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Honoring The Past: Rejoicing in the Present and Future-REJOICING IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
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Today's Purpose
Today's purpose
What is your purpose for this day? What have you chosen to do with the minutes and hours of this day, a day that is already flowing into your life?
When you give each day a specific purpose, at the end of each day you'll have a specific accomplishment. In addition to having a day that you can look back upon, you'll also have real, lasting value that you can carry forward.
Today is full of countless possibilities. Giving the day a purpose will enable you to fulfill the exact possibilities that align with that purpose.
This day is rich in energy. With a clear purpose, you can harness that powerful energy and channel it into something that will make a difference for your world.
There are dreams that you long to achieve. Today is your opportunity to move solidly toward them.
Give today a purpose -- a rich, wonderful, meaningful purpose. And live life at its be
What is your purpose for this day? What have you chosen to do with the minutes and hours of this day, a day that is already flowing into your life?
When you give each day a specific purpose, at the end of each day you'll have a specific accomplishment. In addition to having a day that you can look back upon, you'll also have real, lasting value that you can carry forward.
Today is full of countless possibilities. Giving the day a purpose will enable you to fulfill the exact possibilities that align with that purpose.
This day is rich in energy. With a clear purpose, you can harness that powerful energy and channel it into something that will make a difference for your world.
There are dreams that you long to achieve. Today is your opportunity to move solidly toward them.
Give today a purpose -- a rich, wonderful, meaningful purpose. And live life at its be
"If a child hasn't been given
spiritual values within the family setting, they have no familiarity
with the values that are necessary for the just and peaceful
functioning in society."
--Eunice Baumann-Nelson, Ph.D, PENOBSCOT
When we are born, we start with a beautiful empty mind ready to be given our beliefs, attitudes, habits and expectations. Most of our true learning comes from watching the actions of others. As we watch our family or relatives, whatever their actions and values are, so will be the children's values and acts. If we see our families living a just and peaceful way of life, so then will the children. If we see our family shouting, arguing and hateful, so will it be for the children. The cycle of life - baby, youth, adult and Elder is all connected. If the older ones have good values, it will be connected to the children.
Oh my Creator, if there are values I have missed, it is not too late. I can get them from You. Teach me today Your spiritual values. Respect, trust, giving, honesty, wisdom - teach me these.
--Eunice Baumann-Nelson, Ph.D, PENOBSCOT
When we are born, we start with a beautiful empty mind ready to be given our beliefs, attitudes, habits and expectations. Most of our true learning comes from watching the actions of others. As we watch our family or relatives, whatever their actions and values are, so will be the children's values and acts. If we see our families living a just and peaceful way of life, so then will the children. If we see our family shouting, arguing and hateful, so will it be for the children. The cycle of life - baby, youth, adult and Elder is all connected. If the older ones have good values, it will be connected to the children.
Oh my Creator, if there are values I have missed, it is not too late. I can get them from You. Teach me today Your spiritual values. Respect, trust, giving, honesty, wisdom - teach me these.
"The hearts of little children are pure, and therefore, the Great Spirit may show to them many things which older people miss."
--Black Elk (Hehaka Sapa) OGLALA LAKOTA
Sometimes adults think they know more than the children. But the children are closer to the truth. Have you ever noticed how quickly they can let go of resentments? Have you ever noticed how free they are of prejudice? Have you ever noticed how well the children listen to their bodies? Maybe adults need to be more like children. They are so innocent. The children pray to the Creator and trust that He will take care of them.
Grandfather, today let the children be my teac
--Black Elk (Hehaka Sapa) OGLALA LAKOTA
Sometimes adults think they know more than the children. But the children are closer to the truth. Have you ever noticed how quickly they can let go of resentments? Have you ever noticed how free they are of prejudice? Have you ever noticed how well the children listen to their bodies? Maybe adults need to be more like children. They are so innocent. The children pray to the Creator and trust that He will take care of them.
Grandfather, today let the children be my teac
My friends, how desperately do we need to be loved and to love."
--Chief Dan George, SKOKOMISH
Oh my great Creator: Help me this day to love myself. I can't give away anything that I don't have myself. If I am to love others, then I must love myself. If I am to forgive others, then I am to forgive myself. If I am to accept others as they are then I need to accept myself as I am. If I am to not judge others, then I need to lighten up on myself. Let me experience this power of love...
My Creator, today I will love myself so I can love my neighbor. I will look at each person today and see Your light within them. If I do this, I will hold my brothers and sisters without guilt.
--Chief Dan George, SKOKOMISH
Oh my great Creator: Help me this day to love myself. I can't give away anything that I don't have myself. If I am to love others, then I must love myself. If I am to forgive others, then I am to forgive myself. If I am to accept others as they are then I need to accept myself as I am. If I am to not judge others, then I need to lighten up on myself. Let me experience this power of love...
My Creator, today I will love myself so I can love my neighbor. I will look at each person today and see Your light within them. If I do this, I will hold my brothers and sisters without guilt.
Bring new value to life
It's natural to be negative. But that doesn't mean you have to let negativity control your life.
It's normal to worry. But worry accomplishes nothing, and you have much better ways to use your time and your energy.
The situation you're in could get a lot worse. And yet, it is just as likely to get a lot better.
You don't know what the future will bring. So your best strategy is to make full and positive use of the present.
The way to do that is by allowing your positive expectations to guide and to focus your positive actions. The best opportunities often arise when it seems that there won't ever be any more opportunities.
This is a day when you can make real progress. Turn toward the goal, let your expectations put a smile on your face, and bring new value to life right now.
It's natural to be negative. But that doesn't mean you have to let negativity control your life.
It's normal to worry. But worry accomplishes nothing, and you have much better ways to use your time and your energy.
The situation you're in could get a lot worse. And yet, it is just as likely to get a lot better.
You don't know what the future will bring. So your best strategy is to make full and positive use of the present.
The way to do that is by allowing your positive expectations to guide and to focus your positive actions. The best opportunities often arise when it seems that there won't ever be any more opportunities.
This is a day when you can make real progress. Turn toward the goal, let your expectations put a smile on your face, and bring new value to life right now.
Good and tired
Being tired from doing something feels a whole lot better than being tired of doing nothing. If you're going to be tired at the end of each day, then make it really count for something.
If you're weary, perhaps it's not because you're doing too much. Perhaps it's because you're not at all invested in what you're doing.
A difficult challenge that's aligned with your purpose will generate far more energy in you than an easy task that has no real meaning for you. You can accomplish much more when what you're accomplishing is what you care about.
When your body is tired, a good night's sleep will revive you. When you're spirit is weary, you'll need something more.
You have a unique voice and a unique purpose that are longing to be expressed. Start living that expression and you'll find an endless source of energy flowing through your life.
Get yourself good and tired with focused, disciplined work on a purpose that connects with who you truly are. And you'll find that each day you have even more energy than the day before.
Being tired from doing something feels a whole lot better than being tired of doing nothing. If you're going to be tired at the end of each day, then make it really count for something.
If you're weary, perhaps it's not because you're doing too much. Perhaps it's because you're not at all invested in what you're doing.
A difficult challenge that's aligned with your purpose will generate far more energy in you than an easy task that has no real meaning for you. You can accomplish much more when what you're accomplishing is what you care about.
When your body is tired, a good night's sleep will revive you. When you're spirit is weary, you'll need something more.
You have a unique voice and a unique purpose that are longing to be expressed. Start living that expression and you'll find an endless source of energy flowing through your life.
Get yourself good and tired with focused, disciplined work on a purpose that connects with who you truly are. And you'll find that each day you have even more energy than the day before.
"Grandfather says...you must
not hurt anybody or do harm to anyone. You must not fight. Do right
always. It will give you satisfaction in life."
--Wovoka, PAIUTE
The question one should ask themselves is: Do you want to be right or do you want to be happy? If you want to be right, this is a request from your ego. If you want to be happy then this is of the Great Spirit. The only meaning anything has is the meaning we give it. Maybe we should develop a philosophy of: Today is the last day of the rest of my life. If this were true, how easy it would be to let things go - how easy it would be to forgive.
Oh Great Spirit, let me live today as if it was my last. Let me express Your joy and be happy today. Let me see the joy and honor of living on the Red Road.
--Wovoka, PAIUTE
The question one should ask themselves is: Do you want to be right or do you want to be happy? If you want to be right, this is a request from your ego. If you want to be happy then this is of the Great Spirit. The only meaning anything has is the meaning we give it. Maybe we should develop a philosophy of: Today is the last day of the rest of my life. If this were true, how easy it would be to let things go - how easy it would be to forgive.
Oh Great Spirit, let me live today as if it was my last. Let me express Your joy and be happy today. Let me see the joy and honor of living on the Red Road.
YOU ARE WORTH IT
You are worth it
You are worth the trouble and effort required to make your life the best it can possibly be. There is so very much you have to express, to give, to experience and to contribute to the magnificent fabric of life.
You are worth the discomfort and frustration that you'll regularly need to get through. You are worth the pain that the world will sometimes offer.
For within you is the capacity for great joy and astounding achievement. Within you are beautiful and worthy dreams that long to be fulfilled.
You are one of a kind and you are filled with a driving purpose. You are worth whatever it takes to give that special purpose a lasting and meaningful expression.
Yes, the disappointments, inconveniences, pains, problems and annoyances will surely and steadily come. Yet they are indeed quite trivial compared to the precious possibilities that live within you.
Make whatever efforts necessary, endure whatever setbacks you must, move forward through whatever challenges may come along. For there is no question that you are worth it.
You are worth the trouble and effort required to make your life the best it can possibly be. There is so very much you have to express, to give, to experience and to contribute to the magnificent fabric of life.
You are worth the discomfort and frustration that you'll regularly need to get through. You are worth the pain that the world will sometimes offer.
For within you is the capacity for great joy and astounding achievement. Within you are beautiful and worthy dreams that long to be fulfilled.
You are one of a kind and you are filled with a driving purpose. You are worth whatever it takes to give that special purpose a lasting and meaningful expression.
Yes, the disappointments, inconveniences, pains, problems and annoyances will surely and steadily come. Yet they are indeed quite trivial compared to the precious possibilities that live within you.
Make whatever efforts necessary, endure whatever setbacks you must, move forward through whatever challenges may come along. For there is no question that you are worth it.
BE DIFFERENT
Be different
To make a difference, you often must be different. It takes courage and confidence to go against the grain of negativity that surrounds you, and such courage can bring great rewards.
Where others see only doom and gloom, look for the bright glimmer of opportunity. For it is most certainly there.
When everyone is looking for someone to blame for what has already happened, turn your focus toward the future. Exploring the current possibilities will create infinitely more value than arguing over past failures.
When you encounter rudeness and irritation, generously offer your own polite and confident patience. When you bump up against the arrogance of another person, melt it away with your own sincere, self-assured humility.
Just because everyone is heading in a negative direction doesn't mean you must go that way too. On the contrary, it's a valuable opportunity for you to set a positive example.
In times of great difficulty and stress, choose to be a beacon of encouragement, understanding and positive purpose. Be different, and you can truly make a valuable positive difference.
To make a difference, you often must be different. It takes courage and confidence to go against the grain of negativity that surrounds you, and such courage can bring great rewards.
Where others see only doom and gloom, look for the bright glimmer of opportunity. For it is most certainly there.
When everyone is looking for someone to blame for what has already happened, turn your focus toward the future. Exploring the current possibilities will create infinitely more value than arguing over past failures.
When you encounter rudeness and irritation, generously offer your own polite and confident patience. When you bump up against the arrogance of another person, melt it away with your own sincere, self-assured humility.
Just because everyone is heading in a negative direction doesn't mean you must go that way too. On the contrary, it's a valuable opportunity for you to set a positive example.
In times of great difficulty and stress, choose to be a beacon of encouragement, understanding and positive purpose. Be different, and you can truly make a valuable positive difference.
If you want
If you want to be interesting, be interested. If you want to be heard, listen.
If you wish to truly learn, teach. If you would like to be wealthy, be generous.
If you desire to be understood, take the time to understand. If you want to have many friends, be friendly.
If you want the world to change for the better, make a positive change in yourself. If you long for peace, be peaceful.
What you give to life is what life becomes for you. The treasures you accumulate all come from the good things you do.
Every day is your opportunity to raise your life to a higher level by giving the best that you have. Whatever it is you desire, give it, be it, support it, and you will enjoy it in great abundance.
If you want to be interesting, be interested. If you want to be heard, listen.
If you wish to truly learn, teach. If you would like to be wealthy, be generous.
If you desire to be understood, take the time to understand. If you want to have many friends, be friendly.
If you want the world to change for the better, make a positive change in yourself. If you long for peace, be peaceful.
What you give to life is what life becomes for you. The treasures you accumulate all come from the good things you do.
Every day is your opportunity to raise your life to a higher level by giving the best that you have. Whatever it is you desire, give it, be it, support it, and you will enjoy it in great abundance.
Can A Crisis Cause Change
People say that crisis changes people and turns ordinary people into wiser or more responsible ones."
--Wilma Mankiller, CHEROKEE
There is a saying, conflict precedes clarity. The Medicine Wheel teachings say, in order for something to change it must first go through a struggle. When a crisis enters our lives, other powers are there to help us. We will learn some lessons. Will I honor and respect the next crisis?
Great Spirit, if a crisis occurs today, let me learn the lessons of wisdom.
--Wilma Mankiller, CHEROKEE
There is a saying, conflict precedes clarity. The Medicine Wheel teachings say, in order for something to change it must first go through a struggle. When a crisis enters our lives, other powers are there to help us. We will learn some lessons. Will I honor and respect the next crisis?
Great Spirit, if a crisis occurs today, let me learn the lessons of wisdom.
The life you choose
Life is the way you see it. Life is the way you perceive it to be.
If you constantly focus on all the things that could go wrong, things will indeed go wrong. Turn your focus to the positive possibilities, and those possibilities begin to become real.
Expect to find the resources you seek, and they will be there. Know that life's abundance is available to you, and more of it flows through your life.
From your perspective, everything is subject to your own interpretation of it. Much more important than what happens is what you make of it, and you can make of it anything you choose.
You are never at the mercy of random events unless you allow yourself to be. No matter what may come your way, you can decide what it means to you and how you will integrate it into your life.
The life you live is the life you choose to see and to experience. Choose, in this moment and every moment, to fill it with joy, meaningful purpose and fulfillment
Life is the way you see it. Life is the way you perceive it to be.
If you constantly focus on all the things that could go wrong, things will indeed go wrong. Turn your focus to the positive possibilities, and those possibilities begin to become real.
Expect to find the resources you seek, and they will be there. Know that life's abundance is available to you, and more of it flows through your life.
From your perspective, everything is subject to your own interpretation of it. Much more important than what happens is what you make of it, and you can make of it anything you choose.
You are never at the mercy of random events unless you allow yourself to be. No matter what may come your way, you can decide what it means to you and how you will integrate it into your life.
The life you live is the life you choose to see and to experience. Choose, in this moment and every moment, to fill it with joy, meaningful purpose and fulfillment
"Spiritual matters are difficult to explain because you must live with them in order to fully understand them."
--Thomas Yellowtail, CROW
To know something we must become one with it. We cannot know what a flower smells like until we actually smell it. Close your eyes and experience the fragrance. The Elders say there are two worlds, the Seen World and the Unseen World. To experience the Seen World we need to physically pick the flower and smell it. To experience the Unseen World we need to know about principles, laws and values; and no matter what our mind or our physical senses tell us, we must decide and act on these principles. If someone does wrong to us, we must pray for that person or persons to have peach, happiness and joy in their life. We must not get even or retaliate in any way. Only by doing this can we understand spiritual matters.
Great Spirit, give me your power whenever my weakness shows so I can live by spiritual decisions.
--Thomas Yellowtail, CROW
To know something we must become one with it. We cannot know what a flower smells like until we actually smell it. Close your eyes and experience the fragrance. The Elders say there are two worlds, the Seen World and the Unseen World. To experience the Seen World we need to physically pick the flower and smell it. To experience the Unseen World we need to know about principles, laws and values; and no matter what our mind or our physical senses tell us, we must decide and act on these principles. If someone does wrong to us, we must pray for that person or persons to have peach, happiness and joy in their life. We must not get even or retaliate in any way. Only by doing this can we understand spiritual matters.
Great Spirit, give me your power whenever my weakness shows so I can live by spiritual decisions.
This moment is what it is
Choose to accept all that comes your way and in it you will find great value. Resist the urge to impose your judgment on the people, places, things and events that surround you, and you'll connect with many more possibilities.
To make the very best of any situation, you must first acknowledge and accept the reality of what it is. That provides you with a valuable starting point from which you can move in any direction you choose.
To deny or to fight against what has already happened will merely waste your energy and resources. To wish that things had been different, or to pretend that they are, will do you no good.
Instead, visualize what can be in all the richness and detail that you can imagine. Then find a step you can take right now that will lead you in the direction of your dream.
Losers argue about what has happened and who is at fault, and put their energy into resentment for what is. Winners choose the life they wish to create, and find a way to move toward it from any situation.
This moment is here and now, and this moment is what it is. Accept it fully, with enthusiasm and gratitude, and take a big step in the direction of your dream.
Choose to accept all that comes your way and in it you will find great value. Resist the urge to impose your judgment on the people, places, things and events that surround you, and you'll connect with many more possibilities.
To make the very best of any situation, you must first acknowledge and accept the reality of what it is. That provides you with a valuable starting point from which you can move in any direction you choose.
To deny or to fight against what has already happened will merely waste your energy and resources. To wish that things had been different, or to pretend that they are, will do you no good.
Instead, visualize what can be in all the richness and detail that you can imagine. Then find a step you can take right now that will lead you in the direction of your dream.
Losers argue about what has happened and who is at fault, and put their energy into resentment for what is. Winners choose the life they wish to create, and find a way to move toward it from any situation.
This moment is here and now, and this moment is what it is. Accept it fully, with enthusiasm and gratitude, and take a big step in the direction of your dream.
Already fulfilled
When you don't need anything, then you truly have everything. When you know that you already have enough, that you already are enough, that everything is as it should be, then your life will be rich indeed.
Get past the need to possess and you'll discover that the whole world is yours. Abandon the need to be right and you'll find real truth.
Let go of the need to impress others and you'll have their sincere respect. Move beyond the need to control every detail, and your influence will grow stronger.
As long as you feel you need something, it cannot possibly be yours. The more you focus on the need for anything, the more you deny it to yourself.
Why would you want to do that? Instead, realize that whatever you desire is already available to you, and enjoy the process of expressing it more fully as you move through each moment.
Appreciate, understand and focus your energy on the good and valuable things in your life. And you'll know that your most authentic desires are already fulfilled
When you don't need anything, then you truly have everything. When you know that you already have enough, that you already are enough, that everything is as it should be, then your life will be rich indeed.
Get past the need to possess and you'll discover that the whole world is yours. Abandon the need to be right and you'll find real truth.
Let go of the need to impress others and you'll have their sincere respect. Move beyond the need to control every detail, and your influence will grow stronger.
As long as you feel you need something, it cannot possibly be yours. The more you focus on the need for anything, the more you deny it to yourself.
Why would you want to do that? Instead, realize that whatever you desire is already available to you, and enjoy the process of expressing it more fully as you move through each moment.
Appreciate, understand and focus your energy on the good and valuable things in your life. And you'll know that your most authentic desires are already fulfilled
Yes you can do it
Yes, you can do it. And you can begin right now.
Sure, you've run into problems in the past. Yet there is a way to get past every one of them.
When it is important enough to you and meaningful enough for you, you will find a way. There is a positive, effective step that you can take this very moment.
It will require effort on your part, as well as commitment and persistence. Fortunately, you are fully capable of all those things.
Yes, you can do it, and in the process you will more fully become the beautiful, unique person you are meant to be. You will grow more capable, more confident, more knowledgeable and experienced.
When your objective is connected with the purpose that drives every other purpose, there is no doubt that you can do it. Begin now to work your way there.
Yes, you can do it. And you can begin right now.
Sure, you've run into problems in the past. Yet there is a way to get past every one of them.
When it is important enough to you and meaningful enough for you, you will find a way. There is a positive, effective step that you can take this very moment.
It will require effort on your part, as well as commitment and persistence. Fortunately, you are fully capable of all those things.
Yes, you can do it, and in the process you will more fully become the beautiful, unique person you are meant to be. You will grow more capable, more confident, more knowledgeable and experienced.
When your objective is connected with the purpose that drives every other purpose, there is no doubt that you can do it. Begin now to work your way there.
Not that difficult
It's not that difficult to be disciplined. It's just a matter of choosing to be, again and again.
It's not that difficult to avoid destructive habits. In fact, all you really must do is nothing.
It's not that difficult to take positive, productive action. You simply choose to put yourself into motion.
Success is not that difficult. It's mainly a matter of doing it, and you're completely capable of doing whatever is necessary.
Your willingness is the most important factor. And willingness comes when you connect to a solid, meaningful reason why.
Discipline, integrity and effective action are tools that you can use at any time and in any situation to achieve valuable results. Follow a purpose that is truly yours, and it's not that difficult at all
It's not that difficult to be disciplined. It's just a matter of choosing to be, again and again.
It's not that difficult to avoid destructive habits. In fact, all you really must do is nothing.
It's not that difficult to take positive, productive action. You simply choose to put yourself into motion.
Success is not that difficult. It's mainly a matter of doing it, and you're completely capable of doing whatever is necessary.
Your willingness is the most important factor. And willingness comes when you connect to a solid, meaningful reason why.
Discipline, integrity and effective action are tools that you can use at any time and in any situation to achieve valuable results. Follow a purpose that is truly yours, and it's not that difficult at all
And that, I guess, is what it all boils down to-do the right thing, everything goes fine; do the wrong thing, everything's a mess."
--Robert Spott, YUROK
The Elders say every person is born with free will and every person has a specific purpose to accomplish during their life time. When our life is relatively free from obstacles we are walking the path of God's will. If our life is full of obstacles, we are not doing the will of God. Often, the Great Spirit guides us through a system of coincidences. We need to pay attention to coincidences. If we are aware of these, we often can recognize the path which God is showing us. We need to pray and ask Him to show us the path in terms we can understand.
Oh, Great Mystery, let me recognize the coincidences.
--Robert Spott, YUROK
The Elders say every person is born with free will and every person has a specific purpose to accomplish during their life time. When our life is relatively free from obstacles we are walking the path of God's will. If our life is full of obstacles, we are not doing the will of God. Often, the Great Spirit guides us through a system of coincidences. We need to pay attention to coincidences. If we are aware of these, we often can recognize the path which God is showing us. We need to pray and ask Him to show us the path in terms we can understand.
Oh, Great Mystery, let me recognize the coincidences.
No limitations
If all your limitations were suddenly removed, what would you do? If you were able to make absolutely anything happen, what would it be?
If there were no challenges standing in your way, where would you go? With absolutely nothing holding you back, what would your life become?
It's easy to get so caught up in pushing against your limitations that you start seeing yourself solely in terms of those limitations. Yet you are so very much more.
Instead of identifying yourself in relation to the challenges you face, dig deeper and find the real person inside. For the truth is, you exist apart from any challenge or limitation, and it is a powerful exercise to get solidly in touch with who you are.
Yes, there will always be obstacles and limiting factors. And the best way to get beyond them is by knowing that they do not define you.
Imagine a world with no limitations, and discover who you are in such a world. One by one, the challenges will fade in the distance as you express the limitless vision that is yours to live.
If all your limitations were suddenly removed, what would you do? If you were able to make absolutely anything happen, what would it be?
If there were no challenges standing in your way, where would you go? With absolutely nothing holding you back, what would your life become?
It's easy to get so caught up in pushing against your limitations that you start seeing yourself solely in terms of those limitations. Yet you are so very much more.
Instead of identifying yourself in relation to the challenges you face, dig deeper and find the real person inside. For the truth is, you exist apart from any challenge or limitation, and it is a powerful exercise to get solidly in touch with who you are.
Yes, there will always be obstacles and limiting factors. And the best way to get beyond them is by knowing that they do not define you.
Imagine a world with no limitations, and discover who you are in such a world. One by one, the challenges will fade in the distance as you express the limitless vision that is yours to live.
The Miracle Is Now
The miracle that is now
There is a miracle in every moment. Look closely, and lovingly, and you will clearly see it.
There is an innate and elegant beauty in even the most ordinary of things. Learn to love that beauty, and to let it be, and your eyes will be opened to wondrous possibilities.
There always and everywhere is a quiet yet unyielding peace, upon which rests all that is. The more often you reach in and touch this peace the more fully you experience its power.
Anything that is negative, deceptive or destructive will eventually consume and obliterate itself. What is authentic, peaceful and creative will continue to grow more pervasive.
When you need nothing other than to simply be, you have every beautiful and wonderful and miraculous thing there is. Life's richness is never more than a single thought away.
Breathe in deeply the beauty, the wonder, the miracle that is now. Know the joy that cannot ever fade.
There is a miracle in every moment. Look closely, and lovingly, and you will clearly see it.
There is an innate and elegant beauty in even the most ordinary of things. Learn to love that beauty, and to let it be, and your eyes will be opened to wondrous possibilities.
There always and everywhere is a quiet yet unyielding peace, upon which rests all that is. The more often you reach in and touch this peace the more fully you experience its power.
Anything that is negative, deceptive or destructive will eventually consume and obliterate itself. What is authentic, peaceful and creative will continue to grow more pervasive.
When you need nothing other than to simply be, you have every beautiful and wonderful and miraculous thing there is. Life's richness is never more than a single thought away.
Breathe in deeply the beauty, the wonder, the miracle that is now. Know the joy that cannot ever fade.
We're sitting on our blessed Mother Earth from which we get our
strength and determination, love and humility-all the beautiful
attributes that we've been given. so turn to one another; love one
another; respect one another; respect Mother Earth; respect the
waters-because that's life itself!"
--Phil Lane, Sr. YANKTON SIOUX
Our entire point of view can be altered by making one change to align with the principles of the Great Spirit. Let's say we decide to become respectful. As we become respectful, our attitude will change. We will automatically draw into our lives knowledge about the other principles of the Great Spirit such as love, appreciation, trust, beauty, peace of mind. By focusing on these principles, we will let go of selfishness, self centeredness, self pity, dishonesty and fear. You focus on respect, you get respect; you focus on love, you get love; you focus on the Red Road, you get peace of mind.
Great Spirit, let me learn the lessons of respect.
--Phil Lane, Sr. YANKTON SIOUX
Our entire point of view can be altered by making one change to align with the principles of the Great Spirit. Let's say we decide to become respectful. As we become respectful, our attitude will change. We will automatically draw into our lives knowledge about the other principles of the Great Spirit such as love, appreciation, trust, beauty, peace of mind. By focusing on these principles, we will let go of selfishness, self centeredness, self pity, dishonesty and fear. You focus on respect, you get respect; you focus on love, you get love; you focus on the Red Road, you get peace of mind.
Great Spirit, let me learn the lessons of respect.
Live with purpose
True purpose has no time limit. True purpose has no deadline.
Whether an accomplishment takes fifty years or fifteen minutes, the purpose behind it remains the same. Purpose exists apart from time, space and material artifacts.
Can you feel the real purpose in your life? It is not in any hurry, and it cannot be deterred by anything.
Purpose does not linger, but moves steadily along with you, whatever you do and wherever you go. Purpose has no use for compromise, and finds its way forward in every situation.
When you live from your purpose, you live beyond time. If you feel fear, anxiety or despair, dig deeper, for you have not yet fully connected with true purpose.
Purpose is now and purpose is always. Live with true purpose, and leave the limitations behind.
True purpose has no time limit. True purpose has no deadline.
Whether an accomplishment takes fifty years or fifteen minutes, the purpose behind it remains the same. Purpose exists apart from time, space and material artifacts.
Can you feel the real purpose in your life? It is not in any hurry, and it cannot be deterred by anything.
Purpose does not linger, but moves steadily along with you, whatever you do and wherever you go. Purpose has no use for compromise, and finds its way forward in every situation.
When you live from your purpose, you live beyond time. If you feel fear, anxiety or despair, dig deeper, for you have not yet fully connected with true purpose.
Purpose is now and purpose is always. Live with true purpose, and leave the limitations behind.
"We do not want riches, but we want to train our children right. Riches would do us no good. We could not take them with us to the other world. We do not want riches, we want peace and love."
--Red Cloud, OGLALA LAKOTA
The Elders say that what is important is peace and love. To have material things is okay, but if not, that's okay too. To have peace and love is more important than anything material. Our children will see the value of peace and love only if adults show they are a priority. Too often we think we can offer material things and they will replace the time spent with our children. But the most important way to give our children peace and love is to spend time with them.
My Creator, give me Your peace and love today.
--Red Cloud, OGLALA LAKOTA
The Elders say that what is important is peace and love. To have material things is okay, but if not, that's okay too. To have peace and love is more important than anything material. Our children will see the value of peace and love only if adults show they are a priority. Too often we think we can offer material things and they will replace the time spent with our children. But the most important way to give our children peace and love is to spend time with them.
My Creator, give me Your peace and love today.
Worth Reading
The hearts of little children are pure, and therefore, the Great Spirit may show to them many things which older people miss."
--Black Elk (Hehaka Sapa) OGLALA LAKOTA
Sometimes adults think they know more than the children. But the children are closer to the truth. Have you ever noticed how quickly they can let go of resentments? Have you ever noticed how free they are of prejudice? Have you ever noticed how well the children listen to their bodies? Maybe adults need to be more like children. They are so innocent. The children pray to the Creator and trust that He will take care of them.
Grandfather, today let the children be my teacher.
--Black Elk (Hehaka Sapa) OGLALA LAKOTA
Sometimes adults think they know more than the children. But the children are closer to the truth. Have you ever noticed how quickly they can let go of resentments? Have you ever noticed how free they are of prejudice? Have you ever noticed how well the children listen to their bodies? Maybe adults need to be more like children. They are so innocent. The children pray to the Creator and trust that He will take care of them.
Grandfather, today let the children be my teacher.
What it takes to persist
Today's Thought...
What it takes to persist
You already have what it takes to persist. For persistence is nothing more than continuing to do what you've been doing.
Persistence makes the difference between no achievement and great achievement. And persistence is available to all who choose it.
The enemy of persistence is that little voice you hear in your head that urges you to give up. When you hear that voice, remember that you don't have to do what it says, and you don't have to fight it either.
Just listen to that voice, allow it to have its say, and then calmly let it go. Keep on going and you'll quickly be beyond it.
Remember often, with great detail and passion, why you've chosen to do what you're doing. Keep your focus on the goal, and know that by continuing to progress on your journey, one step at a time, you'll get there.
Persistence isn't complicated, and it doesn't require you to uncover some deep, dark, closely guarded secret. You have what it takes if you'll simply choose to do what it takes and persist until the job is done.
What it takes to persist
You already have what it takes to persist. For persistence is nothing more than continuing to do what you've been doing.
Persistence makes the difference between no achievement and great achievement. And persistence is available to all who choose it.
The enemy of persistence is that little voice you hear in your head that urges you to give up. When you hear that voice, remember that you don't have to do what it says, and you don't have to fight it either.
Just listen to that voice, allow it to have its say, and then calmly let it go. Keep on going and you'll quickly be beyond it.
Remember often, with great detail and passion, why you've chosen to do what you're doing. Keep your focus on the goal, and know that by continuing to progress on your journey, one step at a time, you'll get there.
Persistence isn't complicated, and it doesn't require you to uncover some deep, dark, closely guarded secret. You have what it takes if you'll simply choose to do what it takes and persist until the job is done.
Happy, confident expectation
The good things in life do not create happiness. The good things in life arise from happiness.
If you wish to be happy, then be happy. It really is as simple as that.
There's no need to wait until you acquire this or achieve that. If you constantly place conditions on happiness, you'll prevent yourself from experiencing it.
Go ahead and be happy now, today, this very moment. Be happy for no reason at all, and you'll find that you're more effective, more productive, more creative and more fulfilled.
Indeed, happiness is a powerful state of mind that is available to you when you allow it to be. The best reason to be happy is because you can.
Being genuinely happy is a powerful way to express your confidence and your expectation that positive things will happen. And when you confidently expect the best, that's precisely what you get.
The good things in life do not create happiness. The good things in life arise from happiness.
If you wish to be happy, then be happy. It really is as simple as that.
There's no need to wait until you acquire this or achieve that. If you constantly place conditions on happiness, you'll prevent yourself from experiencing it.
Go ahead and be happy now, today, this very moment. Be happy for no reason at all, and you'll find that you're more effective, more productive, more creative and more fulfilled.
Indeed, happiness is a powerful state of mind that is available to you when you allow it to be. The best reason to be happy is because you can.
Being genuinely happy is a powerful way to express your confidence and your expectation that positive things will happen. And when you confidently expect the best, that's precisely what you get.
The Old Ones say the only true power is spiritual power. Sometimes our egos tell us we have power but really we don't. Great Spirit power is called by other names such as love, forgiveness, intelligence, life, principles and laws. When the Creator uses this power to make the human being powerful, we must stay humble. We should constantly acknowledge that we are who we are. We do what we do because of the power of the Great One.
Great One, guide me to use Your power well. I will use it only to serve the people.
Great One, guide me to use Your power well. I will use it only to serve the people.
RESPECT
"See how the boy is with his sister and the other ones of his home lodge and you can know how the man will be with your daughter."
--LAKOTA Proverb
Very early in our lives we form beliefs, attitudes, expectations and habits. We will live by these habits when we are older. The Elders say to watch the boy with his sister. If he is respectful and treats her good, then odds are that's the way he will treat all women when he is older. Also, watch the young girl and how she treats her brother, for that will indicate what kind of woman she will be to her man. We need to teach our children to respect one another while they are young. The best way to teach them is to show respect ourselves.
Great Spirit, let me ba a role model for the children.
--LAKOTA Proverb
Very early in our lives we form beliefs, attitudes, expectations and habits. We will live by these habits when we are older. The Elders say to watch the boy with his sister. If he is respectful and treats her good, then odds are that's the way he will treat all women when he is older. Also, watch the young girl and how she treats her brother, for that will indicate what kind of woman she will be to her man. We need to teach our children to respect one another while they are young. The best way to teach them is to show respect ourselves.
Great Spirit, let me ba a role model for the children.
Focus
If you focus on resentment, you'll create many more things to resent. When you focus on gratitude, you'll bring many more things into your life for which to be thankful.
Focus on anger, and you'll continue finding additional reasons to be angry. Focus on love, and the opportunities for experiencing love will greatly multiply.
Focus on life's best possibilities, and you'll move steadily in the direction of your dreams. Focus on the things you truly value, and they grow even more valuable.
Focus on what you are able to give, and you'll greatly expand what you are able to have. Focus your energy, your attention, your interest and your passion on some particular thing, and you can make the impossible happen.
Where is your focus most consistently directed? That is where your life is most certainly headed.
By choosing your focus, you choose your lifestyle, the world around you, and your future. Focus on what is truly good and right and valuable for you, and you will be gloriously immersed in that goodness.
If you focus on resentment, you'll create many more things to resent. When you focus on gratitude, you'll bring many more things into your life for which to be thankful.
Focus on anger, and you'll continue finding additional reasons to be angry. Focus on love, and the opportunities for experiencing love will greatly multiply.
Focus on life's best possibilities, and you'll move steadily in the direction of your dreams. Focus on the things you truly value, and they grow even more valuable.
Focus on what you are able to give, and you'll greatly expand what you are able to have. Focus your energy, your attention, your interest and your passion on some particular thing, and you can make the impossible happen.
Where is your focus most consistently directed? That is where your life is most certainly headed.
By choosing your focus, you choose your lifestyle, the world around you, and your future. Focus on what is truly good and right and valuable for you, and you will be gloriously immersed in that goodness.
Harvest the rewards
The influence of each action continues long after the action has been completed. The power of each thought resonates far into the future.
Think and act as if each thing you do will start a chain reaction. Because that's exactly what will happen.
Exercise control over the big, obvious issues in life and you'll have some measure of success. Learn also to control, direct and focus all the thousands of little things that few people ever even think about, and your success will be great indeed.
Each tiny little fraction of a moment is an opportunity to make a difference. Bundle all those opportunities together in the service of your goals, and they will bring spectacular results.
With each and every thing you do, with each thought you think, with every word you speak, you are planting seeds. Those seeds continue to grow, long after the moment has passed.
When a positive, purposeful attitude permeates your life, those seeds you plant will develop into powerful, enduring expressions of your most authentic self. Give your best to each moment, and you'll harvest the rewards over and over again.
The influence of each action continues long after the action has been completed. The power of each thought resonates far into the future.
Think and act as if each thing you do will start a chain reaction. Because that's exactly what will happen.
Exercise control over the big, obvious issues in life and you'll have some measure of success. Learn also to control, direct and focus all the thousands of little things that few people ever even think about, and your success will be great indeed.
Each tiny little fraction of a moment is an opportunity to make a difference. Bundle all those opportunities together in the service of your goals, and they will bring spectacular results.
With each and every thing you do, with each thought you think, with every word you speak, you are planting seeds. Those seeds continue to grow, long after the moment has passed.
When a positive, purposeful attitude permeates your life, those seeds you plant will develop into powerful, enduring expressions of your most authentic self. Give your best to each moment, and you'll harvest the rewards over and over again.
Well grounded
It can often be useful and interesting to wander away from your original path for a while. Sometimes you discover a new and much more fulfilling direction that way.
Yet if all you ever do is wander off, you won't be able to get anywhere. When you give in to every distraction, nothing will ever get accomplished.
Be curious, be open to new experiences, be willing to do things you've never done, to go new places and to meet new people. Remember, though, to also give your life a solid, steady context through which you can create real value out of all the diverse experiences that come your way.
A stable foundation in your life does not necessarily have to limit you. In fact, it can enable you to make the most of the new and interesting opportunities that come your way.
Being well grounded provides a strong base from which you can operate with effectiveness and confidence. Taking good care of the mundane and boring aspects of life gives you the time, energy and resources to fully explore the most exciting possibilities.
Be sure to mix your progressive, adventurous vision with a good dose of old fashioned common sense. It's a proven recipe for outstanding success
It can often be useful and interesting to wander away from your original path for a while. Sometimes you discover a new and much more fulfilling direction that way.
Yet if all you ever do is wander off, you won't be able to get anywhere. When you give in to every distraction, nothing will ever get accomplished.
Be curious, be open to new experiences, be willing to do things you've never done, to go new places and to meet new people. Remember, though, to also give your life a solid, steady context through which you can create real value out of all the diverse experiences that come your way.
A stable foundation in your life does not necessarily have to limit you. In fact, it can enable you to make the most of the new and interesting opportunities that come your way.
Being well grounded provides a strong base from which you can operate with effectiveness and confidence. Taking good care of the mundane and boring aspects of life gives you the time, energy and resources to fully explore the most exciting possibilities.
Be sure to mix your progressive, adventurous vision with a good dose of old fashioned common sense. It's a proven recipe for outstanding success
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We Are All Related
Mitakuye Oyasin
Purpose
Somewhere inside, somehow you know that there's a purpose for you on this day. Let that purpose come to the surface and bring it fully to life.
Authentic purpose is not a deep, dark secret that you must struggle to discover. Decide to allow it, and purpose will find you where you are.
Purpose is not so much a matter of what you do. Purpose is more about the way you feel while doing whatever it is you are doing.
Those things you know without having to learn, connect you to purpose. Purpose is not merely what you think you might believe, but what you're certain that you are.
Purpose is the unconditional, limitless realm in your life that cannot be diminished by anything that happens. Whatever you undertake from the sense of that purpose brings great fulfillment and richness to life.
Always you have known that there is purpose within you, a purpose essential to who you are. Give it to life again and again, for you'll never tire of seeing its shine.
Somewhere inside, somehow you know that there's a purpose for you on this day. Let that purpose come to the surface and bring it fully to life.
Authentic purpose is not a deep, dark secret that you must struggle to discover. Decide to allow it, and purpose will find you where you are.
Purpose is not so much a matter of what you do. Purpose is more about the way you feel while doing whatever it is you are doing.
Those things you know without having to learn, connect you to purpose. Purpose is not merely what you think you might believe, but what you're certain that you are.
Purpose is the unconditional, limitless realm in your life that cannot be diminished by anything that happens. Whatever you undertake from the sense of that purpose brings great fulfillment and richness to life.
Always you have known that there is purpose within you, a purpose essential to who you are. Give it to life again and again, for you'll never tire of seeing its shine.
So unbelievable things like that happen. But you have to believe it
first. Not wait until you see it first, then touch it, then believe
it... You have to say it from the heart."
--Wallace Black Elk, LAKOTA
The power of our belief system is incredible. The power of faith is a very natural power. How do we have faith? Inside of our minds we form a mental picture with our self talk. Self talk is recorded in our minds in three dimensions - words that trigger a picture, which has a feeling or an emotion attached to it. Once we get the words and the picture, it is the emotion that makes the idea turn into a belief. You get the right emotion by saying things from the heart. The heart is the source of emotions which can cause unbelievable things to happen.
Great Spirit, with You everything is possible.
--Wallace Black Elk, LAKOTA
The power of our belief system is incredible. The power of faith is a very natural power. How do we have faith? Inside of our minds we form a mental picture with our self talk. Self talk is recorded in our minds in three dimensions - words that trigger a picture, which has a feeling or an emotion attached to it. Once we get the words and the picture, it is the emotion that makes the idea turn into a belief. You get the right emotion by saying things from the heart. The heart is the source of emotions which can cause unbelievable things to happen.
Great Spirit, with You everything is possible.
Humility
In addition to persistent, ongoing effort, continued success requires humility. If you grow arrogant after a few accomplishments, you're not likely to have many more.
With each success you gain more confidence, and that's great. When you've done it before, you know that you can do it again.
Yet even as your confidence level grows higher and higher, do not make the mistake of discarding your humility. For humility keeps you reasonable, respectful, thankful, thoughtful and realistic, and those are all qualities essential for continued success.
Thinking that you're entitled to something just because you want it is a reliable recipe for failure and disappointment. Humility reminds you that in order to receive value, you must create value in equal measure.
While it is certainly possible to accomplish things without humility, those accomplishments will be empty and short-lived. Those people who enjoy meaningful success and fulfillment year after year and decade after decade are those people who know the value of humility.
Choose to be strong enough and smart enough to live with genuine humility. The rewards for doing so will show up throughout your whole life.
In addition to persistent, ongoing effort, continued success requires humility. If you grow arrogant after a few accomplishments, you're not likely to have many more.
With each success you gain more confidence, and that's great. When you've done it before, you know that you can do it again.
Yet even as your confidence level grows higher and higher, do not make the mistake of discarding your humility. For humility keeps you reasonable, respectful, thankful, thoughtful and realistic, and those are all qualities essential for continued success.
Thinking that you're entitled to something just because you want it is a reliable recipe for failure and disappointment. Humility reminds you that in order to receive value, you must create value in equal measure.
While it is certainly possible to accomplish things without humility, those accomplishments will be empty and short-lived. Those people who enjoy meaningful success and fulfillment year after year and decade after decade are those people who know the value of humility.
Choose to be strong enough and smart enough to live with genuine humility. The rewards for doing so will show up throughout your whole life.
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We Are All Related
"All of us begin to rethink
what is good about ourselves - put the past where it belongs - and get
on with the possibilities of the present!"
--Howard Rainer, TAOS PUEBLO-CREEK
There is a saying, you move toward and become that which you think about. So the question for today is, what are you thinking about? Are you thinking bad things about yourself or are you thinking good things about yourself? Are you thinking about a worldly life? Are you thinking good things about people or are you gossiping about people? Are you focusing on past things or are you living in the future? We need to bring our thoughts into the NOW, right here.
Great Spirit, let me experience living in the present moment.
--Howard Rainer, TAOS PUEBLO-CREEK
There is a saying, you move toward and become that which you think about. So the question for today is, what are you thinking about? Are you thinking bad things about yourself or are you thinking good things about yourself? Are you thinking about a worldly life? Are you thinking good things about people or are you gossiping about people? Are you focusing on past things or are you living in the future? We need to bring our thoughts into the NOW, right here.
Great Spirit, let me experience living in the present moment.
Today's Thought....
Feel whatever you choose
Stop working so diligently to make your feelings match your circumstances. Realize instead that you can select and direct your feelings to create much more favorable circumstances of your own choosing.
There's no law that says you must harbor feelings of disappointment, dismay, anger and futility when events don't go your way. You can just as easily feel amused, enlightened and more positively inspired than ever before.
You could use your feelings to prolong a difficult situation. Or you can choose other feelings that will enable you to transcend your greatest difficulties and move forward.
How do you feel positive when the world around you is so negative? Just ask yourself whether you would rather be imprisoned by your feelings or empowered by them.
From moment to moment, you are constantly choosing which feelings to hold on to and which ones to discard. Be ever mindful of this power that is yours, for by improving the way you feel you can improve anything in your life to whatever degree you decide.
Your feelings are powerful forces, and by taking control of them you can move your life in any direction. Feel whatever you choose, and you are choosing to make it so.
Feel whatever you choose
Stop working so diligently to make your feelings match your circumstances. Realize instead that you can select and direct your feelings to create much more favorable circumstances of your own choosing.
There's no law that says you must harbor feelings of disappointment, dismay, anger and futility when events don't go your way. You can just as easily feel amused, enlightened and more positively inspired than ever before.
You could use your feelings to prolong a difficult situation. Or you can choose other feelings that will enable you to transcend your greatest difficulties and move forward.
How do you feel positive when the world around you is so negative? Just ask yourself whether you would rather be imprisoned by your feelings or empowered by them.
From moment to moment, you are constantly choosing which feelings to hold on to and which ones to discard. Be ever mindful of this power that is yours, for by improving the way you feel you can improve anything in your life to whatever degree you decide.
Your feelings are powerful forces, and by taking control of them you can move your life in any direction. Feel whatever you choose, and you are choosing to make it so.
If we are to know peace we must look within ourselves. In order to do this, we must learn to be still. We must quiet the mind. We must learn to meditate. Meditation helps us locate and find the center that is within ourselves. The center is where the Great One resides. When we start to look for peace, we need to realize where it is within ourselves. When we experience conflict we need to pause for a moment and ask the Power within ourselves, "How do you want me to handle this? What would you suggest I do in this situation?" By asking the Higher Power for help we find peace.
Creator, help me to find peace.
Creator, help me to find peace.
It's your life
There's no sense in fighting over the scraps that others might or might not throw under the table. Instead, get busy and create your own magnificent feast.
Stop going from door to door begging for someone else to solve all your problems for you. Instead, pick a formidable challenge, work your way through it, and you'll build plenty of strength and experience to handle whatever situations come your way.
What possible use is there in developing elaborate arguments that place the blame for your difficulties on someone else? Put your energy into creating a brilliant future, not into fighting over what has already been left behind.
This is your life. The only person who can successfully live it is you.
Do you really think you can ever find fulfillment by signing over your control and responsibility to someone else? You're here to live and to do, not to merely observe and complain.
Nothing that could ever be done for you or handed to you can come close to the experience of making a positive difference in your own unique way. This is your life, so jump right in and live the exquisite richness as you make your own way through.
There's no sense in fighting over the scraps that others might or might not throw under the table. Instead, get busy and create your own magnificent feast.
Stop going from door to door begging for someone else to solve all your problems for you. Instead, pick a formidable challenge, work your way through it, and you'll build plenty of strength and experience to handle whatever situations come your way.
What possible use is there in developing elaborate arguments that place the blame for your difficulties on someone else? Put your energy into creating a brilliant future, not into fighting over what has already been left behind.
This is your life. The only person who can successfully live it is you.
Do you really think you can ever find fulfillment by signing over your control and responsibility to someone else? You're here to live and to do, not to merely observe and complain.
Nothing that could ever be done for you or handed to you can come close to the experience of making a positive difference in your own unique way. This is your life, so jump right in and live the exquisite richness as you make your own way through.
Something to appreciate
What's the quickest way out of a negative attitude? Have something ready and waiting that you can immediately and genuinely appreciate.
How do you find the hidden value in any situation? Look for something to truly appreciate.
When you seek to find things to appreciate, what you'll discover are hidden treasures upon which you can build great value. Look for what you can appreciate, and you'll find positive, powerful tools that will pull you forward.
Get in the habit of starting each day by thinking of something for which you can be thankful. Then, whenever you catch yourself falling into a negative thought pattern, you'll already have something positive toward which you can redirect your thoughts.
Each time you meet a new person, make it a point to find something, at the very outset of the relationship, that you can sincerely appreciate. Every time you find yourself in a new place or situation, look first for what you can appreciate about it.
Find something to appreciate, and your effectiveness will increase dramatically. Find something to appreciate, and you'll uncover real treasure.
What's the quickest way out of a negative attitude? Have something ready and waiting that you can immediately and genuinely appreciate.
How do you find the hidden value in any situation? Look for something to truly appreciate.
When you seek to find things to appreciate, what you'll discover are hidden treasures upon which you can build great value. Look for what you can appreciate, and you'll find positive, powerful tools that will pull you forward.
Get in the habit of starting each day by thinking of something for which you can be thankful. Then, whenever you catch yourself falling into a negative thought pattern, you'll already have something positive toward which you can redirect your thoughts.
Each time you meet a new person, make it a point to find something, at the very outset of the relationship, that you can sincerely appreciate. Every time you find yourself in a new place or situation, look first for what you can appreciate about it.
Find something to appreciate, and your effectiveness will increase dramatically. Find something to appreciate, and you'll uncover real treasure.
Learn from frustration
In every frustration there is a powerful message. Frustration tells you, in no uncertain terms, that something is not as good as it could possibly be.
There's a reason for every frustration. And when you choose to be brutally honest with yourself, there's also a positive and potentially life-changing response.
The best response to frustration is not to fight it or resent it or let it break you down, but to learn from it. Perhaps frustration is attempting to convince you of the need to speak out against injustice, or pointing out changes that you know you must make in your own behavior.
Frustration may very well be telling you that what you're doing at the moment is not at all in line with your most deeply held values. Frustration may be your way of telling yourself that you need to more fully prepare for life's various challenges.
It could be that frustration is helping you to realize that there must be a more effective, more efficient, more compassionate, or more sensible way to do some particular thing. Many great achievements and advances start out as frustrations.
Feel the frustration, and then listen very carefully. For that frustration is giving you some priceless advice.
In every frustration there is a powerful message. Frustration tells you, in no uncertain terms, that something is not as good as it could possibly be.
There's a reason for every frustration. And when you choose to be brutally honest with yourself, there's also a positive and potentially life-changing response.
The best response to frustration is not to fight it or resent it or let it break you down, but to learn from it. Perhaps frustration is attempting to convince you of the need to speak out against injustice, or pointing out changes that you know you must make in your own behavior.
Frustration may very well be telling you that what you're doing at the moment is not at all in line with your most deeply held values. Frustration may be your way of telling yourself that you need to more fully prepare for life's various challenges.
It could be that frustration is helping you to realize that there must be a more effective, more efficient, more compassionate, or more sensible way to do some particular thing. Many great achievements and advances start out as frustrations.
Feel the frustration, and then listen very carefully. For that frustration is giving you some priceless advice.
The best you can imagine
Imagine for a moment that your every desire has been fulfilled, and that even the dreams you dare not to dream have become a reality. Imagine a life with no worries, no fears, no limitations, with nothing to fight against, nothing standing in your way, nothing to hold you back.
How would you live each moment of each day in such a bright and shining reality? If you truly had it all, what, precisely, would you do with it and who would you become?
As you imagine yourself living out your most treasured dreams, you begin to touch the tangible and authentic purpose behind those dreams. And you come to understand that the person you would become if you truly had it all, is already with you even now.
That purpose which longs to be fulfilled is very much a part of who you are today, no matter how distant your dreams may seem. Those dreams are very much alive in you, and a great portion of their value you already have.
Life is found not in waiting or hoping for anything to come to you. Life is best lived knowing that who you are and what you have is always more than enough.
The best you can imagine is already here, ready to be lived out. Allow it to unfold, moment after moment, day after day, as you experience the magnificent blessing that is your life.
Imagine for a moment that your every desire has been fulfilled, and that even the dreams you dare not to dream have become a reality. Imagine a life with no worries, no fears, no limitations, with nothing to fight against, nothing standing in your way, nothing to hold you back.
How would you live each moment of each day in such a bright and shining reality? If you truly had it all, what, precisely, would you do with it and who would you become?
As you imagine yourself living out your most treasured dreams, you begin to touch the tangible and authentic purpose behind those dreams. And you come to understand that the person you would become if you truly had it all, is already with you even now.
That purpose which longs to be fulfilled is very much a part of who you are today, no matter how distant your dreams may seem. Those dreams are very much alive in you, and a great portion of their value you already have.
Life is found not in waiting or hoping for anything to come to you. Life is best lived knowing that who you are and what you have is always more than enough.
The best you can imagine is already here, ready to be lived out. Allow it to unfold, moment after moment, day after day, as you experience the magnificent blessing that is your life.
"Growth is a painful process."
--Wilma Mankiller, CHEROKEE
Whenever we grow, we usually need to let go of emotional attachments. Letting go can be painful. Sometimes growth allows us to deal with fear. All fear can fit into two categories: one, we're going to lose something we have, and two, we're not going to get something we want. Both of these categories can cause pain. The best way to grow is to pray to the Great Spirit and ask Him to guide and protect us. All growth is guided by God.
My Creator, guide my growth today and give me Your love and courage to help my pain
--Wilma Mankiller, CHEROKEE
Whenever we grow, we usually need to let go of emotional attachments. Letting go can be painful. Sometimes growth allows us to deal with fear. All fear can fit into two categories: one, we're going to lose something we have, and two, we're not going to get something we want. Both of these categories can cause pain. The best way to grow is to pray to the Great Spirit and ask Him to guide and protect us. All growth is guided by God.
My Creator, guide my growth today and give me Your love and courage to help my pain
Allow this moment
Relax and allow this moment to come. Savor the richness of it as it passes through your experience.
Then, just as peacefully as you let it in, let the moment go. And allow the next moment to flow freely into your life.
There is nothing to be gained by fighting against perceived difficulties, or by running away from them. There is nothing to be gained by worrying that the things you value will be taken from you.
Instead, enjoy, appreciate and make full use of your many treasures and blessings. By so doing, you'll make it impossible for them to ever be taken from you.
Welcome each new challenge as it appears. It is by moving through the challenges that you enrich yourself and the world around you.
Let each unique moment flow freely through you, with whatever it may bring, and experience it fully, with passion, purpose, and positive expectation. Then let it go, while holding on to the richness it has added to your life
Relax and allow this moment to come. Savor the richness of it as it passes through your experience.
Then, just as peacefully as you let it in, let the moment go. And allow the next moment to flow freely into your life.
There is nothing to be gained by fighting against perceived difficulties, or by running away from them. There is nothing to be gained by worrying that the things you value will be taken from you.
Instead, enjoy, appreciate and make full use of your many treasures and blessings. By so doing, you'll make it impossible for them to ever be taken from you.
Welcome each new challenge as it appears. It is by moving through the challenges that you enrich yourself and the world around you.
Let each unique moment flow freely through you, with whatever it may bring, and experience it fully, with passion, purpose, and positive expectation. Then let it go, while holding on to the richness it has added to your life
We create that bad among ourselves. We create it; then we try to call it devil, Satan, or evil. But man creates it. There is no devil. Man creates the devil."
--Wallace Black Elk, LAKOTA
Inside every human being are the laws and codes by which we should live. These laws and codes are communicated to us through a little voice. When we are still, this voice guides us. If we choose to live out of harmony, our lives become filled with anger, hate, selfishness, dishonesty, etc. When these things appear in our lives, we give up accountability and blame it on something or someone else. If we want to live in harmony, we need to pray our way back to living the principles the Creator gave us.
Grandfather, today let me walk with the principles
(Personal Note-I as a Christian do believe In Satan and in Hell- This is a very good post and is very much worth reading)
Find your own path
The obstacles you encounter are not preventing you from reaching your dreams. They're merely blocking one particular path that you mistakenly assume is the only way to reach those dreams.
If you focus on the obstacles, then you give them more power. Instead, focus on your purpose, on your most authentic and fundamental intentions.
The world can trick you into thinking that there's only one road to your destination. In truth, there are infinite ways to get where you wish to go.
There's nothing that says you have to succeed in the same way as someone else. In fact, there's nothing that says you must define success in the same way as someone else.
You are truly one of a kind, with your own unique passions and purposes. And you're fully capable of traveling your own route to the fulfillment of your dreams.
Don't be stopped just because the road that everyone else uses has been closed. Find your own path, and if that path is blocked find another, and you will surely reach whatever destination you choose.
The obstacles you encounter are not preventing you from reaching your dreams. They're merely blocking one particular path that you mistakenly assume is the only way to reach those dreams.
If you focus on the obstacles, then you give them more power. Instead, focus on your purpose, on your most authentic and fundamental intentions.
The world can trick you into thinking that there's only one road to your destination. In truth, there are infinite ways to get where you wish to go.
There's nothing that says you have to succeed in the same way as someone else. In fact, there's nothing that says you must define success in the same way as someone else.
You are truly one of a kind, with your own unique passions and purposes. And you're fully capable of traveling your own route to the fulfillment of your dreams.
Don't be stopped just because the road that everyone else uses has been closed. Find your own path, and if that path is blocked find another, and you will surely reach whatever destination you choose.
Today's Thought...
Feel good about life
When you can change things for the better, do it. When you're unable to make any changes in the way things are, you still can change the way you feel.
And your feelings will end up changing your world. Because your feelings have an effect on what you do from moment to moment.
The person you feel like being is the person you will become. The life you most feel like living is the life you will find yourself experiencing.
Feel good about your life, and almost immediately your life will begin to align with that feeling. In each area, on every level, you'll start creating the results that validate and fulfill the feelings.
It may at first seem ridiculous or impossible to feel good when things are not going well. Actually, though, feeling good is really quite pleasant and something you can easily do whenever you choose.
So decide to feel good about life, right here, right now, and as often as possible. Put your feelings to positive use, and they'll help you build a more positive life.
Feel good about life
When you can change things for the better, do it. When you're unable to make any changes in the way things are, you still can change the way you feel.
And your feelings will end up changing your world. Because your feelings have an effect on what you do from moment to moment.
The person you feel like being is the person you will become. The life you most feel like living is the life you will find yourself experiencing.
Feel good about your life, and almost immediately your life will begin to align with that feeling. In each area, on every level, you'll start creating the results that validate and fulfill the feelings.
It may at first seem ridiculous or impossible to feel good when things are not going well. Actually, though, feeling good is really quite pleasant and something you can easily do whenever you choose.
So decide to feel good about life, right here, right now, and as often as possible. Put your feelings to positive use, and they'll help you build a more positive life.
Firm and flexible
Anything that is too rigid can be quickly fractured by sufficient force. By contrast, anything that is flexible can experience blow after blow from every direction and still keep springing back into place.
When you're willing and able to bend, you're much less likely to break. By adapting to changing situations, you can successfully make your way through even the most difficult challenges.
Being flexible does not mean giving in or giving up or being any less firm or being any less committed to the outcome you seek. Being flexible means being more understanding, more creative, more open to new and better ways of achieving the results you wish to achieve.
A tree that bends with the wind does not get carried off by the wind, but in fact stands firmly in its location. Flexibility enables you to remain strong, to remain true to your position, and to successfully handle whatever challenges come along.
If you're overly rigid, you may appear strong on the surface, yet any kind of strength that is not willing or able to adapt is extremely vulnerable. Seek to develop real and lasting strength, the kind that is flexible enough to respond to a wide variety of challenges.
Be steadfast about your most treasured values, and flexible about how you express and fulfill them. With a firm will and a flexible approach, truly great things are possible.
Anything that is too rigid can be quickly fractured by sufficient force. By contrast, anything that is flexible can experience blow after blow from every direction and still keep springing back into place.
When you're willing and able to bend, you're much less likely to break. By adapting to changing situations, you can successfully make your way through even the most difficult challenges.
Being flexible does not mean giving in or giving up or being any less firm or being any less committed to the outcome you seek. Being flexible means being more understanding, more creative, more open to new and better ways of achieving the results you wish to achieve.
A tree that bends with the wind does not get carried off by the wind, but in fact stands firmly in its location. Flexibility enables you to remain strong, to remain true to your position, and to successfully handle whatever challenges come along.
If you're overly rigid, you may appear strong on the surface, yet any kind of strength that is not willing or able to adapt is extremely vulnerable. Seek to develop real and lasting strength, the kind that is flexible enough to respond to a wide variety of challenges.
Be steadfast about your most treasured values, and flexible about how you express and fulfill them. With a firm will and a flexible approach, truly great things are possible.
The white man does not obey the Great Spirit; this is why the Indians never could agree with him."
--Flying Hawk, OGLALA LAKOTA
The Great Spirit runs the world and the people by a set of natural laws and principles. He says we are to live our lives and make decisions that will be in harmony with these laws. He says we should be respectful to all things and to all people. He says we should pray for each other. He says we should forgive one another. It is easy to tell if a person is following the ways of the Great Spirit. You can tell by how a man walks in life. He doesn't need to say anything. If we are dishonest or deceitful, other people will know. This is true because we are all interconnected in the Unseen World.
My Creator, let me obey Your ways. Let me Walk the Talk.
--Flying Hawk, OGLALA LAKOTA
The Great Spirit runs the world and the people by a set of natural laws and principles. He says we are to live our lives and make decisions that will be in harmony with these laws. He says we should be respectful to all things and to all people. He says we should pray for each other. He says we should forgive one another. It is easy to tell if a person is following the ways of the Great Spirit. You can tell by how a man walks in life. He doesn't need to say anything. If we are dishonest or deceitful, other people will know. This is true because we are all interconnected in the Unseen World.
My Creator, let me obey Your ways. Let me Walk the Talk.
Making choices
Carefully consider your choices. But don't get so consumed with making the perfect choice that you fail to make any choice at all.
Most choices will involve some degree of compromise. In the real world, the perfect option may not be available to you.
Instead of holding out for a perfect choice that never does come, make the best choice from the options available to you. It's better to move forward with a slight degree of disappointment than to be endlessly stuck on making a decision.
Carefully and wisely consider your options, then go ahead and choose one. Take what you have to work with and begin actually working with it to create real value in your world.
Remember that the fulfillment of your dreams is a journey and not a single step. It is unrealistic and counterproductive to expect that a single choice will solve all your problems or instantly bring you everything you ever hoped for.
Over time, careful, intelligent choices will get you precisely where you want to go, even though each individual choice will involve a little compromise. Keep choosing the best every chance you get, and those dreams will indeed become real.
Carefully consider your choices. But don't get so consumed with making the perfect choice that you fail to make any choice at all.
Most choices will involve some degree of compromise. In the real world, the perfect option may not be available to you.
Instead of holding out for a perfect choice that never does come, make the best choice from the options available to you. It's better to move forward with a slight degree of disappointment than to be endlessly stuck on making a decision.
Carefully and wisely consider your options, then go ahead and choose one. Take what you have to work with and begin actually working with it to create real value in your world.
Remember that the fulfillment of your dreams is a journey and not a single step. It is unrealistic and counterproductive to expect that a single choice will solve all your problems or instantly bring you everything you ever hoped for.
Over time, careful, intelligent choices will get you precisely where you want to go, even though each individual choice will involve a little compromise. Keep choosing the best every chance you get, and those dreams will indeed become real.
Full responsibility
In most cases, responsibility cannot be successfully shared. When it's not clear who is responsible, then in effect no one is responsible, and disaster often results.
When everyone assumes that it is someone else's responsibility to get the job done, then the job never gets done. The alternative, in which everyone involved assumes full responsibility, creates the most successful outcomes.
When you have chosen to shoulder the responsibility for something, it can feel burdensome. Just imagine, though, what an even greater burden would result if there was no one responsible.
Responsibility creates and maintains the conditions that make advancement and achievement possible. And the most powerful, useful, effective kind of responsibility is full responsibility.
Though others may also be responsible, that's no reason to reduce your own level of responsibility. When everyone makes the commitment to be fully responsible, truly great things can happen.
In responsibility there is enormous opportunity, for working through challenges, for achievement, for fulfillment and for much more. Whatever the situation, choose to take full responsibility, and there will be much value that you can
In most cases, responsibility cannot be successfully shared. When it's not clear who is responsible, then in effect no one is responsible, and disaster often results.
When everyone assumes that it is someone else's responsibility to get the job done, then the job never gets done. The alternative, in which everyone involved assumes full responsibility, creates the most successful outcomes.
When you have chosen to shoulder the responsibility for something, it can feel burdensome. Just imagine, though, what an even greater burden would result if there was no one responsible.
Responsibility creates and maintains the conditions that make advancement and achievement possible. And the most powerful, useful, effective kind of responsibility is full responsibility.
Though others may also be responsible, that's no reason to reduce your own level of responsibility. When everyone makes the commitment to be fully responsible, truly great things can happen.
In responsibility there is enormous opportunity, for working through challenges, for achievement, for fulfillment and for much more. Whatever the situation, choose to take full responsibility, and there will be much value that you can
Today's Thought...
Know your desires
If you could snap your fingers and make the life of your dreams instantly appear, exactly what would that life look like? While you're working so diligently to move forward, do you have a clear and detailed definition of where you intend to go?
An essential part of achieving what you desire is to know exactly what it is. Unfortunately, the people and events in your world often discourage and dissuade you from seriously considering your own ideas for what life at its best can be.
If you're not diligent about exploring and clarifying your own authentic desires, the world will impose its pre-packaged, shallow and empty desires upon your life. This can leave you frustrated, discouraged and unfulfilled as you strive to work toward goals that have no real meaning for you.
On a regular basis, allow your desires to come bubbling to the surface, so you can more fully understand them and connect with them. Enjoy the fact that there are things for which you truly long, and know that there is a path to every one of them.
Let your vision of what life can be pull you consistently toward its fulfillment. When you are clear about what you seek and why, you'll gain access to the resources and the strategies that will enable you to achieve it.
Instead of suppressing your desires or placing judgments on them, make yourself more and more familiar with their substance. Put real meaning in your life by giving life and energy to the things that mean most to you.
Know your desires
If you could snap your fingers and make the life of your dreams instantly appear, exactly what would that life look like? While you're working so diligently to move forward, do you have a clear and detailed definition of where you intend to go?
An essential part of achieving what you desire is to know exactly what it is. Unfortunately, the people and events in your world often discourage and dissuade you from seriously considering your own ideas for what life at its best can be.
If you're not diligent about exploring and clarifying your own authentic desires, the world will impose its pre-packaged, shallow and empty desires upon your life. This can leave you frustrated, discouraged and unfulfilled as you strive to work toward goals that have no real meaning for you.
On a regular basis, allow your desires to come bubbling to the surface, so you can more fully understand them and connect with them. Enjoy the fact that there are things for which you truly long, and know that there is a path to every one of them.
Let your vision of what life can be pull you consistently toward its fulfillment. When you are clear about what you seek and why, you'll gain access to the resources and the strategies that will enable you to achieve it.
Instead of suppressing your desires or placing judgments on them, make yourself more and more familiar with their substance. Put real meaning in your life by giving life and energy to the things that mean most to you.
Filling life with value
Even though there is much work yet to be done, and numerous obstacles still to be overcome, there is no reason to be dismayed. Because as each moment comes, you can fill it with effort and value, and your life will continue to grow richer as a result.
It's a mistake to assume that effort is something to be diligently avoided. To wish for a life free of challenges is to wish for a life in which it would be impossible to find any kind of real fulfillment.
Look back at where you've come from and you will understand. The times that have brought the most value and richness to your life were the times that demanded the most of you.
Find your joy in the challenges, in the efforts, in the living and in the giving. The moments when much is asked of you are the moments when great richness is added to your experience of life.
Think of what a valuable and magnificent opportunity it is to be able to work, to learn, to grow, to accomplish and to find sweet fulfillment in making a difference. Realize how blessed you are in having access to the challenges that will pull you forward.
There is always work to be done. And that is something for which you can truly be thankful.
Even though there is much work yet to be done, and numerous obstacles still to be overcome, there is no reason to be dismayed. Because as each moment comes, you can fill it with effort and value, and your life will continue to grow richer as a result.
It's a mistake to assume that effort is something to be diligently avoided. To wish for a life free of challenges is to wish for a life in which it would be impossible to find any kind of real fulfillment.
Look back at where you've come from and you will understand. The times that have brought the most value and richness to your life were the times that demanded the most of you.
Find your joy in the challenges, in the efforts, in the living and in the giving. The moments when much is asked of you are the moments when great richness is added to your experience of life.
Think of what a valuable and magnificent opportunity it is to be able to work, to learn, to grow, to accomplish and to find sweet fulfillment in making a difference. Realize how blessed you are in having access to the challenges that will pull you forward.
There is always work to be done. And that is something for which you can truly be thankful.
"You could study the ancestors, but without a deep feeling of communication with them it would be surface learning and surface talking. Once you have gone into yourself and have learnt very deeply, appreciate it, and relate to it very well, everything will come very easily."
--Ellen White, NANAIMO
Inside of every human being are our ancestors, and these ancestors still live. Today, the white man calls this DNA, but there is more than DNA. We have the ability to go inside of ourselves and learn from the ancestors. The ancestor teachings reside in the place of the center. The ancestors are waiting for us to come there so they can share the ancient teachings. It is said, "Be still and Know".
Great Spirit, let me walk in the stillness
--Ellen White, NANAIMO
Inside of every human being are our ancestors, and these ancestors still live. Today, the white man calls this DNA, but there is more than DNA. We have the ability to go inside of ourselves and learn from the ancestors. The ancestor teachings reside in the place of the center. The ancestors are waiting for us to come there so they can share the ancient teachings. It is said, "Be still and Know".
Great Spirit, let me walk in the stillness
Positive questions
When your mind hears a question, it has no choice but to accept the premise of that question, and to think of an answer. Otherwise the question would be impossible to understand.
When you hear a particular question often enough, you'll naturally seek to answer it. Even if you don't realize that you're doing it, your mind will set about to find an answer.
The questions to which you're regularly exposed have a powerful influence on the direction of your life. And many of the questions you hear most often come directly from you.
What questions are you asking yourself? Are they negative questions, such as wondering why you can't ever get anything done, or are they more positive such as asking yourself what's the best thing that happened to you today?
For the next few days, when you catch yourself asking yourself a question, think about what kind of influence that question will have on your life. Pay conscious attention to what you're asking yourself, and make an effort to make the questions positive and life-affirming.
The questions you ask yourself will continue to influence your life long after you've forgotten what they were. Do you understand why it's such a good idea to make those questions as positive as you can?
When your mind hears a question, it has no choice but to accept the premise of that question, and to think of an answer. Otherwise the question would be impossible to understand.
When you hear a particular question often enough, you'll naturally seek to answer it. Even if you don't realize that you're doing it, your mind will set about to find an answer.
The questions to which you're regularly exposed have a powerful influence on the direction of your life. And many of the questions you hear most often come directly from you.
What questions are you asking yourself? Are they negative questions, such as wondering why you can't ever get anything done, or are they more positive such as asking yourself what's the best thing that happened to you today?
For the next few days, when you catch yourself asking yourself a question, think about what kind of influence that question will have on your life. Pay conscious attention to what you're asking yourself, and make an effort to make the questions positive and life-affirming.
The questions you ask yourself will continue to influence your life long after you've forgotten what they were. Do you understand why it's such a good idea to make those questions as positive as you can?
FREEDOM
Freedom
You can notice your thoughts, use them, learn from them, and find value in them. Yet you do not have to let them hold you back.
You can experience your feelings, explore their depths and find richness in them. Yet you do not have to let them stop you in any way.
You are free to act, free to think, free to love, free to move in the direction of whatever you choose. Nothing outside of you or inside of you can take that freedom away unless you let it.
When you find yourself building limitations in your mind, know that you have the power and ability to allow those limitations to dissolve completely away. When you feel yourself creating resistance, understand that you can just as easily release that resistance.
You are free at any time to take something toward which you've felt negative and turn it into a positive influence in your life. You are free to change, to grow, to learn and to create.
When you feel stuck, let that feeling be, and then you can just as easily let it go. Whatever happens, keep reminding yourself that freedom is always an option, real and available to you.
You can notice your thoughts, use them, learn from them, and find value in them. Yet you do not have to let them hold you back.
You can experience your feelings, explore their depths and find richness in them. Yet you do not have to let them stop you in any way.
You are free to act, free to think, free to love, free to move in the direction of whatever you choose. Nothing outside of you or inside of you can take that freedom away unless you let it.
When you find yourself building limitations in your mind, know that you have the power and ability to allow those limitations to dissolve completely away. When you feel yourself creating resistance, understand that you can just as easily release that resistance.
You are free at any time to take something toward which you've felt negative and turn it into a positive influence in your life. You are free to change, to grow, to learn and to create.
When you feel stuck, let that feeling be, and then you can just as easily let it go. Whatever happens, keep reminding yourself that freedom is always an option, real and available to you.
Always know that what other people think of you is their own concern, not yours. Do what you know is right, and fully accept that others will think what they will think.
Certainly it is valuable to make a good impression. Keep in mind, though, that the best way to make a good impression is not to worry endlessly about what others think.
The way to make the best impression is to be authentic. Allow the goodness that is within you to shine through your genuine courtesy, kindness, respect and consideration.
By caring so much about receiving validation from others, you prevent yourself from getting it. Instead, share your real value with those around you and that value will be clear for all to see.
Don't waste your time and effort keeping up appearances. Put your attention and energy into real solid substance, and your appearance will take care of itself.
The more you strive to make a good impression, the less successful you'll be at doing so. Just relax and be yourself, and you'll be truly and authentically impressive.
Certainly it is valuable to make a good impression. Keep in mind, though, that the best way to make a good impression is not to worry endlessly about what others think.
The way to make the best impression is to be authentic. Allow the goodness that is within you to shine through your genuine courtesy, kindness, respect and consideration.
By caring so much about receiving validation from others, you prevent yourself from getting it. Instead, share your real value with those around you and that value will be clear for all to see.
Don't waste your time and effort keeping up appearances. Put your attention and energy into real solid substance, and your appearance will take care of itself.
The more you strive to make a good impression, the less successful you'll be at doing so. Just relax and be yourself, and you'll be truly and authentically impressive.
The newness of life
In order to learn something new you must first accept that you do not know it. To fully understand another person, you must let go of your desire to make blind assumptions and judgments about that person.
Turn down the volume and intensity of your own chattering thoughts, and you can hear the music of life. Stop expecting to see what you've always seen before, and new and wondrous beauty will appear in front of your eyes.
When you continue to perform a task the exact same way you've always done it, your effectiveness cannot improve very much. Be open to new ideas and techniques, and you can vastly accelerate your performance.
If you cynically think you've experienced it all, you'll close yourself off from much of life's richness. If you consider yourself smarter than everyone else, you'll be supporting and advancing your own growing ignorance.
Open your mind and your heart to the newness of life that comes with each moment. There is always more to learn, more to experience, more to appreciate and enjoy, no matter how much you've already done.
With each dawning day, a whole new world of possibilities is born. Allow yourself to know and acknowledge their newness, and bring the best of those possibilities to life.
In order to learn something new you must first accept that you do not know it. To fully understand another person, you must let go of your desire to make blind assumptions and judgments about that person.
Turn down the volume and intensity of your own chattering thoughts, and you can hear the music of life. Stop expecting to see what you've always seen before, and new and wondrous beauty will appear in front of your eyes.
When you continue to perform a task the exact same way you've always done it, your effectiveness cannot improve very much. Be open to new ideas and techniques, and you can vastly accelerate your performance.
If you cynically think you've experienced it all, you'll close yourself off from much of life's richness. If you consider yourself smarter than everyone else, you'll be supporting and advancing your own growing ignorance.
Open your mind and your heart to the newness of life that comes with each moment. There is always more to learn, more to experience, more to appreciate and enjoy, no matter how much you've already done.
With each dawning day, a whole new world of possibilities is born. Allow yourself to know and acknowledge their newness, and bring the best of those possibilities to life.
Today's Thought:
Things are not always what they seem. You will not grow and develop if your mind is always closed. Things are not always what they seem - a beautiful flower; a rose, often has thorns. A spikey, ugly cactus can provide food and water for those who need it. The most beautiful animals in the world may transpire to be deadly. You need to keep an open mind to see things from a different perspective; you need to stand on the table, as it were, to see things from a different angle. You may become angry because of the way others behave. They may think there is nothing wrong with the way they behave. There is often a deeper reason for their behaviour and by looking at it from another angle, you will see things as they should be seen
Things are not always what they seem. You will not grow and develop if your mind is always closed. Things are not always what they seem - a beautiful flower; a rose, often has thorns. A spikey, ugly cactus can provide food and water for those who need it. The most beautiful animals in the world may transpire to be deadly. You need to keep an open mind to see things from a different perspective; you need to stand on the table, as it were, to see things from a different angle. You may become angry because of the way others behave. They may think there is nothing wrong with the way they behave. There is often a deeper reason for their behaviour and by looking at it from another angle, you will see things as they should be seen
Get busy
A small, simple action is infinitely more effective than a big, complicated excuse. Instead of putting your energy into avoiding effort, put that energy into the effort itself, and you'll get something of value in return for it.
There is something right now that needs to be done. Imagine how great it will feel to have it finished, see what a heavy weight will be lifted from you, then get busy and get it done.
In this moment, in this place, you have a valuable opportunity. You can make something happen, and you can make a difference.
Forget about judging whether one task is difficult and another task is easy. Don't be concerned about figuring out what is pleasant and what is unpleasant.
Just take a deep breath, sit up or stand up straight, and with a steady and confident sense of determination, get busy. Soon you'll find yourself moving rapidly toward real and fulfilling accomplishment.
You can worry and complain about how nothing ever gets done, or you can take it upon yourself to make a real and positive difference. The moment for action is now, so get busy and convert this fleeting bit of time into an accomplishment that will bring you value for a long, long time.
A small, simple action is infinitely more effective than a big, complicated excuse. Instead of putting your energy into avoiding effort, put that energy into the effort itself, and you'll get something of value in return for it.
There is something right now that needs to be done. Imagine how great it will feel to have it finished, see what a heavy weight will be lifted from you, then get busy and get it done.
In this moment, in this place, you have a valuable opportunity. You can make something happen, and you can make a difference.
Forget about judging whether one task is difficult and another task is easy. Don't be concerned about figuring out what is pleasant and what is unpleasant.
Just take a deep breath, sit up or stand up straight, and with a steady and confident sense of determination, get busy. Soon you'll find yourself moving rapidly toward real and fulfilling accomplishment.
You can worry and complain about how nothing ever gets done, or you can take it upon yourself to make a real and positive difference. The moment for action is now, so get busy and convert this fleeting bit of time into an accomplishment that will bring you value for a long, long time.
