Life Mastery's Friday Weekly Podcast:
"Setting New Intentions, Patterns, Habits, and Internal Attitudes That Lead To Self-Mastery, Podcast, Part III
(length 08:24 minutes)
Learning to act in ways that nurture and empower you
to be "True to YourSelf!"
This is Part IV of a four part blog.
New Internal Attitudes con't:
Asking for the inspirations, insights, courage, patience, and resources to create a truly
balanced, joyous, prosperous, fulfilled life in every way, right now. Be specific.
Creating new internal attitudes for work, relationships, prosperity, health, etc. Be
specific.
Inviting and expecting new energetic patterns and internal attitudes to be easily,
elegantly, and effortlessly established. Be specific.
Releasing all illusions: need, failure, disunity, lack, obligation, judgment,
condemnation, conditionality, superiority, and ignorance.
Fostering new attitudes of compassion, gratitude, forgiveness, surrender, and devotion
while at the same time releasing old attitudes based on fear, judgment, duality,
separation and ego.
Doing envisioning exercises for the things and experiences you want to experience in
your life. See my blog entries beginning on 07/27/09 through 08/31/09 for how to do the envisioning exercises.
Practicing this technique over just a period of a few months can and will radically transform the quality of your life. The greatest treasures we can acquire while on earth are the qualities of goodness and personal mastery that we learn. I have found that this technique is the fastest way to accomplish this.
We are remembered for who we are and what we embody and not for what we have done. So, why not develop all the best habits and qualities possible in this lifetime. If you want to be a Master of your Life, and live the best possible life, the highest quality life, this kind of intentionality and clarity will definitely get you there.
Peace and Joy be with you! Go for the Good!
This is Part IV of a four part blog. See my blog entries of 09/07/09 for Part I, 09/14/09 for Part II and 09/21/09 for Part III.
Life Mastery's Friday Weekly Podcast:
"Setting New Intentions, Patterns, Habits, and Internal Attitudes That Lead To Self-Mastery, Podcast, Part III
(length 07:55 minutes)
Learning to act in ways that nurture and empower you
to be "True to YourSelf!"
This is Part III of a four part blog.
Some Examples:
New Patterns and Habits:
Spending quality time with yourself:
Meditating and praying;
Time in nature;
Reading inspiring books;
Writing in a journal.
Taking care of your physical needs:
Eating a healthful, balanced, appropriate diet;
Exercising;
Getting sufficient sleep;
Taking breaks from work.
EnJoying sufficient re-creation time; play; leisure.
Cleaning your home.
Spending quality time with your significant other(s).
Laughing.
Also, you can list patterns and habits you do not want to continue doing, e.g.,
procrastinating, watching too much TV, sleeping too much, etc..
New Internal Attitudes:-
Staying emotionally unattached to the results of your activities/work on all levels,
i.e.practicing discernment.
Often saying, "I have done my very best with what I knew today. I am perfect (i.e. good
enough) and complete. All my creations are perfect and complete."
Making only one real commitment: "to be true to the promptings of your Higher Self."
Learning to trust your feelings. For your feelings are your connection to your Soul and your only authority.
Remembering that you can always choose what you think and feel and, therefore, choose what you experience. You are not your fears, pain, and anger.
Releasing your fears, worry, doubt, anger, sadness, etc. towards whatever specific
situation(s) or individual(s) that limit you from stepping forth into the fulfillment
of your Soul's deepest, most authentic desires, and true, unique Divine purpose.
This is Part III of a four part blog. See my blog entry of 09/07/09 for Part I and 09/14/09 for Part II.
Life Mastery's Friday Weekly Podcast:
"Setting New Intentions, Patterns, Habits, and Internal Attitudes That Lead To Self-Mastery, Podcast, Part II
(length 05:42 minutes)
Learning to act in ways that nurture and empower you
to be"True to YourSelf!"
This is Part II of a four part blog.
3. Create two grids. On the left side of the first grid list ten patterns and habits. On the left side of the second grid list ten internal attitudes. On the right side of each grid create thirty-one boxes, one for each day of the month. You now have two visual charts that will serve as daily reminders and will also provide structure to help you map your progress. You can hang these visual reminders on your refrigerator or any other prominent spot in your living space. [If you would like a copy of the grids I describe above in Word document format, please email me at yanni.maniates@verizon.net and I will send them to you gratis.]
4. Commit to one month of using these daily intentions, patterns, habits, and internal attitudes. Each day check off on the grids the patterns, habits and internal attitudes you achieved that day. Be Honest! Some days will be better than others!
5. At the end of the month objectively and lovingly review your lists and drop off any habits and patterns or internal attitudes that are now securely a part of your "way of being." Add to these lists any new intentions, patterns, habits, internal attitudes, or refinements of the ones you have been working with. These will now become next month's lists. Observe how you will continue each month to evolve into higher and higher degrees of clarity and Mastery.
This is Part II of a four part blog. See my blog entry of 09/21/09 for Part III.
Life Mastery's Friday Weekly Podcast:
"Setting New Intentions, Patterns, Habits, and Internal Attitudes That Lead To Self-Mastery, Podcast, Part I
(length 05:12 minutes)
Learning to act in ways that nurture and empower you
to be"True to YourSelf!"
This is Part I of a four part blog.
How can you change your habits, both your external ones and your internal ones on a permanent basis?
Over the years I have worked with numerous techniques to accomplish this. What I would like to share with you in my next four blog entries is a process that I use which is a distillation of many techniques. I believe that this process is the most effective way for you to take responsibility for your life and to make the changes that will allow you to live your life to its highest potential. Here is the process in outline form:
1.Take time in a quiet place to reflect on your life. Objectively and lovingly review how you are living and identify the healthy intentions, patterns, habits, and internal attitudes you already have in place. Write them down--as many as possible.
2.Now ask yourself, "What are some additional intentions, patterns, habits, and internal attitudes that would further enrich my experience of life everyday?" Brainstorm! Make two lists. On the first list, write spontaneously as many new patterns and habits as you can, such as meditating regularly, eating healthy foods, etc., (more examples will follow in subsequent blogs) and on the second list write as many new internal attitudes as you can, such as letting go of worry, trusting your feelings, etc. (more examples will follow in subsequent blogs). Then narrow each list down to ten by either eliminating some or by combining some. Hint: Start with broad strokes that outline what you would like to experience in your life and then sketch out the intentions, patterns, habits, and internal attitudes that would help you to accomplish this.
This is Part I of a four part blog. See my blog entry of 9/14/09 for Part II.
Life Mastery's Friday Weekly Podcast:
"Slow Down! Get There Fast! Part II" Podcast
(length 5:19 minutes)
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This is Part II of a two-part blog. See my entry of February 23 for Part I.
It was because my wife and I chose to "Slow Down! Get there Fast!" that we gradually began to realize that living in New York City with all the noise and frenetic activity was not a match for who we were.
As well, working in two high profile and high pressure professions was also not who we were and what we wanted to do with our lives. Even though we first thought that these jobs were our ticket to heaven; they really were quite the opposite!
So, after living in NYC for only three years; it became obvious to us that we had to leave. So, we made plans and in two years we were out of the City, no longer in those jobs and living in a lot slower paced and less urbanized environment. We moved to a setting that was so much more a match to who we were and not who we thought we should be.
As well, by slowing down, we began to get more and more of our real priorities straight. We took care of ourselves and explored all kinds of enriching avenues of personal growth. We deepened our meditation and other spiritual practices. As well, we started the study and practice of Chi Gung, a Chinese form of meditation and energy mastery.
This all lead me to have the courage to make my passion, which is teaching and writing about the spiritual and healing arts, become my vocation and my work. So, within just two years we moved out of the Big Apple and I began my healing and teaching practice.
Starting anything new always has it challenges and opportunities. So, there were many times when I doubted myself and my abilities. But every time I did, I remembered that if I would just "slow down" I could tune into that "still, small voice within" and there I would find my center and find my Self again and all would be clear. I would remember in this place of Silence who I was and why I came forth.
I would see where I stood on my climb up my mountain of mastery, redouble my courage and confidence and continue on, clearly knowing that I was now "getting there fast!" That is, I was getting there in Divine Timing and in Divine Order and All was truly Good!
So, "Slow Down! Get There Fast!" It works wonders!
This is part II of a two part blog. See my previous blog entry of February 23 for Part I.
Life Mastery's Friday Weekly Podcast:
"Slow Down! Get There Fast! Part I" Podcast
(length 5:07 minutes)
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My wife, Jaime, and I were living in New York City some twenty years ago. We were both working in very high pressure jobs in Manhattan. I was in book publishing and she was in insurance.
As well, we had a two hour commute back and forth to work every day. So, by the time we got home we were exhausted from all the stimulation. There was always something to "do" and it always had to be done fast! So, life was a series of unending tasks that seemed to just exponentially explode on us. It wasn't fun to say the least.
So, one day while we were taking stock of all we had to do, my wife, in total frustration, screamed out: "Slow Down! Get There Fast!"
It made us both stop in our tracks and first, laugh, but most importantly, it helped us to realize that we were like hamsters spinning around on a treadmill in a cage. We were going nowhere fast!
So, we asked, "Why are we doing this?" And we realized that we were unconscious. We were just doing more and more just for the sake of doing more and more in the hope that it would make us feel better about ourselves. But it certainly wasn't helping!
So, at that point we recognized that we had to incorporate a conscious, consistent spiritual practice into our lives; that is, we needed to create a time of slowing down. We had been doing numerous spiritual practices for years on a haphazard basis, but it wasn't enough obviously.
So, we then decided to sit and meditate and/or pray for at least thirty minutes an evening. It was so refreshing and relaxing. And most importantly, it helped us reach our goal of feeling good about ourselves very quickly; and we no longer had to run around mindlessly exhausting ourselves to reach our goal!
By slowing down, we got to our goal of feeling good about ourselves very, very fast. The other way of going about it, by running around all over the place, was actually moving us further and further away from our goal.
So, no matter what your goal is: "Slow Down! Get there Fast!" It works wonders!
In my next blog entry of March 2, I will continue this theme and explain how this process of slowing down helped me to find my purpose in life and live my passion.
Life Mastery's Friday Weekly Podcast:
"What is Quality?" Podcast
(length 4:52 minutes)
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Quality is not something inherent in an object, person or experience;
Quality is something we imbue into an object, person or experience.
Yanni Maniates
We create quality. We create a quality life.
We give life its meaning, substance and value by the way we choose to interpret events. All of life is good and working towards the Highest Good. Everything we experience is from the Good and for the Good though we may not know how to "see" it that way sometimes.
Quality can not be measured by the quantity of material things we accumulate, the number or status of the people we know or the types of experiences we have; it can only be determined by the value we give to the experience.
So, to have a quality experience; go out there and give value to all you see and experience; especially give value to yourself. You determine the quality of your experiences by the way you choose to value them. You determine the quality or value of yourself by the way you choose to value yourself.
So, take the time to quiet your mind and go within and listen to that "still, small voice within." And ask it to help you to learn how to "see" yourself and everything and everyone in your life with the eyes and heart of your Soul and then you will see all things "anew."
You will "see" how precious and valuable you are and how precious and valuable every person, place and experience is in your life. They all are steps up your mountain of mastery. Everything and everyone is leading you to your Highest Good.
By listening to that "still, small voice within," you will learn how to live your life in Grace and Trust. You will see the bigger picture and know who you truly are from the depths of your being and how blessed life really is.
So, slow down, quiet your mind and listen so that you can ease into a life of real Quality and Value!
Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.
Tolstoy
In order to change anything in your life, you must first make a change within your self. Every change is an "inside job." Change is not about controlling or changing another person or situation in your outer life so that it suits you better. It is about changing you, internally.
So, for example, if you want to experience peace in your life, you must first seek to create peace within yourself no matter what. The level of peace you experience in your external life is solely dependent on the level of peace you feel within. Then as you attain this internal peace, you achieve a peace that the world can not take away from you.
You, thus, have achieved a peace that is rock solid and deep. Then you know what it means to stand on solid ground.
So, whatever you wish to change or achieve, you must first go within, honestly evaluate your thoughts, beliefs, fears, etc. about the issue, release the ones that do not serve you and then embrace the ones that do. Then things will really change for you.
It can and likely will be a challenge to be so honest with yourself, but it is the only way to really effect significant change in your life.
Try it with anything you would like to change in your life. It really works.
Meditation is the primary tool I use to access this level of myself. It is the best way I know of to get in touch with my underlying beliefs and thoughts. And it is the most effective method with which to create the changes I want in my life.
If you are distressed by anything external,
the pain is not due to the thing itself,
but to your estimate of it; and this you
have the power to revoke at any moment.
Marcus Aurelius
Life Mastery's Friday Weekly Podcast:
"Ah! To be a Child Again! A Meditation" Podcast
(length 6:54 minutes)
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Before we were indoctrinated to the rules of the word, with its entire do's and don'ts, we were actually very receptive. We were willing to try new things, go into forbidden places and take risks without hesitation. We did not believe in unhappiness, defeat, rejection or lack. We asked for what we wanted and were willing to demand that it be provided. We thought the world existed to respond to our needs. It might do us well to revert back to the ways of childhood if we want to bring some good into our lives. It's not the temper tantrums or childish outburst we want. It is the openness and freedom from limitation we need. We have been taught to accept fear, lack sorrow and restriction as a part of everyday life. We are afraid to make demands of life because we believe we can't have what we want. We no longer feel free to express what we feel, when we feel it. Now, we want to be everyone's friend. If only we would think like a child again, there's a good chance we would find the freedom we gave up to become adults.
Just read through these words a few times in a meditative state. They are food for your soul. Then just sit in meditation and see, sense or feel whatever impressions, thoughts, feelings or images arise for you about you. Be receptive, objective and open!
Reading an inspiring passage and then just sitting with it in meditation is another form of meditation you may want to put into practice.
Besides this passage, find any inspiring passage you resonate with, read it and then just sit and see what happens! There are many ways to meditate and connect with your Source. Meditating on an inspiring passage is one I love to practice regularly especially when my mind is overly active.
Life Mastery's Friday Weekly Podcast:
"It's All New: A Morning Meditation," Podcast
(length 5:30 minutes)
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A new day, a new beginning! It's all so new, if we but stop and look. Nothing is the same as we left it. And even though our daily routines make us think it is all the same, it never is or can be.
So, we can exult in the "newness" of every moment of every "routine" and know that it is all fresh, new and joy filled. And as we see the "newness" and freshness of every moment, we come to appreciate and adore it all.
Thus, you may want to say to yourself: "I really want to bring this sense of newness and freshness into all I do from now on. To just stop, breathe and appreciate; to savor. To just 'be' present for each moment's gift, for each moment's 'newness'."
There can be no greater joy or fulfillment than to be filled with the richness of each moment. If one reaches and strives for the hoped for fulfillment in the future, one will always come up empty handed. There is only the present. Let us seize each and every moment and be filled to overflowing with all it has to offer. LET IT ALL COME TO YOU! Be present and it will!
In order to allow yourself to experience the "newness" of a moment, experiment with the following. Whenever you can, just stop; take a couple of deep breaths; then become aware of your body by doing a brief body scan from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. This will bring you into the present.
Then focus on your inhalation and just imagine that you are breathing in "newness," "freshness," and "joy." And on the exhalation, imagine that you are releasing the old, stagnant, and mutated energies. Then continue focusing on your breath and your breathing. Breathing in all that is new and fresh and joy-filled and releasing on the exhalation all that is old, worn and stagnant. After a few moments of doing this, all will be made fresh and anew!
Remember, you only see what you are looking for; you only get what you are asking for!
Life Mastery's Friday Weekly Podcast:
"Emotional/Mental Fitness: A Daily Routine; A Meditation," Podcast
(length 6:12 minutes)
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Besides working out in order to stay physically fit and healthy, I would like to suggest that you may want to also practice an emotional/mental fitness regimen.
Below is a workout that you might want to incorporate into your daily routine.
1) Regularly, during the day, be aware of what you are feeling and if you are caught up in fear, anger, worry, etc, let them go and choose something else to focus on. Negative thoughts wreck havoc on you physiologically and emotionally.
2) Seek to experience happiness no matter what is going on. Rather than making the best of it, make it the best!
3) Appreciate all the good in your life from the littlest to the largest. When you appreciate something, you allow yourself to fully receive it! And in doing so, you feel "rich." And in feeling "rich," you attract more "richness" or abundance.
4) See the good, even in a difficult situation. Everything is leading you to your highest good!
5) Trust the flow of life and know that all is in Divine Order!
6) Create thoughts, words and actions that only produce joy. The world is filled with unhappiness. Be different! "Follow the road less traveled."
7) Let go of narrow, inflexible belief systems. Create space so that you can learn and grow and be open to new possibilities, people and ideas. Every thing is possible!
8) Genuinely listen to others instead of forcing your own agenda. Knowing how to listen is one of the most valuable "arts" to master.
9) Let go of trying to "control" everyone and everything!
The more you practice, the better you get; and the better it gets!
The one thing that we cannot get enough of, the one thing that there is no possibility of ever overusing; of ever over receiving or of ever over giving is Compassion or Love. As the saying goes; "No matter what the question; Love is the answer."
Whenever you find your self caught up in your negative thought patterns, or your negative emotional states, being self-critical or critical of another, or enmeshed in your negative imagination or worry; sit back and drink in Compassion. As you drink in that Compassion all the tension and negativity will start to release. And then you will remember and accept that your natural state of being is that of feeling and being in the Embrace, of being at Peace, of being in Love!
It's quite easy to do, actually! Find a quiet place and moment, close your eyes, take a few deep cleansing breaths and then just imagine someone you love, be they a loved one or an esteemed spiritual teacher/master, and "see"/imagine them right there in front of you. Look into their eyes, the mirror of their soul, and then just feel their love flowing to you. Open up your heart to feeling their care, compassion and unconditional love for you. Hold this image and feeling for a couple of minutes. And in just a few minutes, you will feel so refreshed! You can do this a couple of times a day, too!
Compassion is at the heart of meditation because it connects us with who we really are and what is truly at our core. I would urge you to give yourself at least one dose of this daily, even for just a few minutes. You deserve it! Please try it. You will be very grateful you did.
If you haven't already, feel free to join my membership area and get a free audio talk on meditation and a free 6 minute guided meditation. As well, my Meditation CD "Peace of Mind is a Thought Away" goes into greater depth regarding how to make this connection with Compassion.
If you have interest, my CDs can be found at: http://www.learnmastery.com/AudioTapesByYanni.htm
Also, my book and audio package, Magical Keys to Self-Mastery: Creating Miracles in Your Life, is a primer on Meditation and Intuition: http://www.MagicalKeystoSelfMastery.com
Life Mastery's Friday Weekly Podcast:
"All is in Divine Order and Timing! A Meditation," Podcast
(length 7:14 minutes)
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Give yourself the benefit of believing that the Divine hand is leading you. And accept the anxiety of feeling yourself in suspense and incomplete.
All is in Divine Order and Divine Timing. There is a rhythm and rhyme for all that we experience. If we just allow ourselves the opportunity to slow down and go within and listen to the Silence that is there; there we will see the "bigger picture;" there we will find the answer to all our questions; there we will know that we are "Good;" there we will know that we are held in the "Embrace;" there we will know that "All is well."
There, too, we will know that the Universe is a supportive, nurturing, friendly place and that it is on our side. It is rooting for us.
The "still, small voice" within is your most trustworthy ally! Learn to "listen" to your most "significant other," that is, this "still, small voice" within. Learn to listen to your Self!
By taking the time to slow down each day and go into meditation, you can enter this place of Silence, of Magic, of your Essence and come to truly know Your Self and where you really are in your life. Please try it. You'll be grateful you did!
If you haven't already, feel free to join my membership area and get a free audio talk on meditation and a free 6 minute guided meditation. As well, my meditation CDs go into greater depth regarding how to make this connection with the Silence and with your Self. If you have interest, my CDs can be found at: http://www.learnmastery.com/AudioTapesByYanni.htm
Also, my book and audio package, Magical Keys to Self-Mastery: Creating Miracles in Your Life, is a primer on Meditation and Intuition: http://www.MagicalKeystoSelfMastery.com
Life Mastery's Friday Weekly Podcast:
"How to Get Things Done! A Meditation," Podcast
(length 5:18 minutes)
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Whenever something comes up to be done, before you jump headlong into doing it; Stop and ask yourself, "How can I make this easy?" "How can this be easy, enjoyable, effortless and elegant?"
And keep asking and asking and asking!
And keep believing and believing and believing that it can be!
And keep expecting and expecting and expecting that it already has been done!
And, lo and behold, this will help you to release the intensity around what needs to be "done" and will allow you to slow down enough so that you can recognize, find and take the easy, enjoyable, effortless, elegant way.
Whatever you consciously ask for, and consciously look for and consciously expect, you will receive.
So, remember to always ask for the "easy" way and you will find it! You no longer need to choose struggle and feel overwhelmed!
"Seek and ye shall find, ask and ye shall receive."
Slow down and try this technique the next time you feel in a hurry. Create the intention that you can make things happen in a way that is easy and enjoyable for you. You deserve it!
Life Mastery's Friday Weekly Podcast:
"How to Fly? A Meditation," Podcast
(length 5:48 minutes)
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How can you fly?
You create your own wings!
How can you create your own wings?
Keep dreaming and dreaming and dreaming!
Your dreams are what create your experiences.
And as you keep dreaming and believing in your dreams and in your self,
all your dreams will not only come true,
but they will give you the wings to fly.
And if you dare to let go of the nest, these wings will catch the wind.
And if you allow, the winds will embrace, support and transport you
and carry you not only to all your dreams,
but even beyond to the full potential of your Self!
Yanni Maniates
Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating your self.
George Bernard Shaw
Our beginnings never know our ends.
T.S. Eliot
In order for you to create anything in your life, you must first dream or imagine it. Whether you are aware of it or not, you constantly use your imagination. You either continually "awfulize" and "catastophize" and dream up your worst nightmares through worry, fear and anger. Or you use your imagination to aspire to the highest of your potential through faith, hope, love and dreaming big.
Since you are always imagining or dreaming about something anyhow, why not make it a dream that is truly big, worthwhile and of greatest value to you and to others.
You get to choose what you focus on and what you get in life. You choose whether you learn to glide and fly or whether you struggle and crawl through life! You get to create your own wings or your own crutches!
And the real "neat" thing about all this is that once you learn to fly you learn that, "the sky is no longer the limit," only you were!
So, take some time now to quiet your mind and just listen to what you are thinking about. Are you dreaming big and bold or are you caught up in a negative loop of thoughts. Are you creating something exciting and noble in your mind? Or are you rehashing old, stale scenarios? You get to choose.
Life Mastery's Friday Weekly Podcast:
"What is the Present? A Meditation," Podcast
(length 7:19 minutes)
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We create our reality by the predominant thoughts and emotions that we hold. "Like attracts like" is a universal law. Be happy and happiness follows. Feel abundant and abundance comes. The Universe reflects back to us what we are feeling, whether we are conscious of it or not. What we experience in our lives is an objective mirror reflecting back to us the predominant thoughts and feelings we have.
We can change what we are experiencing by first observing our predominant thoughts and feelings; and then we can choose to gradually change whatever we don't like. And by doing this, we eventually will have different experiences knocking at our door.
Meditation is a wonderful way to learn how to become aware of your thoughts and by becoming aware of them you can become a Master of your thoughts, your emotions and ultimately your life. Meditation allows you to objectively observe your mental chatter and then by doing so you can choose to change it.
So, try just "being" with yourself in meditation and see what comes up. Just "listen" to yourself! And then, after you have observed your patterns for awhile, gradually change what doesn't really serve and uplift you you and keep what does. You'll know the difference.
So, take a few minutes a day for the next week to sit and observe your thoughts. While focusing on your breath, notice the patterns and types of thoughts that come up for you. Don't get caught up in them; just witness them. By doing this you will see the patterns and then can begin to intentionally shift them.
Even this simple practice can have a profound effect on the quality of your life.
If you have interest, my meditation CD entitled: Peace of Mind is a Thought Away: Mastery Meditations goes into greater depth about this process: http://www.learnmastery.com/AudioTapesByYanni.htm
Also, my book and audio package, Magical Keys to Self-Mastery: Creating Miracles in Your Life, is a primer on Meditation and Intuition: http://www.MagicalKeystoSelfMastery.com
Life Mastery's Friday Weekly Podcast:
"Whenever Your Day Seems, Cloudy, See the Silver Lining in Every Cloud! A Reflection," Podcast
(length 6:16 minutes)
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See the silver lining in every cloud in your life; and welcome the rain that comes from these clouds because they provide the moisture that allows and encourages the new seeds you have planted to grow into full bloom.
Constantly plant new seeds of hope, joy and success and know that when the times seem to be cloudy or stormy that they are in fact just times of great creative potential and new internal growth about to burst forth into your life. They are not obstacles; they are opportunities.
Trust in the rhythms of the seasons for they are just as much in your life as they are in nature. We need the rain and the storms so that our seeds might grow, so that we might grow strong, so that we might become clear and intentional in our lives.
Just trust! The Universe is on your side!
Everything replenishes and re-grows itself.
Just know that that is what you, too, are now experiencing.
All things are always changing and flowing! The only constant is change!
Tomorrow is another day filled with potential, filled with potency, filled with all that is fresh and new and joy-filled!
Envision, feel, see, and say: "Good things are always happening to me. Good things are unfolding within me now!" And by doing so, you will notice "good" all around you and attract more "good" into your life.
And as Annie reminds us:
The sun will come out tomorrow.
Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there'll be sun.
Just thinking about tomorrow clears away the cobwebs and the sorrow, till there's none...
From the musical "Annie."
Just try doing what I have suggested above the next time a challenging situation comes up for you in your life.
You get to give meaning to the experiences you have. You can either choose the "high road" or the "low road." You get to see the cup half-full or half-empty.
Life Mastery's Friday Weekly Podcast:
"How to Create Health and Vitality” Podcast"
Click Here to Download MP3/Audio
(length 10:17 minutes)
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This is Part Two of a two part blog.
Below is an emotional/mental workout that I suggest that you do daily to feel your best on all levels:
1. Frequently, in your day, be aware of what you are feeling and if you are caught up in fear, anger, worry, etc, let them go and choose something else to focus on. Negative thoughts wreck havoc on you physiologically and emotionally as much as, if not more than, a poor diet and no exercise do.
2. Seek to experience happiness no matter what is going on. Rather than resigning yourself to “making the best of a situation:” Make it the best!
3. Appreciate all the good in your life from the littlest things to the largest. When you appreciate something, you allow yourself to fully receive it! And in doing so, you feel “rich.” And in feeling “rich,” you attract more “richness” or abundance.
4. See the Good, even in a difficult situation. Everything is leading you to your Highest Good!
5. Trust the flow of life and know that all is in Divine Order and Divine Timing and that there is a Divine Plan for your life!
6. Create thoughts, words and actions that produce happiness. The world is filled with unhappiness. Be different! “Follow the road less traveled.”
7. Let go of any of your belief systems that are narrow and inflexible. Create space so that you can learn and grow and be open to new possibilities, people and ideas. Every thing is possible!
If you want health and vitality in your life, besides working out in order to stay physically fit, I would suggest that you also practice an emotional/mental fitness regimen.
A vigorous, vital body is attained not just by focusing on physical fitness. It is just as much a result of emotional and mental fitness. What most people do not realize is that every thought and emotion you have causes your body to create and secrete a series of hormones into your blood stream that are either anabolic in nature (that is they build up and repair your cells) or catabolic in nature (that is, they tear down and destroy your cells.)
On the one hand, negative thoughts such as anger, fear, worry, etc secrete catabolic hormones and as a result every cell in your body is bathed in them and is worn out and broken down by them. On the other hand, positive, happy, life-affirming thoughts and feelings secrete anabolic hormones which repair and heal all the cells of your body.
So, your daily “diet” of thoughts and feelings are no different than your daily diet of food. Just as “junk food” creates a junkie body, so, too, do “junk” thoughts create a junkie body and life. Your really can’t afford the luxury of a negative thought.
Being conscious and intentional about the predominant thoughts and feelings you have during the day is such a key to health and vitality. Negativity literally drains the life out of you. While positivity not only maintains your current level of health and vitality, but actually increases it.
We have a built in mechanism that can help us to remain healthy well into our later years, all we have to do is use it.
In my next blog post I will offer you an emotional/mental workout that I suggest that you do daily to feel your best on all levels.
This Part I of a two part blog.
This is Part IV of a four part blog.
What you look at is what you see. And whatever you are looking for, you will find!
So, now that you have a handle on your general attitude about Life, what is really neat about all this is that you can change your attitude. Yes, you can!
Once you are honestly aware of what your attitude generally is then you can gradually, consistently and intentionally change anything that is negative and not life-affirming about it into something that is.
Bit by bit as you notice the negative self-talk and the negative projections that you make on others or on situations, you can determine that you will look at them more positively. And by looking at them more positively, you will draw to you insights and inspirations into finding positive solutions to them. And, as well, you will learn what the larger life lessons were in these particular situations.
Remember that whatever you ask for, you will receive. And whatever you are looking for, you will find!
Life is constant stream of moving forward to higher and higher ground unless you choose to take the “low road.” By changing your attitude you get to take the “high road” in life and get to enjoy the broad vistas and the wide, clear horizons. Otherwise, if your attitude is negative, you get to wallow in the quicksand of your limiting beliefs on the “low road” of life, which some call hell.
Thus, as I wrote earlier, you get to choose your attitude and your attitude determines the kind of experiences you have. Thus, you, and only you, get to give meaning to your life!
So, is your underlying attitude about your life one that affirms your eternal, divine value? Or is it the opposite?
Your attitude is the key to your happiness and to the amount of Love and Life you experience. Change your attitude and you change your life! The “Kingdom of Heaven is with in you!”
This is Part IV of a four part blog.
This is Part III of a four part blog.
What you look at is what you see. And whatever you are looking for, you will find!
You can see an ending as a new beginning or as you can see it as something negative and terminal. You can decide that as one door closes another one opens. Or you can choose to remain fixated on the closed door and miss all the other doors and opportunities that are in fact opening before you.
The Universe is not a stagnant, unloving, unforgiving place. It is full of new possibilities and new probabilities all the time. It is constantly expanding and opening up new doors. Unless, of course, you are not looking!
You can choose to interpret a delay of any kind as Divine Timing or as a huge inconvenience that has negative providential significance in your life. You can choose to live your life “awfulizing” and “catastrophising” about every thing or see “the silver lining in every cloud.” You get to give meaning to your experiences by your attitude or how you choose to interpret them.
What kind of meaning do you give to your experiences?
Albert Einstein once wrote that the most important question that you can ask yourself is: “Is this a friendly Universe or not?” In other words is the Universe on your side or not on your side. How you answer this question determines your attitude about Life in general and your attitude about your life in particular. And, most importantly, it determines the kind of life you have!
So, take a moment to reflect consciously on this question. It actually is very, very important and is well worth a few minutes of your time……
So, what is your answer?
Your answer to this question, that is, what is your predominant attitude about life, is the sole determinant of what kind of life and what quality of life you have.
This is Part III of a four part blog.
This is Part II of a four part blog.
What you look at is what you see. And whatever you are looking for, you will find!
Attitude has a huge impact on your life. Actually, it is the most important determining factor in how you experience your life and in what and who you attract into your life.
Attitude is more important than any of the facts or details of a situation, than what has happened or not happened to you in the past, than who you know or don’t know, than what you have done or not done so far in your life. It is more important than the degrees and experiences you have had; than the amount of money you have presently, had in the past or wish you had; than present circumstances; than past failures or successes; than what other people think, say or do about you. It is more important than appearances, skills and talents. It will determine the success or failure a business or a relationship or, for that matter anything you are involved in.
What is so important to understand here is that you have a choice as to the attitude you have at any given moment regarding anything you are experiencing. And it is precisely this attitude that determines how you experience what you are experiencing. And, as well, it is your attitude that determines whether you will get more of the same or not.
You can not change your past. You can not change how a person will act or react to you; and you can not change a given situation. You can not change events as they unfold. But the only thing you can change is your attitude. You can choose to see the cup half-full or you can choose to see it half-empty.
This is Part II of a four part blog.
This is Part I of a four part blog.
What you look at is what you see. And whatever you are looking for, you will find!
What you place your attention on is what you notice. And what you notice defines your “reality.” Your “reality” is solely of your making. And you make it by the way you choose to look at things, as well, as by what things you choose to look at.
What do you choose, consciously or unconsciously, to focus on during your day? Take the time to notice.
Take the time, as well, to listen to your mind’s chatter on a regular, consistent basis during the day. If you find that what you are mostly focused on is negative, then that is what you are experiencing and then that is what you are attracting more of. If it is mostly positive then that is what you are experiencing and attracting more of.
What do you want more of: the positive or the negative experiences?
So, honestly ask yourself, what do you mostly focus on?
But you then might say to me in response to this, “But I can’t control my mind. It has ‘mind of its own’.”
Well, you know deep down inside that the statement above is simply not true and that it is just a lame excuse for being lazy. That is, you are too lazy to take the time to learn how to tame and master your “monkey mind.” Or, perhaps, it simply is that you are just unaware that it is really possible to “change your mind,” so to speak.
So, if you want to experience more Love and Happiness in your life, you must focus your thoughts on Love and Happiness. It’s really rather simple. But how you might ask do I do that.
Well, there is only one way to do that and that is to change your attitude.
This is Part I of a four part blog.