Thoughtful Tuesdays : The Truth Shall Make You Free

We've reached the end folks. This is the last Thoughtful Tuesday post on Douglas Bloch series. It's been an insightful year with lots of learning on my part of it, and I sure did enjoy sharing it with you all! I wonder what my next blogging adventure will be about. If you have any ideas, or would like to share your experience with Thoughtful Tuesdays, leave a comment below! I love hearing from you all! Enjoy!

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 Truth Shall Make You Free

Listening to the inner voice means living a life of honesty and integrity. As Gandhi stated, "For me, God and truth are convertible terms. Devotion to the truth is the sole reason for my existence."

The truth is inescapable. There once was a wise teacher who gave of two men a chicken and told them to kill the chickens where no one else would see. The first man went behind the barn and killed his chicken. The second returned after three days with a live chicken. "Why didn't you kill the chicken?" the teacher asked. The man replied, "You told me to go where no one was looking, but everywhere I go, the chicken see." It is the same in our lives. We can deceive others and even our conscious mind, but everywhere we go our own God-self sees. 

Telling the truth to ourselves and others is liberating. Once you acknowledge the truth of a dysfunctional relationship, you can do something about it. Once you admit that you are powerless over an addiction, you can begin to threat it. If, however, you you deny the problem, there is no way to change it. This is the meaning of the saying, "You are only as sick as your secrets."

The great historian Cicero said, "Our minds possess by nature an insatiable desire to know the truth." Let us live, breathe, and speak this so that we may come to know the beauty and perfection of our inner divinity. 

Affirmations

1. I am honest with myself and with others.
2. I see the truth of what is.
3. I am willing to face the truth, even if it hurts.
4. The truth liberates and sets me free.
5. I release my old illusions and perceptions.
6. Your Own _______________

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 : Do It from Love

I used to be very scared of love. I would present myself as someone who greeted it with open arms, but in truth love scared me. Love meant being vulnerable. It meant opening myself to new things, sometimes scary things like rejection. It meant learning more about myself in the process. I kept my walls up high and let me tell you it was a lonely place. Not just in the area of relationships, but in regards to health, spiritual life, passions, and so on. So finally I decided to take these walls down brick by brick. It was hard work. I was exposed to elements I never allowed myself to experience before. In many cases, I had to acknowledge and feel the heartache and pain of love before I could enjoy the purest form of happiness that love brings. I had to take risks and try something new so that when it didn't work out I knew that my heart belonged somewhere else - an opportunity for growth and self exploration. One of my most valued lessons and most challenging, was that of self love.
What a difference in my life now. The abundance of love, and in turn the richer the quality of my life.
So today love and be loved with a sense of curiosity as you discover what love can do for you. Find love in the choice of words you use, in the actions you present to the world. Find love within yourself, for yourself and embrace it with open arms.


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.

Do It from Love

In determining the quality of your life, there is an important question to ask: "How much love do I express?"

How much love do I express in my work? Do I love my work or is my job just a job? Do I enjoy the people I work with?

How much love do I express in my relationships? What level of intimacy do I experience with my significant other, children,friends, and relatives?

How much love do I express in my finances? Am I holding on to money out of fear? Or am I using it to empower and support others, both in my investments and through giving?

How much love do I express in my health? Do I love and nurture my body and supply it with proper nutrition, exercise, and rest?

How much love do I express in my spiritual life? Do I worship a loving God or do I fear a God of wrath and punishment?

By taking inventory of these areas, you will arrive at a simple conclusion - that how good you feel is a function of the amount of love in your life. If you wish to feel better at the deepest level of your being, the solution is clear. Love more. 

Affirmations

1. The primary motivating force in my life is love.
2. Whatever I do, I do from love.
3. Each day, I follow my bliss.
4. I am willing to take the risk of being close.
5. I walk through life with an open heart.
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: Let Peace Begin Within Me

Whoopsie Daisies! I was so excited about Halloween last week and creating my costume that I completely forgot all about posting "Thoughtful Tuesdays".  Honest to goodness, I barely blog outside of Thoughtful Tuesdays now that I wear my mega busy pants haha, but I make sure I create time to do Thoughtful Tuesdays. I look forward to them. I start thinking about the on Sunday mornings. Anyways, so sorry. So here it is, on time this week, but one blog behind, Thoughtful Tuesday!

I love this excerpt from Bloch. It speaks volumes for how to create change in our world. Once again, I am no expert but I do try to practice this in my life and it truly makes a difference. In the way  I think and act, in the way others act and react around me. I also try to expose myself to those who live with peace inside, or who at least are trying. And once again, a ripple effect is created in the process. 

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.

Let Peace Begin With Me

For the dream of world peace to become a reality, the  most important link in the process must be the individual. Because the individual mind is connected to the collective or group mind., each person's peacefulness elevates the group consciousness. This truth is expressed in the lyrics from a popular song, "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me."


The greatest obstacle to peace is fear. Fear arises from the experience of separation. Love, which joins and unifies all things, is the antidote to fear. Our task, then, is to release the old thoughts of fear and separation and replace them with thoughts of love and unity. This shift occurs moment by moment, as we learn to choose peace over conflict. 


One person committed to peacefulness is a powerful force in the universe. When a small but significant number of people engage in this process, all of huanity will feel the change. You have your part to play in shifting the balance that will usher in a glorious new era. 


Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with you. 

Affirmations

1. Peace of mind is my primary goal.
2. I let go of fear and experience inner peace.
3. In all of my affairs, I choose peace over conflict.
4. I would rather be happy than be right.
5. The world in which I live is a place of peace.
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: Moving Through Loss

In all honesty I wanted to avoid posting today's blog due to the weight it carries. I am observing with curiosity as I feel how this reading translates into my mind, body, and soul. It is a topic I tend to shy away from as a result of the overwhelming emotions that come with it. I have experienced many losses in my life and only recently have I learned that when I do embrace the loss with a balance of sadness and joy, the pain becomes more manageable (that doesn't mean it's easy to do, and it takes a lot of willingness to do this).  In all honesty it started with a quote from the incredibly talented Dr. Seuss, "“Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." I was entering a transition in my life where I had to let go of so much to move forward. While I left a lot behind me, I was able to take the memories, the experiences, and the lessons learned with me. It helped me move forward. Now I have gained more tools to help the experience of moving through loss. While the pain remains just as raw and strong, I know that through my actions I can impact the experience in a more positive manner and move through. I know I'll be ok.

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.

 Moving Through Loss

The nature of the material world is impermanence.  Everything that begins in time will end in time. Nothing lasts forever. To this extent, we all experience loss. 

But the pain of loss does not have to create  long-term suffering. If we embrace the pain and feel our grief, a remarkable thing happens - the pain gradually recedes. This is what is meant by the saying, "The only way out of the pain is to embrace the pain."  It is when we attempt to avoid the pain that suffering arises. 

Another approach to loss is to appreciate the joy that you gained from that which is now gone - whether it is a person, an animal, or a phase of life that just ended. As a child who lost his cat remarked, "I miss my kitty. I'm glad I had him though. I'm glad he had the chance to live here and be my friend."

Finally, realize that the essence of a material form, which is love, never dies. In this sense, there is no such thing as loss. This is why Christ left his disciples with his words, "I am with you always, even into the end of the world." In our lives as well, whatever we have loved can never leave us. 

Affirmations

1. I allow myself to feel my feelings.

2. As I embrace my pain and sadness, I begin to feel better.

3. Although I grieve for what I lost, I know that a greater good will follow.

4. I am grateful that I had had the chance to love.

5. That which I love is always with me.

6. Your Own ________________

Thoughtful Tuesdays : Open Your Heart Again

As I read today's excerpt I kept nodding my head in agreement and felt a refreshing sense of renewal take over as I absorbed the message. It was a gentle reminder of such an important lesson in life. In a world with so much negativity it can be so easy to allow our hearts to harden, thinking that we are protecting ourselves.  In actual fact we are depriving ourselves from living life to the fullest and preventing ourselves from experiencing love to it's fullest. My wish for you reading this is to practice what Bloch is teaching here, challenge your past, give yourself permission to be vulnerable, and watch as your world changes for the better.

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.

Open Your Heart Again

One of the most moving examples of the opening of a hardened heart is the story of Scrooge in Dicken's A Christmas Carol.  At an early age, Scrooge concluded that the world was a hard and cruel place. Making the accumulation of money his primary goal, he closed himself off from his fellow human beings. Although he attained worldly riches, he was spiritually desolate. 


The on Christmas Eve, he was graced with the opportunity to make a new choice - to open his heart to life. His physical wealth began to have a purpose. After his conversion, he paid for the operation that healed tiny Tim and contributed to numerous charities throughout London. 


I tell this story because there is a Scrooge in every one of us. In some area of life, you and I have hardened our hearts. Perhaps it is a former lover whom we have not forgiven; or we are angry at a political group that opposes our point of view; or an early wound has left a trail of hurt and cynicism. 


Whatever the person or circumstance, the solution is the same - open your heart again. If the old pain comes to surface, relax and breathe into the hurt. As your heart softens and expands, a deep compassion will fill your being. Like Scrooge, you are being reborn to a new life. You are being redeemed by the healing power of love. 

Affirmations

1. I open myself to the power of love.
2. I allow the hard places in my heart to soften.
3. I release all past hurts and resentments.
4. I am willing to risk again.
5. The more vulnerable I become, the more love I can experience.
6. Your Own _________________.

Thoughtful Tuesdays: Better the Pain Than to Remain the Same

Finally I have found the time to post 'Thoughtful Tuesday' for this week. I have a very very dear friend from up away visiting me. Her first time to the east coast! So our days have been filled with adventures, sight seeing, and oodles of fun. All this fresh salt air had us both in bed too early yesterday. I have lots to I want to say about this blog,  but I will leave it just as the excerpt and let it stir up thoughts in your mind. Feel free to share in the comments. Well it's time for me to sign off, we have another adventure calling us!

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.

Better the Pain Than to Remain the Same

The Babara I met at my high school reunion was not the same person I had known a decade ago. A sensitive and caring person stood in the place of the driven and manipulative individual I remembered.  Her soft gaze spoke of new compassion and understanding. I asked a friend of Barbara's how this transformation occurred. "It's very simple," The friend replied. "She's been to hell and back".

Babara's story is universal. It is the experience of pain - physical, emotional, or spiritual - that inspires us to start the search for  something more. Many great teachers and healers began their spiritual quest as a way to cope with the pain of an illness, divorce, or similar loss. This discomfort forced them to abandon the status quo and take a new and uncharted course, a course that led to a major transformation. 

Is pain the only way we can grow and transform? Not necessarily. As we work on ourselves and learn from out mistakes, the ups and downs of life become less intense. Lessons come in a more gentle manner. Once the heart is opened, it takes less effort to keep it that way.

You are moving to that point where joy and bliss are all-encompassing. Until then, your pain can be your greatest teacher.

Affirmations

1. I make my pain holy by finding meaning in it.

2. A broken heart is an open heart.

3. Because of my trials, I am wiser and more compassionate person.

4. My pain has deepened me.

5. As I learn the lessons of my pain,  my need for the pain decreases.

6. Your Own ___________________

 

Thoughtful Tuesdays: Turning Lead into Gold

As I was reading and posting today's excerpt from Douglas Bloch's book, I couldn't help but feel this sense of reassurance that I am headed in the right direction. For those of you who have read my post about my celebration sale , you may recall me saying how I had an idea of how the next ten months would unfold and then the universe stepped in and decided to make some bigger and unexpected plans. A few months ago, had I not been working on so hard on my personal growth, I  may have handled this in an unhealthy way, feeling as though I were being victimized. Thankfully the universe has blessed me with many opportunities to grow over recent months and when it presented me with these challenges, I believe I responded in a way that reflects the message being given here in today's post. My world changed on such a tremendous level four days ago in so many unexpected ways. While there were many beautiful positive changes, there were also some challenging and not so exciting changes as well. Luckily with my new attitude towards life I was able to respond to these challenges presented to me by life in a productive, and fairly optimistic way. Today's post confirms with me that I am doing the best I can right now. I hope you are able to take as much from it as I have.


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.

Turning Lead into Gold

John Lennon once said, "Life is what happens to us when we are busy making other plans." As you follow the path of the inner voice with its fruits of peace and joy, you will also encounter your share of tests and challenges. While it is natural to ask, "Why me?" when adversity strikes, feeling victimized leaves you powerless to change the situation. 

A better approach is to emulate the "triumphant survivors," those individuals who emerge from their ordeals strengthened and renewed. They understand the universal law that every adversity contains within it the seeds of an equivalent or greater good. The triumphant survivor says, "I would rather not have to deal with this challenge, but as long as I  must, I will use it as an opportunity to grow and transform."

When adversity is faced in this way, miracles happen. The apparent curse becomes a divine blessing. Uninvited situations bring life-changing lessons. Here, then, is the alchemical secret - by using everything for our spiritual growth we become a victor instead of a victim. By looking for the good in all things, we turn lead into gold.

Affirmations

1. I see all challenges as disguised opportunities.

2. God is working through each and every circumstance in my life.*

3. I am a more loving and wise person because of what I have gone through.

4. When I can't change the situation, I change my attitude.

5. I give thanks for everything just the way it is.

6. Your Own ___________________.

* Please feel free to change the word 'God' to fit your beliefs. This is what was written in the book, but use what works for you.

Thoughtful Tuesdays : The Wounded Healer

It was only a few days ago that I was having a fairly deep conversation that relates to today's post, with someone who I admire, respect, and learn so much from. In fact, she is the owner of this book, and let me borrow me back in the fall. While we sat outside enjoying the warm spring weather we focused on two main points. First we spoke of the pain (or in this case "wounds") that we all experience. It can be hard to watch a loved one have to go through a painful journey, and yet as much as we want them to not have to suffer, we have no right in asking a higher power to make it easier for them, or wishing it for them. This is their journey, and right now this is a learning opportunity for chance to grow from whatever challenge they are faced with. If we ask for this circumstance to be easy and pass quickly for this individual, they may miss out on a chance to grow from whatever challenge they are faced with. This may be a critical piece of their life journey. We can send them love and support, but we have no right to try and change it for them.
Which brought us to our next focus. Despite all the horrible "wounds" that have happened to us in our life (there has been a significant amount of wonderful too, we were just focusing on the 'perceived' negative) I shared how I  would not change a single thing. I've heard many times before from loved ones 'I wish I could have protected you, I wish I knew you then so I could have stopped this from happening, I wish I wish I wish'. Well I do not wish these things away. Though they were terrible things, painful "wounds", together, mixed in with the positive experiences as well, they have shaped me into the individual I am today. I am still healing from some of these wounds, and others have left tremendous scars on my soul. Regardless, who I am today has been greatly influenced from what I learned as I nurtured my 'wounds'. And so I share with you, today's Thoughtful Tuesday's post. Perhaps it will help you 'change the focus' if you are currently faced with something difficult, or challenging.

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 Wounded Healer

Consider the following situations. A person born with a cleft palate becomes a surgeon specializing in the repair of the cleft palates. A stutterer who corrects his problem becomes a speech therapist. A recovering alcoholic now works as a drug rehabilitation counselor. These individuals are living the story of the "wounded healer" - a person who uses the understanding gained in his own healing to assist others with the same problem. 

A modern example of the wounded healer can be seen in the life of Bill W., the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A). Faced with an illness over which he was powerless, Bill W. joined forces with Dr. Bob Smith to create a society of fellow sufferers. Since its inception in 1953, A.A has become a source of healing and inspiration to millions of alcoholics around the world. The immensity of Bill W.'s suffering was redeemed by the infinite good that it accomplished. 

Because we all  suffer spiritual, emotional, mental, or physical "wounds," each of us has the capacity to be a wounded healer. Think back to times that you have been most effective in helping others. You will no doubt find that the wounds you helped to heal were the very same ones that you once overcame in your life. 

Thus, if you are dealing with a wound in your life right now, realize that one day your hurt will be a healing balm for another wounded soul. For this, give thanks. 

Affirmations

1. I know that the wounds in my life have a purpose and meaning.

2. Using the understanding and compassion gained from my own recovery, I reach out to others in the  same situation.

3. I give thanks for my ability to be of service in this way.

4. My hurt can be a healing balm for the suffering of others.

5. I have discovered a hidden blessing in my situation.

6. Your Own _____________.