In October, I am attending 10-10-10 Convergence: Spirit Into Human in Scottsdale, Arizona. It's recommended that participants attend some pre-seminar events to prepare us for the event and I must admit that I'm having some challenges with the first one. As I listen to the webinar, I'm wondering why in the world did I registered for this event! I can't do this stuff.
This "stuff" involves feeling my own energy, feeling the energy of other participants, locating the Higher Mind, and a whole bunch of "stuff" I just don't feel comfortable with. It's not that I judge it to be wrong or anything like that. I just don't believe I'm the sort of person who can do it. Other people can, but I can't!
This has been a theme throughout my life. Other people can meditate properly, but not me. I don't see brilliant colours, or have incredible experiences the way many people do when they meditate - the way a close friend of mine experiences them. It's taken me a long time to accept that I have other abilities, and that visualizing isn't one of them... or needs to be!
One of the reasons I am this way is my personality type as defined by Rhys Thomas who created the Rhys Method. His Life Purpose Profile Descriptions label me as Knowledgeable Achiever/Rule Keeper/Organizer. My Core Soul Quality is Knowledgeable Achiever, but when I'm in defense (under stress for instance) I tend toward the Rule Keeper/Organizer aspect, which means I become highly self-critical (amongst other things).
In this mode, I look for rules to assist me in accomplishing a task. If someone says "jump 2 feet in the air", then that's what I believe I should do and 1' 9" just won't cut it! So when I'm following instructions to locate my Higher Mind (in the webinar I mentioned above) and I don't "get it" I feel inadequate, that I must be doing something wrong, that I'm not capable of doing it. Even with this knowledge, it's very difficult for me to overcome the idea that other people can do stuff, but I can't.
How do I deal with a situation such as this? I use the one tool that seems to work for me - EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique. Some people call it tapping, or meridian tapping.) I find this really empowers me and I often get greater insights into why I feel the way I do or what I need to do to overcome my resistance. If you're not familiar with EFT, I have more information on my website and I also made a How To video to guide newcomers to this amazing tool.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Putting Yourself First
Many people from my generation (and even the younger generation although I don't believe it's as prevalent), have a big problem putting themselves first. We were taught by our parents and other authority figures that it was selfish to put our own needs before those of others. However, I have learned that this simply doesn't serve us.
The big difference that makes it OK to be 'selfish' is when we choose to put self first - for the sake of others. We cannot give from an empty cup so it's vitally important that we fill our own first by doing what is in our own best interest. Mothers know how easy it is to keep doing, doing, doing for others, but neglecting their own needs. They start to feel resentful! Fathers often feel that they're working their butts off to keep food on the table and a roof over their family's head, but if they never have time for their own interests, they too start to feel resentful.
If we are to be empowered individuals, then it's imperative that we do what's best for our self. If we don't, then we run the risk of eventually burning out and becoming sick. This is a complex subject and one that would take far too much space here, but I was just watching a video from The Lightworker Evolution Centre entitled Self First vs Selfish which explains the implications in far better detail than I can.
I know that there have been times in my life when I have made decisions that were for me alone. It was a scary way for me to act as I felt I had responsibilities that didn't marry well with those decisions. But, for my own peace of mind, it was necessary for me to make them and I have never regretted it.
It's not always easy to put yourself before others, but eventually people come to respect you for doing so - at least that's been my experience. At first, others will try and manipulate you to be the person you were before you made 'selfish' decisions. After all, that's the person they're familiar with and they feel comfortable around. You were predictable and you toed the line. They don't recognize this new empowered individual so it's understandable that they want the 'old you' back.
Don't give in to them! Stand your ground! You have a right to live your life the way YOU want and it's up to the other person(s) to live their own life the way they choose.
The big difference that makes it OK to be 'selfish' is when we choose to put self first - for the sake of others. We cannot give from an empty cup so it's vitally important that we fill our own first by doing what is in our own best interest. Mothers know how easy it is to keep doing, doing, doing for others, but neglecting their own needs. They start to feel resentful! Fathers often feel that they're working their butts off to keep food on the table and a roof over their family's head, but if they never have time for their own interests, they too start to feel resentful.
If we are to be empowered individuals, then it's imperative that we do what's best for our self. If we don't, then we run the risk of eventually burning out and becoming sick. This is a complex subject and one that would take far too much space here, but I was just watching a video from The Lightworker Evolution Centre entitled Self First vs Selfish which explains the implications in far better detail than I can.
I know that there have been times in my life when I have made decisions that were for me alone. It was a scary way for me to act as I felt I had responsibilities that didn't marry well with those decisions. But, for my own peace of mind, it was necessary for me to make them and I have never regretted it.
It's not always easy to put yourself before others, but eventually people come to respect you for doing so - at least that's been my experience. At first, others will try and manipulate you to be the person you were before you made 'selfish' decisions. After all, that's the person they're familiar with and they feel comfortable around. You were predictable and you toed the line. They don't recognize this new empowered individual so it's understandable that they want the 'old you' back.
Don't give in to them! Stand your ground! You have a right to live your life the way YOU want and it's up to the other person(s) to live their own life the way they choose.
Friday, August 6, 2010
It's Great to be Close to Family!
Our family always makes a point of celebrating each member's birthday - not just the kids, but everyone. We get together either on or close to the Big Day as a family: myself, my three daughters and their respective partners, and the grand-kids.
I'm very fortunate to live close to my three daughters. The farthest away is a 35-minute drive. It hasn't always been that way. Not so long ago we all lived many miles from each other. I was in Edmonton, Alberta, my eldest daughter lived in Southern Ontario, my youngest daughter in Northern Ontario, and my middle daughter in Oregon.
Needless to say, we didn't see each other for quite a while and I actually missed Bryna's birth as I wasn't able to go to Ontario for almost 5 months. After that, we gradually moved to the same city over a fairly short period of time and we've lived close to each other for about 6 years now.
My sister has two sons and they both live across the Atlantic in Ireland. I know it's difficult for her to have them so far away, but she makes the best of it and spends the time between visits planning their next trip.
When I think about it, I'm even more grateful to be close to my little family. We will be getting together at King's Buffet this evening and, as usual, we'll enjoy each other's company.
Life really is good and I'm recognizing that more as more as the years pass by.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Stir the Pot: Do Something Different
Normally I prefer to write in the morning, but the past two mornings I've had meetings and didn't have time to post. Now, here I am, unable to sleep and writing at night.
It feels kinda weird, but I think it's important to change our habits once in a while. Humans tend to get into routines and stick to doing things at a particular time of day, or in a particular way. We are creatures of habit. There's nothing wrong with that, I guess, but I know that I need to "stir the pot" every so often and do the unexpected.
Some things can't be avoided at certain times of the day - like going to and from work, for instance. I haven't done that for a very long time as I explained in an article on my website titled Anyaa's Story. It's one of my Life Reflections where I share a lot of personal information about how I got to where I am.
When I had a regular JOB (Just Over Broke), one of the ways I used to change it up a little was to drive to work by different routes. It's amazing how refreshing that can be. I rarely used the same route two days in a row. You can discover a lot of amazing things when you go off the beaten track a little - or just go somewhere different once in a while. I highly recommend it.
It feels kinda weird, but I think it's important to change our habits once in a while. Humans tend to get into routines and stick to doing things at a particular time of day, or in a particular way. We are creatures of habit. There's nothing wrong with that, I guess, but I know that I need to "stir the pot" every so often and do the unexpected.
Some things can't be avoided at certain times of the day - like going to and from work, for instance. I haven't done that for a very long time as I explained in an article on my website titled Anyaa's Story. It's one of my Life Reflections where I share a lot of personal information about how I got to where I am.
When I had a regular JOB (Just Over Broke), one of the ways I used to change it up a little was to drive to work by different routes. It's amazing how refreshing that can be. I rarely used the same route two days in a row. You can discover a lot of amazing things when you go off the beaten track a little - or just go somewhere different once in a while. I highly recommend it.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
"Enjoyment" Today... "Enthusiasm" Tomorrow
I'm feeling soooooooooooo much better today. I was even able to keep my date with Leslie this morning (that's Leslie Sansone and her Walk Away The Pounds - Power Mile DVD
) and actually feel Enjoyment! That would have been impossible yesterday.
Eckhart Tolle says if you can't do something with Acceptance, Enjoyment or Enthusiasm, then you shouldn't do it. Usually, I do my exercises with Enthusiasm, but I figured Enjoyment was good enough for today!
Yesterday, I was in the throes of a cold and feeling very sorry for myself. I didn't have the energy to do anything so most of the day was spent lounging on the couch watching TV. But I did manage to summon enough energy to wand my head with my Amega Wand for more than an hour.
By the time bedtime rolled around, I felt considerable relief in my sinuses and my headache was almost gone. I felt much clearer and was able to sleep without a wad of tissues under my nose ;).
) and actually feel Enjoyment! That would have been impossible yesterday.Eckhart Tolle says if you can't do something with Acceptance, Enjoyment or Enthusiasm, then you shouldn't do it. Usually, I do my exercises with Enthusiasm, but I figured Enjoyment was good enough for today!
Yesterday, I was in the throes of a cold and feeling very sorry for myself. I didn't have the energy to do anything so most of the day was spent lounging on the couch watching TV. But I did manage to summon enough energy to wand my head with my Amega Wand for more than an hour.
By the time bedtime rolled around, I felt considerable relief in my sinuses and my headache was almost gone. I felt much clearer and was able to sleep without a wad of tissues under my nose ;).
Monday, August 2, 2010
How Can I "ACCEPT" A Cold?
I have a cold! There's no getting away from it. My first clue was a sore throat, then the sneezing, then the drippy nose. My sinuses are full, my head aches, my nose is red and sore, and my ribs hurt from all the constant sneezing. Since I don't seem to do well with cold "medications" (they make me hyper) I really don't have any alternative than to suffer through it. Or do I?
In the book A New Earth
, Eckhart Tolle says"... whenever you are engaged in doing anything at all... if you are not in the state of either acceptance, enjoyment, or enthusiasm... you will find that you are creating suffering for yourself..." He calls these the modalities of awakened doing so he's really speaking about actions, but I'm sure it applies equally to anything in our life situation.
So there it is. I'm creating suffering for myself! As if the cold wasn't enough! But what are my choices? Enjoyment and enthusiasm are definitely out of the question. I'm sorry, but they just don't work for me. But acceptance - can I accept my current situation?
I know that this too shall pass. In a couple of days, this will be behind me and I won't even be able to remember how I felt. Oh, the words will be there, but have you noticed how difficult it is to recall exactly how you felt? It's impossible. You may sympathize with how I'm feeling, but you cannot empathize... and it's not your fault. It's a bit like labour pains, we remember that it hurt like hell, but we can't recreate the feelings. And who would want to?
In the book A New Earth
, Eckhart Tolle says"... whenever you are engaged in doing anything at all... if you are not in the state of either acceptance, enjoyment, or enthusiasm... you will find that you are creating suffering for yourself..." He calls these the modalities of awakened doing so he's really speaking about actions, but I'm sure it applies equally to anything in our life situation. So there it is. I'm creating suffering for myself! As if the cold wasn't enough! But what are my choices? Enjoyment and enthusiasm are definitely out of the question. I'm sorry, but they just don't work for me. But acceptance - can I accept my current situation?
I know that this too shall pass. In a couple of days, this will be behind me and I won't even be able to remember how I felt. Oh, the words will be there, but have you noticed how difficult it is to recall exactly how you felt? It's impossible. You may sympathize with how I'm feeling, but you cannot empathize... and it's not your fault. It's a bit like labour pains, we remember that it hurt like hell, but we can't recreate the feelings. And who would want to?
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Inspirational Quotes
A friend and I are working on a top secret project. We're compiling a book of quotes for a person who shall remain nameless :).
I have been collecting quotes from various sources for several years. Every time I see something that I find interesting or inspiring, I add it to the end of my file. It's grown considerable over the years and I've drawn on it for articles I've written and other occasions.
The only problem was that they weren't organized so I spent almost two days recently converting the text to a three-column table with the author's name, the quote, and the source. It was a long and frustrating job, but well worth it. Now, my quotes are sorted by the author (which enabled me to identify duplicates), and it's much easier to view.
Quotes can definitely be inspiring and empowering. A couple of my favourites are:
Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate. Carl Jung - Paraphrased
People are like tea bags. They don't know their own strength until they get into hot water. Dan McKinnon
It is difficult to live in the present, ridiculous to live in the future, and impossible to live in the past. Nothing is as far away as one minute ago. Jim Bishop
There are lots more where these came from. Some are even humorous. Maybe I'll sprinkle a few in my upcoming blogs!
I have been collecting quotes from various sources for several years. Every time I see something that I find interesting or inspiring, I add it to the end of my file. It's grown considerable over the years and I've drawn on it for articles I've written and other occasions.
The only problem was that they weren't organized so I spent almost two days recently converting the text to a three-column table with the author's name, the quote, and the source. It was a long and frustrating job, but well worth it. Now, my quotes are sorted by the author (which enabled me to identify duplicates), and it's much easier to view.
Quotes can definitely be inspiring and empowering. A couple of my favourites are:
Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate. Carl Jung - Paraphrased
People are like tea bags. They don't know their own strength until they get into hot water. Dan McKinnon
It is difficult to live in the present, ridiculous to live in the future, and impossible to live in the past. Nothing is as far away as one minute ago. Jim Bishop
There are lots more where these came from. Some are even humorous. Maybe I'll sprinkle a few in my upcoming blogs!
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