathed, looked at the sky, the lake, the trees, the people, and kept feeling the openness and peace and love that I live in and just hung out in that, hoping that it translates.
My dad said to me, "I'm not sure if you're actually my child," jokingly and mystified as to how we can appear to be so different in how we live our lives. I told him, "That could be a liberating thought!" He said it wasn't. He said he still feels responsible for me. I told him, "You don't have to. I know you can't help it, but you really don't."
Would riches satisfy his concerns? Would him knowing somehow on a deep level that I am giving off the impression of increase and that my success is for the good of all? Will he come to know those things?
I hope so because my dad is a good and caring man, and I'm clear about my path, too. May my being radiate peace, radiate the impression of increase, so that others may benefit in exponential ways and so that we all may drop the false need for fear.
That IS the ultimate aim, is it not? Without fear, all things are possible. All love. All celebration.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Saturday and Grateful Vision of Maui
I dig weekends. Especially when I don't have anything scheduled.
I watched an Eckhart Tolle video today in which he said that the more you are in presence, the less you actually have to do. It gave me pause, as I contemplated Mr. Wattles' direction:
"Do, every day, all that you can do that day, and do each act in an efficient manner." (The Science of Getting Rich, Chapter 12)
In fact, this is one of the core elements of this teaching.
So here's what I see:
When we are fully present, if there are things that need tending to, we will do them. In their own moments, without hurrying (Say what, Mr. Wattles? Never hurry? Cool!). What I find in my life is that when I take time to slow down and get present, it is restful, and often my energy will increase.
I do notice in myself, however, that I have a nearly vicious tendency to project my thoughts into the [imaginary] future and think about things I may or may not need to do. But it doesn't really matter if I need to do the act or not, if I'm doing something else now, I can't do the other act. And so the thought is purposeless.
A few days ago I held this paragraph throughout the day:
As has been happening as I read this book in this new ways, I am seeing certain sentences stand out in ways I hadn't before. How is it that this sentence didn't stand out to me before?
It is essential to the clearness of your mental vision that you dismiss the past from your mind.
I can see in reading over that statement that holding on to certain images from the past can taint the clearness and optimism of a vision. Mr. Wattles firmly instructs us not to contemplate or talk about past [financial] problems. He says not to talk about how bad things used to be, whether for us or others, because, he says we align ourselves with [poverty] when we put our focus there, even if we're comparing the past with a more favorable current situation.
Something else that's interesting and challenging is the instruction to talk about the things you want as if you already have ownership of them. That is really a new muscle to grow. Because if there isn't faith and purpose (and of course gratitude) in the statement, it won't work. And I, the speaker, won't enjoy the speaking of it for feelings of inauthenticity. So, just another thing to consider as I'm creating things like a Ram Dass retreat in Maui in December, a few months from now. See, even there. That was said with a lack of faith. The instruction is this:
I'm going to a Ram Dass retreat on Maui, December 10 - 15 of this year!
(I feel nervous! But I'm so glad to have the new distinction of "purpose" because I just call that insistence. So I can insist. Yes, this is a new muscle! We're trying it all out here!)
In December I'm traveling to Hawaii for my first time! And visit with the Frires and RD and KD and the awesome other people there, and I'm in love with Hawaii and the people and the peace I carry with me throughout my life. And the food is amazing and we never have to think about it. And my room is great as is the weather. And it's beautiful to be with my old friends again. All is peaceful and well and I'm deeply grateful.
Now we're getting somewhere.
I think I'll go get in the bathtub and read some of this book, eat some strawberries, and then I will see what comes next. I will watch for those moments when I'm projecting into the past or the future. And I'll lovingly touch them and smile and thank them for quieting me down and bringing me right here.
Wow, I can see a place I still can use some distinguishing. Holding the vision vs. being present. How much do we really have to hold that vision? Can we not send it out to the Universe with faith and purpose and gratitude and then just be really present?
. . .
I watched an Eckhart Tolle video today in which he said that the more you are in presence, the less you actually have to do. It gave me pause, as I contemplated Mr. Wattles' direction:
"Do, every day, all that you can do that day, and do each act in an efficient manner." (The Science of Getting Rich, Chapter 12)
In fact, this is one of the core elements of this teaching.
So here's what I see:
When we are fully present, if there are things that need tending to, we will do them. In their own moments, without hurrying (Say what, Mr. Wattles? Never hurry? Cool!). What I find in my life is that when I take time to slow down and get present, it is restful, and often my energy will increase.
I do notice in myself, however, that I have a nearly vicious tendency to project my thoughts into the [imaginary] future and think about things I may or may not need to do. But it doesn't really matter if I need to do the act or not, if I'm doing something else now, I can't do the other act. And so the thought is purposeless.
A few days ago I held this paragraph throughout the day:
"Whatever your action is to be, it is evident that you must act now. You cannot act in the past. It is essential to the clearness of your mental vision that you dismiss the past from your mind. You cannot act in the future because the future is not here yet. And, you cannot tell how you will want to act in any future contingency until that contingency has arrived."
As has been happening as I read this book in this new ways, I am seeing certain sentences stand out in ways I hadn't before. How is it that this sentence didn't stand out to me before?
It is essential to the clearness of your mental vision that you dismiss the past from your mind.
I can see in reading over that statement that holding on to certain images from the past can taint the clearness and optimism of a vision. Mr. Wattles firmly instructs us not to contemplate or talk about past [financial] problems. He says not to talk about how bad things used to be, whether for us or others, because, he says we align ourselves with [poverty] when we put our focus there, even if we're comparing the past with a more favorable current situation.
Something else that's interesting and challenging is the instruction to talk about the things you want as if you already have ownership of them. That is really a new muscle to grow. Because if there isn't faith and purpose (and of course gratitude) in the statement, it won't work. And I, the speaker, won't enjoy the speaking of it for feelings of inauthenticity. So, just another thing to consider as I'm creating things like a Ram Dass retreat in Maui in December, a few months from now. See, even there. That was said with a lack of faith. The instruction is this:
I'm going to a Ram Dass retreat on Maui, December 10 - 15 of this year!
(I feel nervous! But I'm so glad to have the new distinction of "purpose" because I just call that insistence. So I can insist. Yes, this is a new muscle! We're trying it all out here!)
In December I'm traveling to Hawaii for my first time! And visit with the Frires and RD and KD and the awesome other people there, and I'm in love with Hawaii and the people and the peace I carry with me throughout my life. And the food is amazing and we never have to think about it. And my room is great as is the weather. And it's beautiful to be with my old friends again. All is peaceful and well and I'm deeply grateful.
Now we're getting somewhere.
I think I'll go get in the bathtub and read some of this book, eat some strawberries, and then I will see what comes next. I will watch for those moments when I'm projecting into the past or the future. And I'll lovingly touch them and smile and thank them for quieting me down and bringing me right here.
Wow, I can see a place I still can use some distinguishing. Holding the vision vs. being present. How much do we really have to hold that vision? Can we not send it out to the Universe with faith and purpose and gratitude and then just be really present?
. . .
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Purpose
Okay, I'm needing to get myself ready to go to work and stuff like that, so for now I'm just going to say
PURPOSE = INSISTENCE
I've been unsure about the "purpose" part of the Certain Way and last night, while reading SGR, I saw that purpose, in my world, equals my "insistence" that I live the life I want (see last post).
More on this later? Maybe. Or maybe this statement is complete.
This is a big realization for me.
PURPOSE = INSISTENCE
I've been unsure about the "purpose" part of the Certain Way and last night, while reading SGR, I saw that purpose, in my world, equals my "insistence" that I live the life I want (see last post).
More on this later? Maybe. Or maybe this statement is complete.
This is a big realization for me.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
I read this in the book last night:
" You can serve God and your fellow humans in no more effective way that by getting rich. That is, if you get rich by the creative method and not by the competitive one." (The Science of Getting Rich, Chapter 10)
That statement has never particularly moved me before, in all my months of reading this book. I read it last night and it resonated on a different level. I saw that getting rich by the creative method - living in the CERTAIN WAY - is showing people who they really are. What we are. Our true nature. Behold the love of God.
Fascinating to look at it that way, when I look back over the words. That a conversation about "being rich" is something that seems to awaken the core of love in us?
It's absolutely brilliant.
Here's a man telling me that the way to riches is not to worry and to be really present. Wha?
When all I want to do is come into the present again and again anyway! It's the simplest thing, and so mysterious, and paradoxical in its effect, and yet I am convinced it is the key to All. It IS All. There is nothing but this moment.
I dig playing with this stuff. In the moments when my HEAD just relaxes and allows the creative part of me to arise, I can generate beautifully. I just think so dern much. So the noticing, the getting present, the watching the thoughts, the breathing, the resting, the relaxing, the dropping the hyper-vigilance, . . . hearing the MFC's play the Palace at Auburn Hills, where I saw Jerry play on his birthday in August 1994, . . .
it's all right here. And all is well.
(These guys freakin' rock! Will you confuse my love for the cobwebs?)
Again:
"You can serve God and your fellow humans in no more effective way that by getting rich. That is, if you get rich by the creative method and not by the competitive one."
I do believe that if I continue to insist that I live my life the way I want to, I will continue to have it. Nothing truly convinces me otherwise. It's funny that I would still feel some mistrust, at the same time. But it's not the winning voice. Thankfully.
I listen to Mr. Wattles. He tells me not to worry. He tells me to do all that I can do in a day. Without hurrying, he says. He tells me to give off the vibe of increase (spread love!). He tells me to do today's work today and not worry whether yesterday's work was done well or what will come tomorrow. Right now, he says. (Mais, oui.)
And as I create a more expansive life I see that it shows others what We are. May all reflect back to one another the same Love that created that watermelon-colored sunset blazing through the black trees, after 24+ hours of rain, and then, the clouds closed up and just after the sky grew dark, unloaded more water. We are all that. May we use it to love.
This is what Mr. Wattles teaches us: God wants us to love and enjoy our life because WE ARE GOD. We ARE the consciousness creating all of this. Why wouldn't we make it to enjoy?
Have you ever been to Glacier National Park? Or been with a giant seqoia? A whale? Multiple whales?
We are alive.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
My Man
Here's one area where I am creating a CMI (Clear Mental Image).
I read an article a while back in Oprah Magazine where a woman had made such a list and then put it away and some years later realized her man had all but two of one hundred qualities she'd created. She said she'd made the list and then put it in the back of her closet and forgot about it. I suppose that differs from the Wallace Wattles instruction. He says to spend leisure time contemplating the details of your vision and work time focused on doing your work well, while holding the general image of what you want also in your mind.
In my living room, on a wall I'm currently facing, is the poster I created when I wanted to move into the perfect apartment for me. I'd written the list over and over again in ads requesting a living space. I'd journaled them, I'm pretty sure. It just wasn't coming, but I was so clear on what I wanted. Gas stove, central air and heat, bathtub (remember the big antique claw-foot tub I created?), outdoor living space, good neighbors, you know, stuff like that. So finally I made a poster at someone's recommendation. I sit in the very apartment I created with that poster.
So does that mean now I make a poster about this man of mine? I think the fact that I'm publicly declaring my list is a huge first step.
It started like this:
1. Great kisser.
2. Great hippie dancer and loves hippie dancing.
3. Good looks.
4. Fit.
5. Loves and appreciates Ryan Adams.
6. Can cook.
7. Cooks for me.
8. Skillful masseur and gives me massages.
9. Pays attention to details.
10. Mellow and supportive around menstrual issues.
11. Loves exercise.
12. Monogamous with me.
13. Funny.
14. Smart.
15. Reads.
16. Great sex with me, very present during, loves to hang around together after.
17. World traveler.
18. Also likes to nest.
19. Loves and appreciates Jerry G.
20. Skillful writer.
21. Outdoorsy.
22. Can start a fire and pitch a tent.
23. Musician; we jam together and with friends.
24. Gets along with his family.
25. Gets along with my family.
26. Within five years of my age.
27. Wants children with me.
28. Appreciates a good HBO series.
29. Mostly eats healthily.
30. Quiet sleeper.
31. Minimal (if at all) alcohol drinker.
32. Gregarious.
33. Skilled, authentic communicator.
34. Knows the common, agreed on reality is not real.
35. Takes me to fancy hotels.
36. Senior Landmark grad.
37. Goes with me to India.
38. Adventurous.
39. Doesn't believe in embarrassment.
40. Super respectful.
41. Knows I'm the bee's knees.
42. Into teachings like Eckhart Tolle's.
43. We only have eyes for each other.
44. Conscious, and returns to consciousness.
45. Compassionate.
46. Silly.
47. Balanced between calling me out on my shit and letting me get away with my shit.
48. We laugh a lot together.
49. Really super fun.
50. Clean but not fastidious.
51. Super into the Free Organic Veggie Hippie Food Love Van Dance Party and co-creates it with me.
52. Has good, long-lasting friendships.
53. No powders.
54. Balanced life.
55. Meditates.
56. Great with children.
57. Together we create exponential love and it makes a difference across the universe.
58. We model what's possible in relationships, especially communication, commitment and presence.
59. Committed to the joyful awakening of human consciousness with gentleness and a sense of humor.
60. Loves himself.
61. Likes to go to the moves with stadium seating with me.
62. Feels a sense of protection toward me.
63. Gives me lots of room to do my thing and be with my people.
64. Gets my stuffies.
65. Financially liberated.
66. Reads to me in bed and when I'm in the bathtub.
67. Loves my cooking.
68. Has a very open heart.
69. 100% committed to the relationship.
70. Innately happy.
71. Doesn't smoke cigarettes. Smokes pot occasionally.
72. Inspires me to presence.
73. Between six and eight inches taller than I am.
74. Has country-sounding or English, Australian or New Zealand accent.
75. Digs kirtan.
76. Indifferent to whether or not I remove hair from my body.
77. Loves my appearance and complements me on it.
78. When we go see Patti Smith, he loves it.
79. Confident.
80. Forgiving and light-hearted.
81. Endlessly interesting and interested.
82. Knows when to bring me chocolate and only brings me high-quality dark chocolate.
83. {Hidden cuz it's personal, but I can see it and so can the formless substance.}Nice dick, larger side of medium - large, perfect fit for me.
84. Can do basic plumbing and car maintenance and teaches me.
85. Very patient.
86. Generous and skilled lover.
87. Handy around the house.
88. Deep spiritual commitment: ultimately #1 for him.
89. We're psyched to be in relationship together.
90. Similar sleep schedules and habits.
91. Gives off the impression of increase, naturally.
92. Based in Austin.
93. Welcomes, receives and relishes my love, care and affection.
94. Gives me enduring love, care and affection and I welcome, receive and relish it.
95. Celebrates me.
96. Very sexy.
97. Brilliant.
98. Writes notes about how awesome I am on my bathroom mirror with dry erase marker.
99. Consistent.
100. It's just obvious.
101. Lives by the principles of the Science of Getting Rich.
102. We admire each other.
103. Creative and supports creativity.
104. Engenders peace and egolessness.
105. Loves p.c. with me and we have lots of it.
106. Perfect balance of together and separate.
107. Has a calming effect on me.
108. Grounded.
109. TOTALLY WILLING.
I read an article a while back in Oprah Magazine where a woman had made such a list and then put it away and some years later realized her man had all but two of one hundred qualities she'd created. She said she'd made the list and then put it in the back of her closet and forgot about it. I suppose that differs from the Wallace Wattles instruction. He says to spend leisure time contemplating the details of your vision and work time focused on doing your work well, while holding the general image of what you want also in your mind.
In my living room, on a wall I'm currently facing, is the poster I created when I wanted to move into the perfect apartment for me. I'd written the list over and over again in ads requesting a living space. I'd journaled them, I'm pretty sure. It just wasn't coming, but I was so clear on what I wanted. Gas stove, central air and heat, bathtub (remember the big antique claw-foot tub I created?), outdoor living space, good neighbors, you know, stuff like that. So finally I made a poster at someone's recommendation. I sit in the very apartment I created with that poster.
So does that mean now I make a poster about this man of mine? I think the fact that I'm publicly declaring my list is a huge first step.
It started like this:
1. Great kisser.
2. Great hippie dancer and loves hippie dancing.
3. Good looks.
4. Fit.
5. Loves and appreciates Ryan Adams.
6. Can cook.
7. Cooks for me.
8. Skillful masseur and gives me massages.
9. Pays attention to details.
10. Mellow and supportive around menstrual issues.
11. Loves exercise.
12. Monogamous with me.
13. Funny.
14. Smart.
15. Reads.
16. Great sex with me, very present during, loves to hang around together after.
17. World traveler.
18. Also likes to nest.
19. Loves and appreciates Jerry G.
20. Skillful writer.
21. Outdoorsy.
22. Can start a fire and pitch a tent.
23. Musician; we jam together and with friends.
24. Gets along with his family.
25. Gets along with my family.
26. Within five years of my age.
27. Wants children with me.
28. Appreciates a good HBO series.
29. Mostly eats healthily.
30. Quiet sleeper.
31. Minimal (if at all) alcohol drinker.
32. Gregarious.
33. Skilled, authentic communicator.
34. Knows the common, agreed on reality is not real.
35. Takes me to fancy hotels.
36. Senior Landmark grad.
37. Goes with me to India.
38. Adventurous.
39. Doesn't believe in embarrassment.
40. Super respectful.
41. Knows I'm the bee's knees.
42. Into teachings like Eckhart Tolle's.
43. We only have eyes for each other.
44. Conscious, and returns to consciousness.
45. Compassionate.
46. Silly.
47. Balanced between calling me out on my shit and letting me get away with my shit.
48. We laugh a lot together.
49. Really super fun.
50. Clean but not fastidious.
51. Super into the Free Organic Veggie Hippie Food Love Van Dance Party and co-creates it with me.
52. Has good, long-lasting friendships.
53. No powders.
54. Balanced life.
55. Meditates.
56. Great with children.
57. Together we create exponential love and it makes a difference across the universe.
58. We model what's possible in relationships, especially communication, commitment and presence.
59. Committed to the joyful awakening of human consciousness with gentleness and a sense of humor.
60. Loves himself.
61. Likes to go to the moves with stadium seating with me.
62. Feels a sense of protection toward me.
63. Gives me lots of room to do my thing and be with my people.
64. Gets my stuffies.
65. Financially liberated.
66. Reads to me in bed and when I'm in the bathtub.
67. Loves my cooking.
68. Has a very open heart.
69. 100% committed to the relationship.
70. Innately happy.
71. Doesn't smoke cigarettes. Smokes pot occasionally.
72. Inspires me to presence.
73. Between six and eight inches taller than I am.
74. Has country-sounding or English, Australian or New Zealand accent.
75. Digs kirtan.
76. Indifferent to whether or not I remove hair from my body.
77. Loves my appearance and complements me on it.
78. When we go see Patti Smith, he loves it.
79. Confident.
80. Forgiving and light-hearted.
81. Endlessly interesting and interested.
82. Knows when to bring me chocolate and only brings me high-quality dark chocolate.
83. {Hidden cuz it's personal, but I can see it and so can the formless substance.}Nice dick, larger side of medium - large, perfect fit for me.
84. Can do basic plumbing and car maintenance and teaches me.
85. Very patient.
86. Generous and skilled lover.
87. Handy around the house.
88. Deep spiritual commitment: ultimately #1 for him.
89. We're psyched to be in relationship together.
90. Similar sleep schedules and habits.
91. Gives off the impression of increase, naturally.
92. Based in Austin.
93. Welcomes, receives and relishes my love, care and affection.
94. Gives me enduring love, care and affection and I welcome, receive and relish it.
95. Celebrates me.
96. Very sexy.
97. Brilliant.
98. Writes notes about how awesome I am on my bathroom mirror with dry erase marker.
99. Consistent.
100. It's just obvious.
101. Lives by the principles of the Science of Getting Rich.
102. We admire each other.
103. Creative and supports creativity.
104. Engenders peace and egolessness.
105. Loves p.c. with me and we have lots of it.
106. Perfect balance of together and separate.
107. Has a calming effect on me.
108. Grounded.
109. TOTALLY WILLING.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Thank You.
Thank you for this venue. I am seeing so much in this first week or so.
In just glancing at the title of the last post, I see that, perhaps concentrating too deeply on one aspect of the Certain Way may leave one frustrated if it doesn't feel fully in the flow; and, thankfully, there are many aspects of the Certain Way that may lead us to freedom or space in the other areas.
For example, today I did everything that was on my original to-do list for the day, and even did a few things not written on the list like my morning pages and going to the gym. AND I even got a nap and a bath and saw a movie. Pretty good! "Do all that you can do in a day . . . " says Mr. Wattles. And I didn't rush.
I read this on someone's Facebook wall:
"When someone is counting out gold for you, don't look at your hands, or the gold. Look at the Giver." - Rumi
I felt gratitude at reading that message. This is what I saw:
I'd been sitting on the couch balancing my checkbook and paying a few bills. Lately I do this about once a month and enjoy watching the tally add up perfectly. But this past month seemed much less organized and, for the first time in a long time, I felt agitated and nervous during the process. Like something in me telling a story that something isn't okay -- or at some imagined point in the future, something isn't okay.
Because right here in this moment, there's absolutely nothing wrong. In the above arena, I have plenty of money, I got my bills paid, I continue to get paid, and all is well.
Something in me got spooked and wanted to have more security, assurity.
Then I saw that Rumi quote (whilst an Eckhart Tolle video was showing on my television).
I got the space. Don't look at your hands or the gold. Look at the Giver. Yes. That is the background. The Giver is all there is.
Wallace Wattles calls it the Formless Substance or Supreme Power. Sometimes we both call it God.
A little Wattles:
"Never look at the visible supply; always look at the limitless riches in the formless substance and know that they are coming to you as fast as you can receive and use them." (The Science of Getting Rich, Chapter 5)
At this moment, I'm knowing that this is all true because I'm hearing Neil Young sing "Out on the Weekend" through my laptop -- the same machine I'm using to type this message -- on Joni Mitchell Pandora. Increase and more life for all!
Truth, regardless of appearances, is ease in the appearance of PMS.
Oh yeah, and now they rock Joni's "Refuge of the Road". My anthem. My Clear Mental Image:
I met a friend of spirit
He drank and womanized
And I sat before his sanity
I was holding back from crying
He saw my complications
And he mirrored me back simplified
And we laughed how our perfection
Would always be denied
"Heart and humor and humility"
He said "Will lighten up your heavy load"
I left him then for the refuge of the roads
I fell in with some drifters
Cast upon a beachtown
Winn Dixie cold cuts and highway hand me downs
And I wound up fixing dinner
For them and Boston Jim
I well up with affection
Thinking back down the roads to then
The nets were overflowing
In the Gulf of Mexico
They were overflowing in the refuge of the roads
There was spring along the ditches
There were good times in the cities
Oh, radiant happiness
It was all so light and easy
Till I started analyzing
And I brought on my old ways
A thunderhead of judgment was
Gathering in my gaze
And it made most people nervous
They just didn't want to know
What I was seeing in the refuge of the roads
I pulled off into a forest
Crickets clicking in the ferns
Like a wheel of fortune
I heard my fate turn, turn turn
And I went running down a white sand road
I was running like a white-assed deer
Running to lose the blues
To the innocence in here
These are the clouds of Michelangelo
Muscular with gods and sungold
Shine on your witness in the refuge of the roads
In a highway service station
Over the month of June
Was a photograph of the earth
Taken coming back from the moon
And you couldn't see a city
On that marbled bowling ball
Or a forest or a highway
Or me here least of all
You couldn't see these cold water restrooms
Or this baggage overload
Westbound and rolling taking refuge in the roads
There is NOTHING for me to worry about, ever. Especially not in this moment: which is all there is.
Thank you.
In just glancing at the title of the last post, I see that, perhaps concentrating too deeply on one aspect of the Certain Way may leave one frustrated if it doesn't feel fully in the flow; and, thankfully, there are many aspects of the Certain Way that may lead us to freedom or space in the other areas.
For example, today I did everything that was on my original to-do list for the day, and even did a few things not written on the list like my morning pages and going to the gym. AND I even got a nap and a bath and saw a movie. Pretty good! "Do all that you can do in a day . . . " says Mr. Wattles. And I didn't rush.
I read this on someone's Facebook wall:
"When someone is counting out gold for you, don't look at your hands, or the gold. Look at the Giver." - Rumi
I felt gratitude at reading that message. This is what I saw:
I'd been sitting on the couch balancing my checkbook and paying a few bills. Lately I do this about once a month and enjoy watching the tally add up perfectly. But this past month seemed much less organized and, for the first time in a long time, I felt agitated and nervous during the process. Like something in me telling a story that something isn't okay -- or at some imagined point in the future, something isn't okay.
Because right here in this moment, there's absolutely nothing wrong. In the above arena, I have plenty of money, I got my bills paid, I continue to get paid, and all is well.
Something in me got spooked and wanted to have more security, assurity.
Then I saw that Rumi quote (whilst an Eckhart Tolle video was showing on my television).
I got the space. Don't look at your hands or the gold. Look at the Giver. Yes. That is the background. The Giver is all there is.
Wallace Wattles calls it the Formless Substance or Supreme Power. Sometimes we both call it God.
A little Wattles:
"Never look at the visible supply; always look at the limitless riches in the formless substance and know that they are coming to you as fast as you can receive and use them." (The Science of Getting Rich, Chapter 5)
At this moment, I'm knowing that this is all true because I'm hearing Neil Young sing "Out on the Weekend" through my laptop -- the same machine I'm using to type this message -- on Joni Mitchell Pandora. Increase and more life for all!
Truth, regardless of appearances, is ease in the appearance of PMS.
Oh yeah, and now they rock Joni's "Refuge of the Road". My anthem. My Clear Mental Image:
I met a friend of spirit
He drank and womanized
And I sat before his sanity
I was holding back from crying
He saw my complications
And he mirrored me back simplified
And we laughed how our perfection
Would always be denied
"Heart and humor and humility"
He said "Will lighten up your heavy load"
I left him then for the refuge of the roads
I fell in with some drifters
Cast upon a beachtown
Winn Dixie cold cuts and highway hand me downs
And I wound up fixing dinner
For them and Boston Jim
I well up with affection
Thinking back down the roads to then
The nets were overflowing
In the Gulf of Mexico
They were overflowing in the refuge of the roads
There was spring along the ditches
There were good times in the cities
Oh, radiant happiness
It was all so light and easy
Till I started analyzing
And I brought on my old ways
A thunderhead of judgment was
Gathering in my gaze
And it made most people nervous
They just didn't want to know
What I was seeing in the refuge of the roads
I pulled off into a forest
Crickets clicking in the ferns
Like a wheel of fortune
I heard my fate turn, turn turn
And I went running down a white sand road
I was running like a white-assed deer
Running to lose the blues
To the innocence in here
These are the clouds of Michelangelo
Muscular with gods and sungold
Shine on your witness in the refuge of the roads
In a highway service station
Over the month of June
Was a photograph of the earth
Taken coming back from the moon
And you couldn't see a city
On that marbled bowling ball
Or a forest or a highway
Or me here least of all
You couldn't see these cold water restrooms
Or this baggage overload
Westbound and rolling taking refuge in the roads
There is NOTHING for me to worry about, ever. Especially not in this moment: which is all there is.
Thank you.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Resting
Been struggling a little bit with the gratitude today. But what I see is, it's not with the gratitude overall. It's just that there are some areas I haven't convinced myself are benevolent and are pointing my way toward what I really want.
What I see in this moment is that I can focus on what I DO authentically feel grateful for. Like this day. I am doing what I want to do today. Having a chill day. I stayed in bed late. Ate a beautiful breakfast. Went to the gym. Came home and ate more food. And now I'm going to get in bed with a fun book and maybe even nap some.
Rest and recreation, says our good Mr. Wattles, are part of keeping our whole picture healthy.
I will also acknowledge that this morning while writing my morning pages I full-on bitched. I appreciate those pages for giving me space to say whatever dribble is coming into my head. The study of SGR - and my interpretation of it - has had me feel wrong or guilty for some of the thoughts that come up. It's an uncomfortable struggle.
I find it useful to clear that stuff and to forgive myself during those times that I am unable to contentiously shift my thoughts. I'm grateful to have safe venues in which to do that. I'm quite certain that this will be an on-going conversation. I wonder, within 30 days, if I will come to the point where I am authentically feeling gratitude for things I feel grumpy about today?
For now, I can authentically say, I'm grateful that I'm about to go lie down on a Sunday afternoon. He did rest on the seventh day, no?
What I see in this moment is that I can focus on what I DO authentically feel grateful for. Like this day. I am doing what I want to do today. Having a chill day. I stayed in bed late. Ate a beautiful breakfast. Went to the gym. Came home and ate more food. And now I'm going to get in bed with a fun book and maybe even nap some.
Rest and recreation, says our good Mr. Wattles, are part of keeping our whole picture healthy.
I will also acknowledge that this morning while writing my morning pages I full-on bitched. I appreciate those pages for giving me space to say whatever dribble is coming into my head. The study of SGR - and my interpretation of it - has had me feel wrong or guilty for some of the thoughts that come up. It's an uncomfortable struggle.
I find it useful to clear that stuff and to forgive myself during those times that I am unable to contentiously shift my thoughts. I'm grateful to have safe venues in which to do that. I'm quite certain that this will be an on-going conversation. I wonder, within 30 days, if I will come to the point where I am authentically feeling gratitude for things I feel grumpy about today?
For now, I can authentically say, I'm grateful that I'm about to go lie down on a Sunday afternoon. He did rest on the seventh day, no?
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Now.
The thing I'm clearest about is that it is Now.
And that's it.
Why worry?
Even the good Mr. Wattles tells us not to think of future emergencies or try to plan to meet them. He says all problems have solutions that appear as we approach them or they disappear all together.
Why envy my friend because she has her Rainbow vacuum selling gig? I have my feet on the wood floor of my living room, the heels of my hands resting on this computer, air from the fan above me subtly touching my upper lip.
I have air conditioning and a wonderful bed and a safe car and consciousness.
A friend who's going through trauma reminds me of the same thing: surrendering to God is what we dig. What else is there?
And that's it.
Why worry?
Even the good Mr. Wattles tells us not to think of future emergencies or try to plan to meet them. He says all problems have solutions that appear as we approach them or they disappear all together.
Why envy my friend because she has her Rainbow vacuum selling gig? I have my feet on the wood floor of my living room, the heels of my hands resting on this computer, air from the fan above me subtly touching my upper lip.
I have air conditioning and a wonderful bed and a safe car and consciousness.
A friend who's going through trauma reminds me of the same thing: surrendering to God is what we dig. What else is there?
Cash Flow!
Last night I was moved to pull The Secret off of my bookshelf. It was given to me by a friend years ago and I only made it half way through, not really connecting with it at the time. Last night I opened to the page where I'd left off, and, now having been a student of The Science of Getting Rich for 3/4 of a year, I resonated much more with it.
So even in my nervousness (wow, it's so interesting to watch my body's response to this statement), I'm welcoming $5000 or more fun cash from unexpected sources, added to my bank account within the next month!
I'm grateful.
This is the first time I've actually taken on creating a number and sticking with it. I have other visions that I'll get to a little bit later. In the intro to SGR, however, Wattles says that this book is for people whose primary need is money and who don't have time to go exploring in the metaphysical, spiritual, etc. In a way, I say, yeah right. I mean, this book is totally spiritual, if you ask me. In another way, I love his directness. I'm taking on the scientific practice.
Right now I'm going to go get in the bath and read Chapter 7: Gratitude.
Can't possibly go wrong.
How are all you doing?
********
Well it's a few hours and some beautiful contemplation later . . . I could share much here, but I specifically signed in to clean up what I'm "asking for" above (asking vs. creating is another conversation that I look forward to having with you!).
I feel it is more downstream, for now, for me to create with a statement like this: always a surplus of cash . . . always more than enough to do whatever I want.
That way it fluxes and flows with what I'm up to. If I commit to going into space, I'll create $2 million (or whatever the going rate is). If it's a ticket to Widespread Panic and the Allman Brothers, it's about 25 bucks. Easy! And it goes without saying, that covers my wonderful current lifestyle, of course.
- - - - - - -
Okay, here's one more tidbit that goes with this whole topic of creation today:
I took a bath in my wonderful antique claw foot tub that my landlord found buried in the back yard when they were building their house. About six weeks before I moved in here, I made a collage poster of all of the qualities that I knew I wanted in a home. I took time to find words like Austin Family; peaceful, restful sleep; and inviting and pictures of lettuce and herbs growing in a garden, outdoor living space, people playing guitar and a claw foot tub.
So sitting in my bath today, I remembered this poster, whose predictions ALL came true within six months of my living here. And I had the distinct knowing that I created the tub in which I was luxuriously soaking.
Only something in me still resisted the deep knowing of that. So . . . we have some more kinks to work out, but we're also getting, this is it. We're doing it.
So even in my nervousness (wow, it's so interesting to watch my body's response to this statement), I'm welcoming $5000 or more fun cash from unexpected sources, added to my bank account within the next month!
I'm grateful.
This is the first time I've actually taken on creating a number and sticking with it. I have other visions that I'll get to a little bit later. In the intro to SGR, however, Wattles says that this book is for people whose primary need is money and who don't have time to go exploring in the metaphysical, spiritual, etc. In a way, I say, yeah right. I mean, this book is totally spiritual, if you ask me. In another way, I love his directness. I'm taking on the scientific practice.
Right now I'm going to go get in the bath and read Chapter 7: Gratitude.
Can't possibly go wrong.
How are all you doing?
********
Well it's a few hours and some beautiful contemplation later . . . I could share much here, but I specifically signed in to clean up what I'm "asking for" above (asking vs. creating is another conversation that I look forward to having with you!).
I feel it is more downstream, for now, for me to create with a statement like this: always a surplus of cash . . . always more than enough to do whatever I want.
That way it fluxes and flows with what I'm up to. If I commit to going into space, I'll create $2 million (or whatever the going rate is). If it's a ticket to Widespread Panic and the Allman Brothers, it's about 25 bucks. Easy! And it goes without saying, that covers my wonderful current lifestyle, of course.
- - - - - - -
Okay, here's one more tidbit that goes with this whole topic of creation today:
I took a bath in my wonderful antique claw foot tub that my landlord found buried in the back yard when they were building their house. About six weeks before I moved in here, I made a collage poster of all of the qualities that I knew I wanted in a home. I took time to find words like Austin Family; peaceful, restful sleep; and inviting and pictures of lettuce and herbs growing in a garden, outdoor living space, people playing guitar and a claw foot tub.
So sitting in my bath today, I remembered this poster, whose predictions ALL came true within six months of my living here. And I had the distinct knowing that I created the tub in which I was luxuriously soaking.
Only something in me still resisted the deep knowing of that. So . . . we have some more kinks to work out, but we're also getting, this is it. We're doing it.
Friday, September 18, 2009
A brief note on Gratitude
Gratitude is such a key part of the Science of Getting Rich, it has its own chapter in this short book (that's Chapter 7). I don't actually believe that it's redundant to say that I am grateful to feel so much gratitude. It is a true gift. It is a feeling, an oozing, so different from the head-tripping I was doing this morning.
I wonder about getting too into my head with the study of this work, but then I see that the further one gets into it, the more it becomes about presence and gratitude. What else is there?
I think it's key that we get to that truly quiet place before the real creation and the real dial in to the Formless Substance happens.
I've been listening to The Power of Now a lot in the past week or so, and it's been wonderful to dive back into it. I'm clear that it IS my path. There have been times when I've been unsure how these two worlds (The Power of Now and The Science of Getting Rich) align, but even as I asked the question, it was answered for me.
And that, my friends, is another blog entry all together. I'll just say, for me, the alignment of the two is the only way I could go deeply into SGR. I'm grateful for that.
And I just want to say: I'm grateful for my life! It really is spectacular: filled with love and wonder. The most wonderful thing is to feel the love that emanates from within me. What deeper blessing could a person ask for except to get out of one's way and allow that state to be present all the time? It is only the thinking mind - and I'm grateful to have one that works well! - that distracts us from the knowing that emanating love is always present.
When I return to moments of quiet and true appreciation, it's a relief. I don't always feel so clear and overflowing. But I was reminded today by a friend's writing that balance is the way of nature. Downs happen. Ups happen. And they all pass. My Vipassana training showing up in the moment. Everything arises to pass away. May my highs be more relaxed. May I not fret when I'm low. Humans miraculously heal. And sometimes we feel tired or sick or sad or anxious or lonely.
And other times we feel a deep and pervasive sense of gratitude.
May the two states not be mutually exclusive. May our hearts stay open - and not just from a heady place.
Love, love,
I.P.
I wonder about getting too into my head with the study of this work, but then I see that the further one gets into it, the more it becomes about presence and gratitude. What else is there?
I think it's key that we get to that truly quiet place before the real creation and the real dial in to the Formless Substance happens.
I've been listening to The Power of Now a lot in the past week or so, and it's been wonderful to dive back into it. I'm clear that it IS my path. There have been times when I've been unsure how these two worlds (The Power of Now and The Science of Getting Rich) align, but even as I asked the question, it was answered for me.
And that, my friends, is another blog entry all together. I'll just say, for me, the alignment of the two is the only way I could go deeply into SGR. I'm grateful for that.
And I just want to say: I'm grateful for my life! It really is spectacular: filled with love and wonder. The most wonderful thing is to feel the love that emanates from within me. What deeper blessing could a person ask for except to get out of one's way and allow that state to be present all the time? It is only the thinking mind - and I'm grateful to have one that works well! - that distracts us from the knowing that emanating love is always present.
When I return to moments of quiet and true appreciation, it's a relief. I don't always feel so clear and overflowing. But I was reminded today by a friend's writing that balance is the way of nature. Downs happen. Ups happen. And they all pass. My Vipassana training showing up in the moment. Everything arises to pass away. May my highs be more relaxed. May I not fret when I'm low. Humans miraculously heal. And sometimes we feel tired or sick or sad or anxious or lonely.
And other times we feel a deep and pervasive sense of gratitude.
May the two states not be mutually exclusive. May our hearts stay open - and not just from a heady place.
Love, love,
I.P.
Desire 1
I trust there will be a lot on this topic as we journey together, friends.
Mr. Wattles says,
" . . . every desire is the effort of an unexpressed possibility to come into action." (Chapter 5, The Science of Getting Rich)
I wake in the morning feeling desire that may be misguided. I miss the attention I used to get from a certain fella. (Wow, it feels challenging to be so forward here! I guess naming names would be really forward. Okay. I'm not that revealed.)
It brings relief to contemplate the above line from SGR. If every desire is the effort of an unexpressed possibility to come into action, I CAN have what I want. I can keep on wanting. Yes, he tells us, never feel disappointed:
"Go on in the certain way, and if you do not receive that thing, you will receive something so much better that you will see that the seeming failure was a prelude to a great success." (SGR, Chapter 16).
He also reminds us repeatedly not to use our powers on other people. Keep 'em at home, says the great Mr. W.
So these teachings, combined, remind me that I CAN have all I want, and that my desire is PROOF of that. Furthermore, I need not feel disappointed nor need I project my wishes onto another individual. Mr. Wattles reminds us that we don't know what's best for others. (But I'M best, aren't I? I mean, come on!) I could also see that extending to us not knowing what's best for us.
My friend Beth posted the following note on Facebook this morning, and it reminded me of this whole contemplation:
The moon is in Virgo and - it's a New Moon that cracks open the heart, and purges the poisons from your mind, body and spirit. This New Moon sees us planting the seeds of reconciling "what is" with the wonder of what could be. This New Moon asks us to see what we've got, right here and right now. And to drop whatever we're carrying that is hurting us. It's a pathway that requires us to discern which pieces we should leave by the wayside, and which are essential parts of who we are. But we are never alone, and can ask for spirit to show us the difference. (from an article by Molly Hall)
Thanks, Beth.
In re-reading that, it has me open my heart to loving those I may still leave by the wayside. We are all becoming. No negativity is necessary. I can just take my hands off the oars and turn downstream.
Mr. Wattles says,
" . . . every desire is the effort of an unexpressed possibility to come into action." (Chapter 5, The Science of Getting Rich)
I wake in the morning feeling desire that may be misguided. I miss the attention I used to get from a certain fella. (Wow, it feels challenging to be so forward here! I guess naming names would be really forward. Okay. I'm not that revealed.)
It brings relief to contemplate the above line from SGR. If every desire is the effort of an unexpressed possibility to come into action, I CAN have what I want. I can keep on wanting. Yes, he tells us, never feel disappointed:
"Go on in the certain way, and if you do not receive that thing, you will receive something so much better that you will see that the seeming failure was a prelude to a great success." (SGR, Chapter 16).
He also reminds us repeatedly not to use our powers on other people. Keep 'em at home, says the great Mr. W.
So these teachings, combined, remind me that I CAN have all I want, and that my desire is PROOF of that. Furthermore, I need not feel disappointed nor need I project my wishes onto another individual. Mr. Wattles reminds us that we don't know what's best for others. (But I'M best, aren't I? I mean, come on!) I could also see that extending to us not knowing what's best for us.
My friend Beth posted the following note on Facebook this morning, and it reminded me of this whole contemplation:
The moon is in Virgo and - it's a New Moon that cracks open the heart, and purges the poisons from your mind, body and spirit. This New Moon sees us planting the seeds of reconciling "what is" with the wonder of what could be. This New Moon asks us to see what we've got, right here and right now. And to drop whatever we're carrying that is hurting us. It's a pathway that requires us to discern which pieces we should leave by the wayside, and which are essential parts of who we are. But we are never alone, and can ask for spirit to show us the difference. (from an article by Molly Hall)
Thanks, Beth.
In re-reading that, it has me open my heart to loving those I may still leave by the wayside. We are all becoming. No negativity is necessary. I can just take my hands off the oars and turn downstream.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Grateful and Amazed
What can I say?
I moved my book mark back to the start of Chapter 5 when I finished reading it today. It's so full of nuggets of love and direction and faith and celebration. It's one of my favorite chapters.
I started my day in the vibe of the following paragraph:
I moved my book mark back to the start of Chapter 5 when I finished reading it today. It's so full of nuggets of love and direction and faith and celebration. It's one of my favorite chapters.
I started my day in the vibe of the following paragraph:
"It is the desire of God that you should get rich. He wants you to get rich because he can express himself better through you if you have plenty of things to use in giving him expression. He can live more in you if you have unlimited command of the means of life."
Wallace D. Wattles, The Science of Getting Rich, Chapter 5
Wallace D. Wattles, The Science of Getting Rich, Chapter 5
I enjoyed sharing the theme with my friends this morning and started the day off full of cheer. What joy to remember that we are the Divine digging on itself. And that play is full of love!
As the day went on, however, I was tested. I was experiencing a body ache that seemed unrelenting and had me concerned for my health. Again, what did we discuss yesterday? "Disease is only an appearance, and the reality of health."
So I kept trying to think: truth, regardless of appearances; truth, regardless of appearances.
I noticed how my whole body was tensing up at the physical discomfort and fear that there's something wrong.
The shift came when I arrive home from work and relaxed. I believe that part of what was happening was that my body was feeling tired and wanted to rest. Simple as that. I sat on my comfortable couch and lay down to relax for a while before my plans for the evening got going. I was grateful to lie here and see the trees out my front window, feel the texture of the couch beneath me and the blanket on top of me. It was heavenly.
The ache never came back, to my relief.
During my down time on the sofa, I read this sentence, later in Chapter 5:
"You are going to get what you want, but you are going to get it in such a way that when you get it every other person will have more than he has now."
Something about that just blew my mind, as tidbits from this great work do. It reminded me of what makes this book special. This is not about hoarding. This is not about getting more by getting ahead of others. This is about increase and more life for ALL. So beautiful. So generous. So exciting. This is why we love you, Mr. Wattles. You're all heart.
I could go on and on about the joy in my day and the sweet, sweet vibration I feel emanating from within, and the absolute GRATITUDE for this experience and for all of the seeming avenues that have led me to this moment.
AND I know there will me more room for all of that as we go along. For now, some meditation and rest.
With love,
I.P.
As the day went on, however, I was tested. I was experiencing a body ache that seemed unrelenting and had me concerned for my health. Again, what did we discuss yesterday? "Disease is only an appearance, and the reality of health."
So I kept trying to think: truth, regardless of appearances; truth, regardless of appearances.
I noticed how my whole body was tensing up at the physical discomfort and fear that there's something wrong.
The shift came when I arrive home from work and relaxed. I believe that part of what was happening was that my body was feeling tired and wanted to rest. Simple as that. I sat on my comfortable couch and lay down to relax for a while before my plans for the evening got going. I was grateful to lie here and see the trees out my front window, feel the texture of the couch beneath me and the blanket on top of me. It was heavenly.
The ache never came back, to my relief.
During my down time on the sofa, I read this sentence, later in Chapter 5:
"You are going to get what you want, but you are going to get it in such a way that when you get it every other person will have more than he has now."
Something about that just blew my mind, as tidbits from this great work do. It reminded me of what makes this book special. This is not about hoarding. This is not about getting more by getting ahead of others. This is about increase and more life for ALL. So beautiful. So generous. So exciting. This is why we love you, Mr. Wattles. You're all heart.
I could go on and on about the joy in my day and the sweet, sweet vibration I feel emanating from within, and the absolute GRATITUDE for this experience and for all of the seeming avenues that have led me to this moment.
AND I know there will me more room for all of that as we go along. For now, some meditation and rest.
With love,
I.P.
Link to The Science of Getting Rich - it's free!
Here you go, friends: The Science of Getting Rich - free for download. This piece of work is in the public domain and there are FREE versions of it all over the Internet, including free mp3s on Archive.org.
I'm partial to the edition by Joshua Books because it's so readable, and I'm less likely to read something on-line than I am in hard copy, but if you can dig a pdf, then here you go!
This morning I'm contemplating a lot from the book. When I read that the Universe wants me to be rich so that it may express itself more fully through me, I think of my Airstream and travel. I'm quite certain that I'm for more life for all (and none to less), so I've got that one covered. It's more to me to allow such expression and celebration in myself. And to get that I am indistinct from the Formless Substance. Nor are you. What were we talking about yesterday? Truth, regardless of appearances? All love. All love. All love. May I know this well.
Also contemplating that desires are simply possibilities wanting to come into existence. Wattles says that desires are proof that we can have/do/become what we want. They are the Formless Substance wanting to express itself.
Neil Young just came on my Joni Mitchell Pandora station and I gotta get ready to go to work and do today's work well! I cannot fail: the Supreme Power is always with [all of us!].
More later, dear friends. Meanwhile, download your copy of SGR and join me, 30 days at a time!
I'm partial to the edition by Joshua Books because it's so readable, and I'm less likely to read something on-line than I am in hard copy, but if you can dig a pdf, then here you go!
This morning I'm contemplating a lot from the book. When I read that the Universe wants me to be rich so that it may express itself more fully through me, I think of my Airstream and travel. I'm quite certain that I'm for more life for all (and none to less), so I've got that one covered. It's more to me to allow such expression and celebration in myself. And to get that I am indistinct from the Formless Substance. Nor are you. What were we talking about yesterday? Truth, regardless of appearances? All love. All love. All love. May I know this well.
Also contemplating that desires are simply possibilities wanting to come into existence. Wattles says that desires are proof that we can have/do/become what we want. They are the Formless Substance wanting to express itself.
Neil Young just came on my Joni Mitchell Pandora station and I gotta get ready to go to work and do today's work well! I cannot fail: the Supreme Power is always with [all of us!].
More later, dear friends. Meanwhile, download your copy of SGR and join me, 30 days at a time!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Truth, Regardless of Appearances or Looking for Love Behind Everything
Right now I just want to keep digging this Grateful Dead show I'm hearing and smelling the "tranquility" incense burning and see the sky, still a pale white/blue behind the darkened trees. Fall evenings in Texas equal relief.
I'm so grateful I can feel love so easily. The buzz of being-ness. Being, beyond the mind.
This is fun.
I'm betting that what I write tonight won't quite look as I'd imagined it throughout the day.
Today is Day 3 of my concentrated SGR focus. The words I've been holding in my mind today are "truth, beyond appearances."
The good Mr. Wattles writes:
I'm so grateful I can feel love so easily. The buzz of being-ness. Being, beyond the mind.
This is fun.
I'm betting that what I write tonight won't quite look as I'd imagined it throughout the day.
Today is Day 3 of my concentrated SGR focus. The words I've been holding in my mind today are "truth, beyond appearances."
The good Mr. Wattles writes:
"There is no labor from which most people shrink as they do from that of sustained and consecutive thought; it is the hardest work in the world. This is especially true when truth is contrary to appearances. Every appearance in the visible world tends to produce a corresponding form in the mind which observes it. This can only be prevented by holding the thought of the truth."
Wallace D. Wattles The Science of Getting Rich, Chapter 4
Wallace D. Wattles The Science of Getting Rich, Chapter 4
Let me repeat one of those sentences here: Every appearance in the visible world tends to produce a corresponding form in the mind which observes it.
He goes on to say that this story-making can only be prevented by holding the thought of the truth, and that truth is health and abundance, even with the appearance of sickness and poverty. Yes, I say, it's love.
I "happened" upon this in A Course in Miracles today:
He goes on to say that this story-making can only be prevented by holding the thought of the truth, and that truth is health and abundance, even with the appearance of sickness and poverty. Yes, I say, it's love.
I "happened" upon this in A Course in Miracles today:
"The innocent are safe because they share their innocence. Nothing they see is harmful, for their awareness of the truth releases everything from the illusion of harmfulness. And what seemed harmful now stands shining in their innocence, released from sin and fear and happily returned to love. They share the strength of love because they looked on innocence. And every error disappeared because they saw it not."
A Course in Miracles, Chapter 23
A Course in Miracles, Chapter 23
Truth, beyond appearances, regardless of appearances is love. And in this school we are re-training our minds; almost like brainwashing the self? Hypnotizing the self? But, no. These are not things we can only create with the thinking mind. Faith must run deeper. There must be a knowing or we would not be able to see beyond the "corresponding form[s] in the mind" that we create in automated reactions.
This was tested with me today at work.
I walked into the nurses' station on the adult unit of the psychiatric hospital where I work, and from the seclusion room I heard loud sobbing and yelling, and then full-on screaming. I mean: screaming. The wave of intensity rippled over me. And yet I was committed today to practice truth, regardless of appearances. Mr. Wattles says this is key and is also the hardest thing we have to do.
I was in the rest room next door to the seclusion room when I heard the patient's full on, elongated scream. It went on so long without a break that I almost wasn't sure I was still hearing a person's voice. And I breathed, and I thought, truth, beyond appearances. It would have been too close for comfort for me to have looked directly at the person and tried to think "health" rather than illness. It didn't actually even cross my mind to try.
I went right to feeling for love in the background of everything. The space behind which all events are occurring. I leaned over my friend's desk and asked her, "What would Wallace Wattles say about this? Truth regardless of appearances?"
We both kind of shrugged, but I can say that my commitment in the moment was to open my heart to innocence. I believe some grace entered the space, even if I wasn't mentally, fully convinced. It's only Day 3, after all.
This is both fun and fascinating and I'm grateful for the opportunity to write on this topic I've been studying for so long now and also for the ability to write - fingers moving, a laptop to use, a body/mind that fires of just the right charges to make all this go. Amazing. Thank you. I'm curious to see where these days go.
This was tested with me today at work.
I walked into the nurses' station on the adult unit of the psychiatric hospital where I work, and from the seclusion room I heard loud sobbing and yelling, and then full-on screaming. I mean: screaming. The wave of intensity rippled over me. And yet I was committed today to practice truth, regardless of appearances. Mr. Wattles says this is key and is also the hardest thing we have to do.
I was in the rest room next door to the seclusion room when I heard the patient's full on, elongated scream. It went on so long without a break that I almost wasn't sure I was still hearing a person's voice. And I breathed, and I thought, truth, beyond appearances. It would have been too close for comfort for me to have looked directly at the person and tried to think "health" rather than illness. It didn't actually even cross my mind to try.
I went right to feeling for love in the background of everything. The space behind which all events are occurring. I leaned over my friend's desk and asked her, "What would Wallace Wattles say about this? Truth regardless of appearances?"
We both kind of shrugged, but I can say that my commitment in the moment was to open my heart to innocence. I believe some grace entered the space, even if I wasn't mentally, fully convinced. It's only Day 3, after all.
This is both fun and fascinating and I'm grateful for the opportunity to write on this topic I've been studying for so long now and also for the ability to write - fingers moving, a laptop to use, a body/mind that fires of just the right charges to make all this go. Amazing. Thank you. I'm curious to see where these days go.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Wallace, Eckhart, Disappointment and Opening to Love
Tonight I listened to some really juicy chapters of The Power of Now on my mp3 player while I walked, gratefully, in my neighborhood. I heard something very important to the world of this blog, and I remembered that living in The Certain Way will always overlap for me with teachings of Eckhart Tolle. Eckhart is a voice of ancient, primordial teaching, and his absolute presence makes a deep difference for me.
This morning when I woke up, I was feeling disappointed. One of the areas that is interesting to me to apply Mr. Wattles' principles is that of intimate relationships. This morning I was feeling disappointed because it seemed to my mind that I was experiencing a loss. I felt disappointed that a man I'd recently been dating seemed to have exited my life. And I'd liked the guy! Imagine that! My mind was dragging its heels, futilely, against the change.
On top of this disappointment, I was applying pressure. I kept thinking, Wallace Wattles says never be disappointed. He writes hopefully:
"Never allow yourself to feel disappointed. You may expect to have a certain thing at a certain time and not get it at that time. This will seem to be a failure. But, if you hold to your faith, you will find that the failure is only apparent.
"Go on in the certain way, and if you do not receive that thing, you will receive something so much better that you will see that the seeming failure was a prelude to a great success."
And to that, I say, "Tell that to my thinking mind." In other words, this concept, for me, is typically applied in hindsight. It's very hard for me to logic my way into it when I'm experiencing some emotional interpretation. And that's what I was experiencing this morning. Sort of grieving that I didn't seem to have my friend anymore. (I liked him, I said!) And, still, the pressure I was applying on myself, thinking that I shouldn't be feeling disappointed.
And then the miraculous began to happen.
I surrendered to the feeling and dropped my friend a message, expressing his lacking to me and my wondering about how he is in the world. Funny that I would deny myself such communication out of wrong-making. Any opportunity the thinking mind can come up with to make something wrong, it'll take. It loves a good rejection of the Now.
My next stop was to see, gratefully, my healer, Francis. I entered the anteroom and greeted my friend who serves as sort of a clerk for Francis. I told her that I was contemplating this state of disappointment and at the same time looking at Wattles' teaching and was curious how to reconcile the two. In that moment, I simply acknowledged what I was feeling. And I knew, also, that I am committed to practicing The Science of Getting Rich principles and instructions as closely as possible.
That moment was a turning point. I'm so clear that asking produces heavenly results.
I see now that in that moment, I was open and welcoming to both worlds: both the world of sadness or disappointment and the world of liberation and full faith. I closed my eyes and put my hands on my lap and felt love pour out of me from the inside. I saw the contrast to the misguided and oh-so-human belief that love or comfort actually comes from outside of us. I relished the moment. It carried on for hours.
I contemplated my friend - the one whose lack of company I'd been lamenting - and felt absolute love toward him. What a gift.
What I see made that possible was the transmutation of emotion into love, into the joy of being. And it happened because I stopped resisting, and, in fact, leaned in to my experience, feeling it, rather than trying to shift it with logic. Fighting disappointment simply won't work. This is work of love and spaciousness.
The other allowing factor seems to be my willingness and request to see from another point of view: to live in The Certain Way and experience the joy and freedom that comes from there. From a place of trusting a universe much greater than my pea brain which thinks it knows how things should be.
So all of this is to say that I'm reminded of the beautiful overlap of combining the works of my two biggest teachers these days, my rabbi: Eckhart Tolle, and my lifestyle guru, Wallace D. Wattles.
I'm deeply grateful to both of them and to the access we have to teachings that are 100 - 2500 years old.
There will be more on this. I'm quite certain.
This morning when I woke up, I was feeling disappointed. One of the areas that is interesting to me to apply Mr. Wattles' principles is that of intimate relationships. This morning I was feeling disappointed because it seemed to my mind that I was experiencing a loss. I felt disappointed that a man I'd recently been dating seemed to have exited my life. And I'd liked the guy! Imagine that! My mind was dragging its heels, futilely, against the change.
On top of this disappointment, I was applying pressure. I kept thinking, Wallace Wattles says never be disappointed. He writes hopefully:
"Never allow yourself to feel disappointed. You may expect to have a certain thing at a certain time and not get it at that time. This will seem to be a failure. But, if you hold to your faith, you will find that the failure is only apparent.
"Go on in the certain way, and if you do not receive that thing, you will receive something so much better that you will see that the seeming failure was a prelude to a great success."
And to that, I say, "Tell that to my thinking mind." In other words, this concept, for me, is typically applied in hindsight. It's very hard for me to logic my way into it when I'm experiencing some emotional interpretation. And that's what I was experiencing this morning. Sort of grieving that I didn't seem to have my friend anymore. (I liked him, I said!) And, still, the pressure I was applying on myself, thinking that I shouldn't be feeling disappointed.
And then the miraculous began to happen.
I surrendered to the feeling and dropped my friend a message, expressing his lacking to me and my wondering about how he is in the world. Funny that I would deny myself such communication out of wrong-making. Any opportunity the thinking mind can come up with to make something wrong, it'll take. It loves a good rejection of the Now.
My next stop was to see, gratefully, my healer, Francis. I entered the anteroom and greeted my friend who serves as sort of a clerk for Francis. I told her that I was contemplating this state of disappointment and at the same time looking at Wattles' teaching and was curious how to reconcile the two. In that moment, I simply acknowledged what I was feeling. And I knew, also, that I am committed to practicing The Science of Getting Rich principles and instructions as closely as possible.
That moment was a turning point. I'm so clear that asking produces heavenly results.
I see now that in that moment, I was open and welcoming to both worlds: both the world of sadness or disappointment and the world of liberation and full faith. I closed my eyes and put my hands on my lap and felt love pour out of me from the inside. I saw the contrast to the misguided and oh-so-human belief that love or comfort actually comes from outside of us. I relished the moment. It carried on for hours.
I contemplated my friend - the one whose lack of company I'd been lamenting - and felt absolute love toward him. What a gift.
What I see made that possible was the transmutation of emotion into love, into the joy of being. And it happened because I stopped resisting, and, in fact, leaned in to my experience, feeling it, rather than trying to shift it with logic. Fighting disappointment simply won't work. This is work of love and spaciousness.
The other allowing factor seems to be my willingness and request to see from another point of view: to live in The Certain Way and experience the joy and freedom that comes from there. From a place of trusting a universe much greater than my pea brain which thinks it knows how things should be.
So all of this is to say that I'm reminded of the beautiful overlap of combining the works of my two biggest teachers these days, my rabbi: Eckhart Tolle, and my lifestyle guru, Wallace D. Wattles.
I'm deeply grateful to both of them and to the access we have to teachings that are 100 - 2500 years old.
There will be more on this. I'm quite certain.
Free Will and Freedom of Choice
"Unlike any other form of animal life that has been created, we were given the power of choice or free will; along with this power came certain responsibilities. The capacity to choose does not involve freedom from the consequences of our choice. The laws or rules which govern every man and which we cover to some degree in this book, are as exact as the laws which govern the material universe. You can act in accordance with these laws or you can disregard them, but you cannot in any way alter them. The law forever operates and holds you to strict accountability, and there is not the slightest allowance made for ignorance."
Wallace D. Wattles The Science of Getting Rich, Chapter 2
Wallace D. Wattles The Science of Getting Rich, Chapter 2
Interesting: the first thing I notice as I start to write this post is my inclination to take it all so seriously! Like it's so heavy that we are not free from the consequences of our choices.
I do admit that I've dug my stubborn heels in in resistance to this point. I remember being struck early on by this sentence: The capacity to choose does not involve freedom from the consequences of our choice. And I remember doing my best to ignore it.
This is one of my last strongholds in resistance to living in The Certain Way. There are areas in my life in which I've refused to accept that I can't just go free wheeling and expect everything to come out copacetic. Well, here's the distinction: I can free wheel and whoop it up unabashedly; however, in order to be living in The Certain Way, and in order to allow riches to come to me, I must be living on the creative rather than competitive plane.
So when coming to a crossroads of choice, this is a simple question to ask myself before acting: am I on the creative or competitive plane?
Seems like a simple enough question!
It leads, then, to the question of whether I'm willing to give up my selfish, competitive, addictive desires - IF they are perpetuating competition. If I'm putting all of my eggs in the Wallace Wattles basket, which I'm committed to doing, 30 days at a time, then the answer must be YES. I'm willing.
And that feels scary to me! Here we are on Day 2. Let's see where you take us, Mr. Wattles!
I do admit that I've dug my stubborn heels in in resistance to this point. I remember being struck early on by this sentence: The capacity to choose does not involve freedom from the consequences of our choice. And I remember doing my best to ignore it.
This is one of my last strongholds in resistance to living in The Certain Way. There are areas in my life in which I've refused to accept that I can't just go free wheeling and expect everything to come out copacetic. Well, here's the distinction: I can free wheel and whoop it up unabashedly; however, in order to be living in The Certain Way, and in order to allow riches to come to me, I must be living on the creative rather than competitive plane.
So when coming to a crossroads of choice, this is a simple question to ask myself before acting: am I on the creative or competitive plane?
Seems like a simple enough question!
It leads, then, to the question of whether I'm willing to give up my selfish, competitive, addictive desires - IF they are perpetuating competition. If I'm putting all of my eggs in the Wallace Wattles basket, which I'm committed to doing, 30 days at a time, then the answer must be YES. I'm willing.
And that feels scary to me! Here we are on Day 2. Let's see where you take us, Mr. Wattles!
Welcome to The Certain Way!
Okay, folks, I'm taking it on!
For the past eight or nine months I've been a diligent student of Wallace D. Wattles' 1910 masterpiece, The Science of Getting Rich. My friend Annie recommended it to me when I asked her about how her Rainbow Sweeper business was booming during a time when she kept saying, "In this economy, it doesn't make sense!" Not one to get on board with any talk of "this economy", I was still curious to hear what she had to say.
She told me to go, as soon as we finished our lunch, to the bookstore and buy "the little green book" and to read it, every day, before going to sleep at night.
And I did.
In the course of reading these last months, I've gone in and out of spaces, from feeling doubts and fears come up to the distinct sensation that I'm creating my experience: that magic is shooting out of my finger tips.
This blog is about me taking on an even deeper study and practice of the principles in this book and sharing with you my results. I will share it all, including those fears and doubts and looking at how to still follow Mr. Wattles' advice in the face of those. I will also share with you other stories that relate to living in The Certain Way and will share bits of Mr. Wattles' wisdom throughout.
I'm deeply grateful for this book coming into my life and for the relaxation and spaciousness that have come with it.
Join me on a creative journey and adventure.
Go ahead! Buy that latte! We can have everything we want. This is increase and more life to ALL. That means YOU.
For the past eight or nine months I've been a diligent student of Wallace D. Wattles' 1910 masterpiece, The Science of Getting Rich. My friend Annie recommended it to me when I asked her about how her Rainbow Sweeper business was booming during a time when she kept saying, "In this economy, it doesn't make sense!" Not one to get on board with any talk of "this economy", I was still curious to hear what she had to say.
She told me to go, as soon as we finished our lunch, to the bookstore and buy "the little green book" and to read it, every day, before going to sleep at night.
And I did.
In the course of reading these last months, I've gone in and out of spaces, from feeling doubts and fears come up to the distinct sensation that I'm creating my experience: that magic is shooting out of my finger tips.
This blog is about me taking on an even deeper study and practice of the principles in this book and sharing with you my results. I will share it all, including those fears and doubts and looking at how to still follow Mr. Wattles' advice in the face of those. I will also share with you other stories that relate to living in The Certain Way and will share bits of Mr. Wattles' wisdom throughout.
I'm deeply grateful for this book coming into my life and for the relaxation and spaciousness that have come with it.
Join me on a creative journey and adventure.
Go ahead! Buy that latte! We can have everything we want. This is increase and more life to ALL. That means YOU.
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