Thoughtful Tuesdays : Look for the Good

For the longest while it seemed all I could attract into my life was negative energy. Everywhere I looked there was something awful, something bad. My mood was pretty much always in the dumps. I felt awful about myself, my life, and everything that I attracted my way. I tell you one thing, it's not a very good way to live, at least not for myself. I was miserable. So then when I started doing some serious self work a few years ago someone told me to find at least one positive thing about my day. It could be the sound of a bird singing in the morning, or a wonderful adventure with a friend of mine. Whatever it was, I had to take time each day to focus on it. At first I found it incredibly hard to do. I was in such a dark and dreary place. To be quite honest, I had a hard time giving myself permission to seek out the positive and acknowledge it. Nothing was changing for me, so I finally decided to just give in and look for something, anything that made me smile even a little bit, or made my heart sing even just one little note. It didn't take  long after that first initial decision to look for the good before the daily list started to grow and grow. I was floored at how many good things happened in my life in the run of a day. All this time I was dwelling on the yucky stuff completely distracted from the wonderful things happening in my life. What a difference it makes too I tell ya! Now it comes so naturally to stop and smell the roses, to see the good in almost every situation. It really makes a difference on my body, my mind, and my soul.

The holidays can be the most delightful of times - according to all the commercials, movies, tv shows, and songs. It can also be an emotional trying time for all no matter what walk of life you come from. So I'm going to doggy dare you (oh yes, I just said doogy dare!) to try to find the good this holiday season. No matter what the holidays has in store for you, try to find the good in every situation. Be mindful of how your body responds to your attention being on the positive instead of the negative. How this influences your interaction with yourself, and with others.

The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

Look for the Good

Life is an interpretive experience. What happens is less important than how we respond to our circumstances. An intense stimulus that some people report as pain, others report as pleasure. It is we who decide what interpretations will be. 

Are you a "goodfinder"? A recent study of the country's millionaires showed that the most common trait they all shared was the ability to discover good in any situation. This trait is also common in the "triumphant survivors" -those individuals who overcome adversity and emerge strengthened and renewed. 

A sincere spiritual seeker suffering from a chronic illness wondered, "why haven't my prayers been answered?" One day, in deep meditation the reply came: "Look for the good in your sitatuion and you will see that the answer has already been provided." Suddenly this woman realized that her crisis provided a wonderful opportunity. She embarked on a program of nutrition, exercise, and yoga which led to a dramatic improvement in the quality of her life. 

Abraham Lincoln once said, "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Your state of mind is up to you. Choose now to look for the good. 

Affirmations

1. I look for the good in all my affairs.
2. No matter what the circumstances, I find something positive that I can learn from them.
3. I experience all events as enhancing my spiritual growth.
4. For every loss, there exists a corresponding gain.
5. What goes down must come up.
6. Your Own ______________.

Thoughtful Tuesdays: Acceptance

Bloch succeeds in giving me goosebumps again as I read and post today's Thoughtful Tuesday blog. My Pop's funeral is this weekend and with it brings up many emotions, thoughts, and memories. While I am not in denial about what happened, I am also not truly accepting of it either. My Pop's passing is the main focus with my attention these days, however this excerpt also can apply to many other areas in my life. With some experience in practicing this, I realize the powerful effect it can have and will actively work on this exercise in not only the following days, but weeks, and months and so on. I hope you as well find this helpful and I send you all positive thoughts and energy.

The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

Acceptance

One of life's paradoxes  is that in order to change an unwanted situation, we must first accept it the way it is. If you wish to move forward in your life, first make peace with what you are presently experiencing. 

John was working at a job that he had ceased to enjoy and could not wait to leave. Yet despite his extensive job search, he was unable to find new employment. Realizing that you can't leave a situation without spiritual injury unless you leave it lovingly, John decided to make peace with his job and to bless the people in it. This change of attitude freed him to move on to new employment. 

Accepting people as they are is also transformational. For years, a man tried to get his elderly mother to stop complaining. One day he gave up trying to change her and accept her faults. This experience of unconditional love opened her heart to the point where she stopped condemning herself and others. 

If there is some area of your life that you are seeking to change, first practice acceptance. By acknowledging where you are giving thanks for the good that you have received, you will release an energy that will transform you and your present circumstances. 

Affirmations

1. I bless and accept where I am.
2. I love and support myself and others just the way we are.
3. I forgive myself for being imperfect.
4. I see the purpose and meaning of my present circumstances.
5. I a at peace with myself and the world.
6. Your Own _____________.

Thoughtful Tuesdays: Amazing Grace

I tried to find a way to create an introduction that will emphasis how much I believe in this excerpt without getting too personal. I tried to think of something clever to say to transition into the post. The more I thought about it the more I realized I should let the beauty and truth speak for itself.


The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

*Feel free to change the word 'God' to fit your belief system. I directly quoted Bloch's work.

Amazing Grace 

For those who walk the path of the inner voice, grace is the ultimate blessing. Not only are we guided by grace, but it is grace that has enable us to take the first step on this wondrous journey.

Think of times when you were lifted out of disaster at the eleventh hour. Recall those turning points when unseen forces intervened in your life. The right job turned up when you needed it. Through a series of seemingly coincidences, you were led to a person who provided the help you were seeking. An unexpected source of money arrived to pay the bills. 

As a cloud-covered sky can block out rays of the sun, so our doubts and fear can block the perception of God's grace. Still, the sun is always shining, even when we can't see it. The help is still there, even when we don't realize it. And in the midst of our unbelief, grace still enters our lives. 

We are not alone. We may call it a guardian angel or unexplained good fortune, but there is a benevolent force at work in our lives, guiding us each step along the way. More than anything else, the experience of grace gives us the courage to continue listening to that inner voice. for the love that has guided you to this point would not have done so unless it was prepared to lead you on - to the fulfillment of your highest and truest calling.

Affirmations

1. I give thanks for the good that has graced my life.
2. I am truly blessed.
3. I appreciate all the help I receive.
4. My life overflows with abundance and prosperity.
5. The light of God surrounds me.
6. Your Own______________

Thoughtful Tuesdays: One Step at a Time

A dear friend of mine once told me, "You are building the foundation for your life. Make sure it is strong before you start building on top of it." During a time of complete chaos and faint sight of hope, these words  stuck to my mind and soul like hot porridge sticks to your belly on a cold winter day. Comforting me at first, before helping me refocus my attention and energy into the present moment instead of getting caught up in 'future tripping'. It has taken a lot of practice to be mindful of the present moment and try not to skip ahead. It's not easy, and I still wish I could see into the future sometimes. Know if I made the right decision, or how a particular situation will unfold itself. This excerpt is a great reminder for me to slow down and enjoy each step as they come instead of skipping a few as I race to the finish line. I believe affirmations 2, 3 and 5 will be a great tool to help me practice this skill. I hope you find this excerpt helpful. Create yourself a great present moment folks! Enjoy each and every single step in your journey.


The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

One Step at a Time

An important key to progress on the path is to take it one step at a time. Just as investing a little on a regular basis builds up long-term wealth, the little gains we make each day pay off in spiritual dividends. As a successful musical group explained, "We spent years preparing for our over-night success."


Taking it one step at a time means living in the present moment, letting life gradually reveal itself to us. Some people get nervous and want to know what is going to happen. But how can we know an outcome that hasn't yet occurred?! Trust in the process, and the perfect result will occur.

When our faiths wavers, we often get ahead of ourselves and try to figure out what is going to happen. This "future tripping" removes us from our source of guidance in the present. Sometimes we try to hit it big in a hurry. But there is no fooling the Universe. Sooner or later we will have to go back and retrace the steps that we skipped. The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary. 

Whatever the goal or desire, approach it one step at a time. Small measures consistently taken guarantee progress. Eventually you will emerge victorious, having attained a reward that you will have truly earned. 

Affirmations

1. I patiently work towards my good.
2. Each new step is revealed to me precisely when I need it.
3. By living in the present, I create a wonderful future.
4. I trust in my guidance.
5. My life is unfolding perfectly.
6. Your Own _____________.

Thoughtful Tuesdays: Keep the Faith

I'm a big worry rat. In fact I'm an over-worrier. It can be incredibly draining and at times a very large waste of energy. For awhile I worried about my art classes. Would there be a demand? Would they be successful? Then I worried that the classes would not be enough to support myself financially so I began to worry about finding another job. My latest worry is finding a way to balance both a full time job and the art classes. It seems that once again Bloch's book came to the rescue for me with another well timed post. So I will keep this in mind during the next few weeks as I make some major and minor changes to my lifestyle. I will definitely practice affirmation number 2 and 4. I will also try to spend less time worrying about everyone and everything and instead focus on celebrating my accomplishments and successes. Things will work out exactly as they are destined to.


The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

Keep the Faith

When following the inner voice, one must deal with the experience of uncertainty. The future is not laid out and neatly planned. There are no guarantees. In the end, it all comes down to trust - trusting that the support will be there; that the money will come; that if one path does not work out, another will open up. 

We can develop this trust from experience/ We step out in faith the first time, and the Universe supports us. We step out again and the assistance is there. After several  experiences, we begin to feel comfortable living by faith - our "invisible means of support." We no longer need to know ahead of time how everything will work out. 

So make the decision. Let go of the worry, the anxiety, and the doubt. Have faith in your connection to universal principles, for it is here that your true security lies. The Universe will not abandon you if you maintain your connection to it. Keep the faith, and the faith will keep you. 

Affirmations

1. I am led by my Higher Power.
2. I trust my intuition to guide and direct my way.
3. My will and the Divine are one.
4. I release my need to worry and doubt.
5. Every day my faith is growing stronger.
6. Your Own _____________.

Thoughtful Tuesdays: God Does Great Things Through Me

The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

*Feel free to change the word 'God' to fit your belief system. I directly quoted Bloch's work.

God Does Great Things Through Me

When the renowned composer Johann Sebastian Bach was praised for his music, he responded, "To God goes the glory." When a well-known writer was asked to reveal his secret, he said"I am simply the person whom the words came through." Like many who have excelled in the field, those artists knew that it is God who makes us great, that it is the spirits within that express its perfect purpose through us. 

God wants to do great things through you, too. In your prayers and meditation, as that Infinite Intelligence  work through you for the highest good of yourself and others. Ask to be a channel for the expression of the Divine plan. Then trust that spirit will guide you each step of the way, ensuring the right outcome of every situation and providing for all your needs. 

You have a purpose and a mission - something to contribute during your stay on earth. Even now spirit is beckoning you to fulfill your unique greatness. Listen and you will hear the call.

Affirmations

1. God is doing great things through me.
2. I am a  channel for the Divine inspiration.
3. Each day creative ideas are revealed to me.
4. I listen to and follow my inner voice.
5. I am in a partnership with the Infinite that leads to success.
6. Your Own _____________.

Thoughtful Tuesdays: The Universe Knows Best

Yesterday I was given some unfavourable news. It turns out that I cannot predict the future. There is no crystal ball. There is no cheat sheet with notes on what happens next, which decisions to make, or directions on which path to travel next. Well that's not best kind I thought - and then I read today's excerpt and had to chuckle to myself a little as once again, the timing has aligned with current life events. Affirmation number five nearly popped right out off the page when I read it. So I will write that one down and carry it around with me as I continue to work on my patience (or lack there of at this point in time haha) and find a way to trust the process, trust the Universe. Oh my nerves! This one is not my favourite, so I guess that means all the more reason to practice.

The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

*Feel free to change the word 'God' to fit your belief system. I directly quoted Bloch's work.

The Universe Knows Best

How many times have you wanted something very badly, only to realize at a later date it would have been a major disaster? Often we pursue a certain want or desire when the Universe has something entirely different planned - something which is for our higher good. 

For years, Ann wanted to run her own day-care center. An opportunity arose for her to buy a local business, but the deal fell through at the last minute. Bitterly disappointed, she could not understand why her heart's desire was about a business that was for sale in a city where they had always wanted to live. Within weeks, they bought the business and moved to their new location. Ann gave thanks that the first opportunity did not work out. 

From our earthly vantage point, we can't always see the big picture. We are like mice running in an open field, sensing what is in front of our noses. Only from the perspective of the eagle can the entire landscape be viewed. 

Fortunately, there is a part of yourself that can see like the eagle. You can turn over your life and your plans to that higher vision, and then say with assurance, "It's all God's work. It's all in God's hands. And I am at peace with this."

Affirmations

1. I let the Higher will express itself in all my affairs.

2. The Universe works best.

3. Higher wisdom illumines and directs my path.

4. All things are working out good in my life.

5. I let go of my attachment to final results.

6. Your Own ____________

Thoughtful Tuesdays: Hang On Tightly, Let Go Lightly

I've heard this story once before and yet somehow it was only this morning that something inside of me clicked as I read it. While I know I am nowhere close to saying, "Ah, so" when it comes time to let go, I am aware that all situations are temporary and I am working hard at trying to live in the present moment where I can truly enjoy them. I will have to keep affirmations 1, 2, and 5 close to me and begin implementing them in my daily practice of self healing so when times of change rise again I will be a little more prepared, and perhaps even, a little more at peace.

The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

Hang On Tightly, Let Go Lightly

In ancient Japan, there once lived a solitary monk in a monastery high  atop a mountain. One day a woman in town became pregnant by a local fisherman. Wanting to protect her friend, she accused the monk of the deed. Following the baby's birth, the villagers took him to the monk and said, "Here! It was you who did this. You must now become responsible for the child." After a short pause, the monk simply bowed his head and said, "Ah, so." 

Although he had been used to living alone, the monk soon developed fondness for his new companion and a good parent to him. One day the boy's mother became gravely ill. As she lay dying, she confessed to what she had done. Once more, the townspeople took the long walk up the mountain and  spoke to the monk. "A mistake has been made. You are not the real father of the child. Although you dutifully cared for him  all these years, now you must give him up." After a moment of reflection the monk bowed and replied, "Ah, so."
 
Our lives are constantly changing. People and things come and go. All situations we create are only temporary. By viewing life from the larger perspective, our monastic friend was able to face both loss and gain with peace and tranquility.

It is not always easy to be detached, especially when we must release a situation or a person we love. But the new always rises to replace the old. And sooner or later you will arrive at the point where you, too, can smile and serenely say, "Ah, so."

Affirmations

1. I am serene, calm, and peaceful in the midst of change.
2. I accept the up times and the down times as having equal value in my life.
3. I see Divine perfection and order in all things.
4. I release those parts of my life that I need to let go.
5. From a peaceful place in the center of my being, I witness my life unfolding.
6. Your Own ______________.

Thoughtful Tuesdays: Who Is Directing This Movie?

I like to pay attention to the details. Perhaps a little too much. This post was yet again, well timed for me. Now to be able to practice this in my daily life, that is the real challenge. I really have to let go of my trust issues when it comes to the Universe haha.

The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.
*Feel free to change the word 'God' to fit your belief system. I directly quoted Bloch's work.

 Who Is Directing This Movie?

Most of us would like to believe that we are the person best qualified to direct our life's movie. But when we attempt to run things solely from the perspective of the ego, we soon discover the limits of it's power. Despite our best intentions, chaos and confusion abound on the set. Life lacks a quality of flow, joy, and peace. 

"How can this be?", you may ask. "In order to run my life, I must be in charge.. I must be in control. What other way is there?"

There is an alternative. Let the real director run the show. From now on, take your cues from that universal Intelligence which dwells within you. If you are told to appear in a scene where you don't think you belong, have faith. Watch as people and resources appear at the right time and place, and all unfolds in divine order. 

Make the choice to turn your life over to your higher director. Instead of trying to control everything, trust that the Universe will handle the details. Letting go may be scary at first. But if you follow this path, your life will work out more beautifully than you ever could have imagined. 

Affirmations

1. I let go and let God.

2. I let the universe handle the details.

3. When I realize the need to be in control, everything works out.

4. I trust my intuition to show me the way.

5. My life unfolds in Divine order.

6. Your Own ______________.

Thoughtful Tuesdays: The Future Is Not What It Used to Be

Change. Notice if  that word stirred up any emotions for you? Were they pleasant feelings or uncomfortable ones? I know for me that word brings up more uncomfortable feelings than the ones I enjoy. I'm learning to embrace this word though as I focus on the opportunities 'change'  can bring. My future sure is not what it used to be even a few weeks ago. As I sit here in the 'in between' - or as my wise and inspirational friend, Dominique, would call 'the unknown' -I struggle knowing that there is only so much I can do at this point and the rest relies on my trust in the universe. For me, I am aware I need to live one day at a time, one moment at a time. Focusing on the power of my thoughts and how they can help navigate my day. There was a time when I had none of these skills at all. Where I had no trust in the process of change. I was unable to see the opportunities because I was so consumed in the fear of it. Like all of these skills offered through Douglas Bloch's book, it takes time, practice, and a lot of patience with one's self to be able to experience the good these skills can bring into your life. Are you ready to learn some new skills, pull out the welcome mat and invite 'change' with open arms? Are you willing to see where the wind blows you next?

The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

The Future Is Not What It Used to Be

With the pace of change continuing to accelerate, the future is not what it used to be. From one moment to the next, no one can be certain of anything. Your job, your marriage, your relationship to your children - none of these will be the same next year, next month, or even next week. 


How does one survive this changing landscape? First, by being flexible and adaptable - ready to change course at any moment. Be prepared to "roll with the punches" and release your old attachments or current expectations. 


Second, practice living one day at a time. Realize that the only thing you can really affect is how you feel this instant.  By focusing on the present moment,  you can continue to experience peace and joy - no matter how the outer circumstances may change.


Finally, know that the removal of the old securities opens the way to new opportunities. Human consciousness is moving to ever higher levels of awareness. How much easier is the journey is when we flow with the process of change. 

Affirmations

1. I welcome all change into my life.
2. I am able to adapt to any situation I encounter.
3. I am given just what I need for optimal learning experience.
4. No matter what life deals me, I always have the winning hand.
5. Spirit guides and directs my path each step of the way.
6. Your Own ________________.