John W. James and Russel Friedman’s The Grief Recovery Handbook came into my reading life via some conspicuous means a few years ago. There’s a story behind all that–as you’ve probably picked up. However, I hardly care to revisit that time and how this book came into my sphere of thought. Though I am grateful that it has. Even so, I’ve held on to this practical book for the past three years as a precaution; a “just in case” prep tool.
Sadly, that day has arrived and I found myself pulling this off my shelf to finally (and timely) seek answers through it to find some relief from some of the grief I have been going through. Now we all know grief works, progresses and operates on its own time and differently within each individual. But all the same, with that in mind, I wanted to share some of the quotes that really resonated with me in this book that helped me make sense of my own grief these past two months.
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The first one is simply how the authors defined grief as “the conflicting feelings caused by the end of or change in a familiar pattern of behavior.” Of course, your and everyone else's definitions may vary. However, I appreciate simply seeing theirs in plain, practical terms. As this is exactly what I've felt personally. And this "conflicting feelings" brews one of the most bizarre, out-of-body experiences I've ever felt. Empty and confused.
Like any individual, I’ve been spending my time bumping up and sending out my resume. (Disdain ever so present to get back into someone else’s career wheel but my own.) And yet, regardless of the change, I’ve hardened my endeavors here. When I stepped out to share my passions over three years ago, it was to create a better future. A future that didn't involve punching another 15 years' worth of time clocks.
But there are things that come with such positions. Money, ambition, and your personal life turns into a juggling act. (Though my personal life qualifies as coffee and books, thank you Jesus.) And it's an act performed between looking for another job and your personal grind. It’s a sticky position. It's also a position I’m almost privy to believe not few can relate to, as I feel unaccompanied within mine. No one I know has attempted to start a blog, YouTube channel, Zazzle store, etc. So there’s no one I can turn to when my endeavors feel… well… insignificant to my cause. There's no one to bounce real ideas off of. To soak in genuine, experience-based encouragement. As opposed to those water-downed affirming cliches and platitudes the unawares always seem to give. And give they do, until you realize you've had enough and draw inward for your strength to keep moving.
So alone you continue to throw the soil, plant the seeds, walk in faith. And you have to do so in the isolation of believing in yourself. And that’s where this post leads me to.
These are four things I’ve discovered in the position I’ve just described. Though it applies to anyone who find resonance with the struggle of grinding out your own path in life. So, see if you can relate...
CASE #1: DRAMA VS. BUSINESS
Do not waste my time with drama!
You don’t have the energy to listen to other people’s problems anymore–nor do you want to. Unless it’s in the spirit of entrepreneurship, ideas, or action-taking plans, you don’t want to hear it. If it’s not about risks, creativity, fueling ambitions, or personal transformation, you zone out of the conversation. If it’s not about marketing, blogs, YouTube, web stores, writing, you’ll pass. The one caveat is family and friends’ real life issues that is easily discern as in need of your support. As for routine gossip about people you don’t know or care about (or no longer go to battle for), you’re good where you are. And you avoid conversations with people who are all talk and no action. That, in itself, is sucking away your own valuable gusto to continue your fight. Basically, the people around you better build a real case to draw your attention away from the grind.
Let’s try to talk about New Year’s Resolutions once more. Actually, let’s not. Commitments, obligations, and resolutions just ain’t my thing. Something about the three breed my tendency to over-think. Over-strategize. Get stuck in achieving a goal that needs a relaxed and elastic approach. So I prefer keeping things simple. Really, you have to sometimes. Simplicity opens you up to many possibilities for generating the changes you seek. And with only so many psychological burdens to get in the way when you decide to let go of the "wheel." Or one could hope, anyway.
Personally, I think I stand in a prayer for evolving answers for each year–which a general direction in mind. So any resolutions surround walking the new year in faith. Coupled with taking action on inspired thoughts along the way. And by inspired thoughts I mean those moments when an exciting idea hits you. When the Universe/God is calling you to take some kind of action. Some kind of execution of an idea you trust will keep you on your blossoming path. Even the smallest of daily actions lead to big changes. You just have to execute and let the Universe/God do the rest of the work with the space you’ve provided. Yet, it’s important not to find ourselves stuck in the end-goal. But still uphold the necessity of perseverance.
And that’s why I wanted to write a post on some positive ideas and tools you can use to help usher in your New Year. It’s not necessarily a list. It’s not necessarily an action plan. Just… some ideas.
It's Okay to Self-Help
Don't be afraid to get to know yourself through self-help and personal transformation books. I’ve found they can do a world of wonder for a discouraged or troubled spirit who needs a little reassurance and self-actualization. Believe me on this. There are moments when I open up A Course in Miracles for a quick passage, and immediately find relief in its lucidity. Over the years, I've found many inner and outer conflicts come into perspective instantaneously through this book. So I keep it next to my bed like some sort of cognitive-steering emergency pill.
And that's why it irritates me when people sort of disdain or rebut the validity of self-help books. Or activate the ever present stigma how these books are “useless” or “for the pathetic soul.” Okay, okay. That was a bit of an exaggeration. Nonetheless, my immediate thought for the naysayers is they just haven't found the right book for themselves yet. Either that or lack the patience to explore any given book's methods for creating positive life changes.
Taking the time to work on yourself gives you permission to be who you long to be in this world. The time you take to look inside to find what does and doesn't work for your life is truly a gift to yourself. Especially when you go through life carrying baggage (we all do) or a past you can’t let go of. We live with so many thoughts, pains, and misconceptions generated from within and through forces outside. Why not find some relief from them? I’ve gotten tons of perspectives and personal realizations by traveling through various self-help books. It's a journey that will take all my life–and yours. Learning and working on yourself takes work after all. Work that’s worth it through each step, but never ends.
The six books in the image are ones I revisit (besides my favorite Louise Hay books) off and on over the years. Nathaniel Branden’s Honoring the Self speaks about how self-esteem plays with our behavior and character. Furthermore, how the two elements come about in our decision-making. Wayne Dyer’s The Shift is about leaving the demands of the ego aside to reach our ambitions. Something extremely difficult to do in world where everyone wants to feel present and accounted for. Write It Down, Make It Happen by Henriette Anne Klauser needs more attention from me these days. As the title suggests, writing your aspirations is the first step to achieving them. And she’ll show you how. The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer has been on my bedside for years. I love the book because it’s about releasing limiting thoughts and inner aggravations. Julia Cameron’s Walking in This World speaks about accessing creativity and, in turn, our life purpose.
I would throw a couple of Tony Robbins and Dale Carnegie in there as well. Do you have a favorite self-help/transformation book you tote around or sleep next to? Which is it and why do you love it?
Create a Vision Board
In August of 2011 I was watching The Secret for the umpteenth time when John Assaraf shared his vision board story. Before I knew it I'd gathered my writing, lifestyle, traveling, and gaming magazines. It took me no time to clip out images left and right. Whichever image spoke to my vision, I glued them onto my own vision board then stuck the thing on the back of my door.
Now let’s be real, since then I’ve spent more time flying out the door with a glance at it. And no, I can’t say anything from it has manifested. But that’s all right. It all takes time and, fact is, I’m on the road to each as closely as I write this sentence. Nonetheless, at the end of the day, it’s a visual tool. A reminder of two things: what I need and how far I’ve come along since its creation.
So that’s the next idea for the New Year. Create yourself a vision board. You don’t have to burden yourself studying it every day with a potato-fist’ed prayer. Actually, I would suggest not doing that. But instead put it somewhere out in the open for a simple glance here or there. Or a minute or two lingering over it before taking an inspired action–which would get you closer to those desires. Let your board act as a beacon. A whistle. A target. A reset button after a long day in the world outside of your vision. Or see it as a playground for the Universe/God to play in. Because you don't always know how your vision will come to pass, only that it's coming and will often be a surprise.
Record Yourself!
Familiar with your computer’s Sound Recorder program? Well, get familiar with it for a moment. My next idea is to suggest recording yourself speaking your desires, aspirations and wishes. It’s sort of like the audio vision board–if you will. However, record your message as if your vision has already happened. I have about two recordings of myself doing such. I keep them on my computer and cell phone. I would listen to a recording at least once a day, usually on my way to work at five in the morning. Before dawn, driving down the highway trying to get my mind prepped for the chaos I know I’ll escape one day.
You don’t need a fancy recording mic or anything. Speak into your computer’s speakers. Make one recording short for a burst of inspiration. Make one long and meditative. Just remind yourself through yourself of who you are and where you want to take this life you're given.
Record Life With a Journal
My last idea is to lead the New Year with a journal. And yes, I’m showing a picture of one of my journals from my Zazzle shop. It’s only right, considering I started blogging because I wanted to start a business selling journals. Right? Right? (^_^) Anyway, the idea to create journals hit me years ago when I was struggling to find a journal I liked, and would move me to write. I didn’t want the usual Siamese or Pug journal cover. Or the roses and wild flowers. Seascapes and meadows–definitely a no. So I created my own journals featuring my cast of cute (but crazy) imaginary friends.
I’ll freely admit blogging has gotten in the way of my journaling. But just a touch. Yet, hear me when I say it's one in itself. Nevertheless, I can’t express the importance of journaling as a daily activity. I’ve been journaling since the second semester of my senior year in high school. So I have about six or seven notebooks filled with material and stories from my life. Just imagine that for yourself for a moment. Books. Pages. Filled with your life. Your story. Your character. Your identity. Your triumphs and mistakes. All expressed, documented and accessible without conjuring up memories which one day may not be conjurable.
Give yourself life-long access to your journey. Start 2016 writing your life down.
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And that, ladies and gentleman, are my ideas for starting off the New Year. Of course in whatever direction you wish to take the twelve months given. There’s more out there to share, but four from me will suffice. If you have any more to add, please place them in the comments section below.
I ran across Regina Brett’s (new to her, but she has many advice books) God is Always Hiring: 50 Lessons for Finding Fulfilling Work back in April. At the time, I was hunting the bookstore for Toni Morrison’s front-of-store latest, God Help the Child. I was also trying to distract myself from the troubling thoughts of my wrecked car parked in my driveway. As well as distract myself from a 9-5 that just wouldn’t let up. And it’s the 9-5 job situation I speak of which drew me to God is Always Hiring. No, seriously, I considered it a sign from God when the book's bright yellow color captured my attention. I circled the new release tower and–POW–there it was. One to wage my coins on impulse buys; in that instance I grabbed the book (along with Morrison) and headed to the checkout without question. As far as I was concerned, God really was trying to tell me something. This time I would listen.
Funny how things work.
But to be extensively honest, I thought God is Always Hiring came with job-related stories I could identify with. Particularly from the first-hand experiences of individuals who’ve found themselves frustrated by their jobs as well. And what they did about it. Think: Chicken Soup for the Soul, motivating struggle, adaptable tools, and eventual triumphs. Even so, while the book contained tidbits of story essays from various individuals and their 9-5 challenges, it was mainly 50 lessons from the author's experiences. Valid lessons, no doubt. Only I have no idea what it’s like to have a resume as broad and bright as hers. Or one crammed with growth opportunities in a field closer to my own desires themselves. I would even stretch to say I would trade my current job for some of her previous experience. Personally, working as a columnist is far more rewarding and field engaging than a gas station attendant. Trust me. I know this.
Still, I suppose the feelings of finding yourself unfilled are relative yet all the same. (I would probably only go so far as a columnist before my entrepreneurial spirit starts grumbling back up.) Which is why I want to share a few of my favorite lines/lessons/advice provided in the book. These are the moments that truly resonated within my personal situation. The lessons I did identity with and heard God "calling." In turn, if you haven’t read the book, I hope they resonate with you as well so you can go buy God is Always Hiring. And get hit with the inspiration to make those changes in your life that you know you must seek out.
Here we are with WEEK 2 of my "Cashier Confessions" (formerly "On Break... Motivate") series. This week I talk about sharing your ambitions with co-workers. Should you share them? Or should you not. I lean toward no. Be discerning if you feel the need to. Or move in silent. I also talk about being grateful for you job underneath your own terms and not the fear others slip into your mind frame. It's perfectly okay to want better and to feel it. By Thursday I wanted to talk about arguing with co-workers. So not necessary, but often we find ourselves in those situations. If you know you deserve better and strive for it outside of your 9-5–let your co-workers have the place. And Friday I leave the work week encouraging everyone to take pride in having a vision. Because many people don't.
I created this series of videos (certainly more will come)
while taking a break on my 9-5 day job.
It can be stressful and discouraging having to work at a job you don’t
like or have a vision for. And it can be
even more stressful and discouraging when you know your passion is calling
you. That’s how I ended up here. On this blog.
On Spreadshirt and Zazzle. On
Youtube. I needed to open up my own space
for opportunities. And that’s what I’ve
been doing the past three years. And loving
it all along the way! So these videos
are here to motivate and encourage those in my shoes. As well as anyone else searching for a
change–a miracles of sorts–in their lives.
I was clearing out my phone when I ran across another set of lost quotes. Allow me to share them with you, as we move into the final month of the year and on into 2016.
Listen to this mess. My computer has been going slowwww these past two or three months. Like, too slow for me to care about booting her up some days. So I decided to investigate the issue and noticed my C Drive’s MB was screaming in the red. Last time I checked, it was blue. Confused, I did the first thing I knew to do: Disk Cleanup. When that was ineffective, I decided to delete some useless files. And here comes a few of those not-so-useless treasures I rediscovered. I thought it would be best to share them here, so the Internet could continue to hold them. Hopefully you’ll find these little quotes inspiring.
By the way, it was my Norton Backup that was killing my C Drive. I've since fixed the issue and everything is running smoothly. Now if I can get a new DSL camera, I'll really be good to go.
Kelly, Kelly, Kelly. Kelly Cutrone. You’ve probably seen her first on the MTV shows The Hills or The City (my personal favorite was The City; never got into The Hills). Perhaps you’ve seen her as a judge on America’s Next Top-Model. Or maybe you were introduced to her via her 8-episode Bravo reality show, Kell on Earth (I think you can still binge watch it on Netflix). Wherever you were introduced to Kelly, it has to be clear by now that she’s the CEO and founder of People’s Revolution. You know. One of the most acknowledged fashion PR establishments ever. Furthermore, should you be familiar with her, you've already realized she’s a no-bullshitter who doesn’t appear to have an ounce of hesitation as it regards speaking her ballsy mind. No seriously, she gets in people’s asses quite frequently if you haven't noticed. So wherever the platform or media of your discovery, you’ve witnessed how she has a strong opinion and a will to match. She’s often condescending to others, and can be interpreted as a bully. However, she also works her ass off with a tide of people–both clients and employees–to support. Let’s just imagine what it would take to pull off five fashion shows for New York Fashion Week. Once visualized, it’s apparent that she doesn’t have time for flip-flops and BS. And Normal Gets You Nowhere couldn’t be a better window into why Kelly is the way Kelly is. This works for me because I respected Kelly's drive and outspokenness, previous to Normal Gets You Nowhere. Besides, I'm drawn to people I feel I can learn something valuable from–and Kelly Cutrone is definitely one of those individuals. Therefore, for the most part, her book satisfied; Cutrone shares her advice on society, sex, religion, death, motherhood, and careers in one swift go.
This post/drawing came with a technical purpose. It’s my attempt to create a PNG image (portable network graphic or transferable images with no accountable backdrop) out of one of my drawings. I came up with this idea because I wanted to make T-shirts featuring my characters–after some previous failed-looking attempts. The thing is that it looked weird sporting an entire drawing onto a shirt. It almost looked plopped on, with a hefty “there.” It just didn't look right having an entire portrait drawing on a shirt, though outside of Zazzle's digital design tool it may appear differently. Needless to say, I couldn't do anything with all of that. So I had this random, unfinished sketch hanging around. I decided to get modest (is that safe to say?), sloppy and hurried in my attempt to flesh this bald guy out and transfer him into a simple PNG file to test myself. And it worked; rough and rocky, but I managed. Added to that, I decided to double this into another drawing post/video tutorial. Though I cringe at the actual drawing. But like I said, he had a purpose. I made sure his expression revealed such. At the end of the post comes the video version...
Simple and clean. Nothing fancy. Including no hair.
For darker complexion, I'd normally add a second layer. Not this time. On to its purpose.
Share, share, share! Another post on a few items related to metaphysics and spirituality. Yesterday (8/16), my best friend and I went to our favorite spiritual and metaphysical gift shop, The Dream Maker, to "renew" ourselves once again. It's sort of like the place to go when you need a metaphysical pick-me-up after months of dealing with the foolishness of life and irrational individuals who attempt to suck it out of you. So when it's time to go, it's time to go. I've stopped thinking about the specific things I want to get out of each Dream Maker trip. These days I let the store and Spirit tell me what I need upon each visit. So that day I walked out with a tumbled anyolite stone and a vial of Moldavite oil. Plus, a new pouch to keep my traveling stones and crystals in, considering I keep busting each pouch I own. Nonetheless, I'm just going to share a little explanation on the anyolite stone and the Moldavite oil as it pertains to their packaging and information cards. If you've used any of these on your spiritual path, please share your experience in the comments section below. Later, in a future post, I'll be sure to share mine.
"Moldavite is the product of a meteor collision with Earth nearly 15 million years ago. It feel over what is now called the Moldau River valley in Czech Republic. These green Gems are among the most rare minerals on earth. They have been prized by humans for thousands of years and are still given as gifts from royalty to royalty. In legend, it is believed Moldavite was the green stone in the Holy Grail and has the power to quicken one's spiritual evolution. Even people not sensitive to the energies of stones, often feel the energy of Moldavite. Many sense it as heat, tingling or pulsing sensation in their hand. Others feel a rush of energy through their body, usually upwards out the top of their head. Moldavite's high vibrational energy is a powerful chakra opener, particularly at the heart and above. Sleeping with Moldavite activities the Dream State. Wearing it helps manifest positive life changes." The Moldavite oil is new to The Dream Maker. Or at least I would've noticed it on my last visit. I've dealt with incenses made with the essence of Moldavite, so at the last second (while I was being rung up), I turned around and walked right into that inner tugging that kept telling me to try the oil too. And I love it. Like a vial of perfume, I dabbed a few drops behind the ears immediately (though its uses vary in accordance with the user's imagination). The oil has this green, pine and spicy scent to it that isn't bad at all. Then again, it kind of reminds of the smell of hair grease. Nonetheless, already inside the vial is a small piece of Moldavite. When I got home, I added the broken pieces of my first Moldavite chunk into the mix, creating three pieces total soaking in the oil. And further stimulating the elixir, so to speak. In my usual silly way, I asked one of the shopkeepers could I drink the oil. He didn't think it was a good idea. Nonetheless, Moldavite is a form of tekitie, deriving from a meteorite. In metaphysics, it is a known as the stone of rapid transformation. I can say that in the past two years since I've obtained my first piece, "rapid transformation" rings true. And now I'm ready for the next step. Which is why I jokingly asked could I ingest the oil to speed the process of change.
The information card from The Dream Maker describes anyolite in the next quote. "Legends say: A 'stone of nobility'; assists one in selecting and attaining one's ultimate values; stimulates emotional nurturing; brings spiritual wisdom, health, knowledge, wealth; improves success in controversies and disputes; encourages one to follow bliss; brings lucidity to the dream state." Needless to say, it sounded like a good fit for me and my desires. Lately, I've been desperate to let go of the past. That would include mistakes and people. So far 2014 has shown me that the only way for me is forward, always looking ahead and never back. To look back is to go backwards, inviting old headaches and troubles that Life has already seen me through. So anyolite seemed like a good choice to add to my collection of stones and crystals–for that purpose. As long as I stay committed to sharing my passions, I don't think I can go wrong as life continues to open up doors before me. While shutting others behind. And I'm down for that 100%. If it don't resonate, it don't create. PS. The cute pouch bag was made in Guam.
Just a few random pictures I took with my phone over the week. My best friend and I were downtown eating and trolling through the open-air market and other historical sites when we remembered that we hadn't taken any pictures. Combine that with my forgetfulness for writing this week's events down in my journal, and I decided to just post a few pictures on the blog as a means of cheating.
These lofts are kind of a dream home of mine. I have a vision board, but this place isn't up there yet. Nonetheless, it's at the forefront of my desires. If PCH sent me a check (or I made good money from doing what I love), I would vouch for a top floor corner unit facing West. Lots of natural air and light.
I always tell people that staying here would be the one reason to keep me in town while my heart sings to move Westward or three hours East (again). Still, I really am fond of this dream I have of staying in this place. For at least a year!
While it is terribly small and slow, I love my city's downtown area. It's filled with not only historical homes/buildings, but also little alleyways and nooks perfect for exploring on foot. Not to mention areas of cobbled road. Oh, and ghosts! Nevertheless, the area is growing every day. The detective story I started writing two years ago takes place in a fictional downtown inspired by my own.
The building on the right was built in 1821 for cotton traders. It's now a restaurant where you can get crispy skinned gulf red snapper for $31. Needless to say, I just admire the building as I walk along.
A small area of historical homes and stores preserved as a museum and touring location. If you're from here, chances are you took a field trip out here in the third grade.
The building we're standing on is where in July of 2004 (ten years ago exact) I went to apply for a job as an extra in a movie that was filming in our city. For two long days I worked toward my screen "debut" as a military man waiting to board a train. I got sprayed with a hosepipe as a form of rain, and ate Salisbury steak underneath a tent separate from the leading actors–which included Gabrielle Union and Billy Dee Williams. That was super cool!
A month or so later, I got a $110 check for my work. It was a check that I desperately needed at the time because I didn't have a job. In any regard, being an extra in a movie was a great and treasured event.
That's all I got for now. Thanks, everyone for stopping by. I really didn't want to let this pictures stay tucked away in my phone. (^_^)
My wonderful friend Tasha at Tasha's Touch just provided with me two awesome items from her natural jewelry shop. I got to choose the pieces and am in love with them both, fueled by my desire to surround myself with things that evoke positive changes in my life. Considering I love the topic of spirituality and metaphysics—as seen in some of my previous posts—I decided to share the two items that I got here. As well as spread the word on Tasha's site that I hope you would check it out for some of your healing needs. Honestly, I'm not too familiar with these two items, specifically. Underneath a shallow gaze, I chose them because they caught my eye. That's not to say that isn't an unconscious way of guiding ourselves to what we may need or require to fulfill ourselves as we take that next step toward change. Nevertheless, I've since come to learn a little about the two, particularly the witch's ladder and the spiritual properties contained in a chunk of turquoise.
According to a blog called Pagan Magpies,"...witches ladders are a string of beads used as an aid in meditation, a tool in counting chants, prayers etc and have different number of beads on them, these beads are laid out in 'sets' similar to the Christian rosary beads (10 in a row for Hail Mary prayer then 1 set aside from the row (usually by a space) for the Our Father prayer on the Christian rosary for example.) They can be customized with different colour beads, crystals or size of bead so are a very versatile tool. Often called Pagan Rosary, Witches Prayer Beads, Beaded Witches Ladders, Witch's Ladders and very many more terms!" I can't say that I'll end up using it as such, and I hardly think I'm knowledgeable enough on the subject to even attempt to. At least it would take more research, before I develop a direction. Nevertheless, I think this witch's ladder is beautiful. In the image I wrapped it around my selenite wand, which is used for clarity.
Now, according to Tasha's Touch, "...turquoise is a huge chunk of healing that helps with, purification. It dispels negative energy and can be worn to protect against outside influences or pollutants in the atmosphere. Turquoise balances and aligns all the chakras, stabilizing mood swings and instilling inner calm. It is excellent for depression and exhaustion, it also has the power to prevent panic attacks. Turquoise promotes self-realisation and assists creative problem solving. It is a symbol of friendship, and stimulates romantic love. Turquoise aids in the absorption of nutrients, enhances the immune system, stimulates the regeneration of tissue, and heals the whole body. It contains anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects, and alleviates cramps and pain. Turquoise purifies lungs, soothes and clears sore throats, and heals the eyes, including cataracts. It neutralizes over acidity, benefits rheumatism, gout, stomach problems, and viral infections."
Considering the witch's ladder is made with turquoise, it looks like a total metaphysical win. Anyway, that's all that I have to share today. This was a wonderful gift from Tasha and I really appreciate it.
Listen, as I read Julia Cameron’s Walking in this World, I am jumping up out of bed with inspiration. Trying to close and lock away the awaiting 5am alarm for the beginnings of a 6am shift, I put down the book at 11:11pm, cracked open my drawing tools, booted up my computer, and decided to do a little work. I managed to ink a picture I sketched two months ago, and I've come to jot down the draft to this post as I work on another post’s draft, as well as put a couple of words to that book I’ve been not-so writing. Why the sudden burst of inspiration so late at night? Because of a few encouraging passages in the book woke my creative spirit. And most certainly in divine order. So I want to share these first few passages with you. They're just quick and immediate jot-downs that, while the book is too enormous to contain, I wanted to make a purpose of documenting for my future self as well as you. I hope they fire up your creative spirit as well. Let’s go! “Walking in this world, we do not go unpartnered. We do not speak our prayers unheard. There is someone or something listening with the most tender of hearts. As we open to our inner life, our outer life also shifts. Lives are transformed by a gentle form of listening that is like walking with a cherished friend who listens and then says, “You might want to try X. Oh, look at that great squirrel…” “As we go within, we discover that we are not alone there. The loneliness we fear finding in art is actually the loneliness of disconnecting ourselves from our creativity and our creator. As we try our hand literally at the making of something, we do meet our maker. As we try to make more and more, more and more is made of us and through us. 'Not I, but the Father doeth the work.'” “Begin where you are, with who you are. In order to go where you want to go creatively, you have to start somewhere. And the best place to start is precisely where you are. This is true whether you are a beginning artist or someone with long miles down the track. In fact, seasoned artist can waste time and energy mulling the dignity of their acquired position in the field when the truth is, they still need to just start again.” “Five minutes might lead to ten, just as a tentative embrace leads to something more passionate. Making art is making love with life. We open ourselves to art as to love.” “A small beginning is exactly that: a beginning. Rather than focus on large jumps--which may strike us as terrifying and unjumpable--we do better to focus on the first small step, and then the next small step after that.” “One day you just have to start and what you do that day is the beginning of success or failure.” “Creativity is inspiration coupled with initiative. It is an act of faith and, in that phrase, the word 'act' looms as large as the 'faith' that it requires.” “When we do not act in the direction of our dreams, we are only 'dreaming.' Dreams have a will-o’-the-wisp quality. Dreams coupled with the firm intention to manifest them take on a steely reality. Our dreams come true when we are true to theme.” Let these words encourage you today, just as they have done for me. Whether it’s to create something you've been pondering upon, or to simply step out in faith toward something that you desire to manifest in life. Do it. Wake yourself up and take that step.
It’s been a while since I've grasped A Course in Miracles. The truth is that I didn't re-recognize, during some emotionally distressful situations, that I had it available to me. Nonetheless, through a few recent events, I found myself drawn back to the book. So as of late I've committed myself to reading a page or two every morning before I get out of bed, to energize my spirit with a concisely positive approach to the day. Not that I go into each day thinking negatively. The Course just sets a whole different tone and succinct realization to each morning. See, I read somewhere that what you think and believe within the first twenty minutes of your day will determine the proceeding twenty-four hours. I kind of noticed that to be true one morning when I decided to picked up A Course in Miracles to soothe the rumbling in my mind. Scratch that. The fear in my mind is more precise. I’m not a student of the Course, per se. I don’t believe I have the capability to grasp something as spiritually illustrious. Nonetheless, I find treasures in simply reading the book and finding that contrast between what I’m going through and what could inspire a positive flip on the situation. The book is just insightful and penetrative should you take the time to read closely. Much like Louise Hay’s You Can Heal Your Life, I take on A Course in Miracles to help realign myself to the changes I want to see in myself. It's like a voice, or an invite to do better. So in this post I want to share two passages. I don't read the book out of order, but somehow I came across these two at the right time. Talk about how the Universe is in resonance… These are passages from Chapter 2: The Separation and the Atonement. Just to be clear, A Course in Miracles is not a religion, despite its use of Christian rhetoric or verbosity. According to acim.org it's a "self-study spiritual thought system". So there you have it.
III. The Altar of God
[Pages 40-41]
"You can temporize and you are capable of enormous procrastination, but you cannot depart entirely from your Creator, Who set the limits on your ability to miscreate. An imprisoned will engenders a situation which, in the the extreme, becomes altogether intolerable. Tolerance for pain may be high, but it is not without limit. Eventually everyone begins to recognize, however dimly, that there must be a better way. As this recognition becomes more firmly established, it becomes a turning-point. This ultimately reawakens spiritual vision, simultaneously weakening the investment in physical sight. The alternating investment in the two levels of perception is usually experienced as conflict, which can become very acute. But the outcome is as certain as God. "Spiritual vision literally cannot see error, and merely looks for Atonement. All solutions the physical eye seeks dissolve. Spiritual vision looks within and recognizes immediately that the altar has been defiled and needs to be repaired and protected. Perfectly aware of the right defense it passes over all others, looking past error to truth. Because of the strength of its vision, it brings the mind into this service. This re-establishes the power of the mind and makes it increasingly unable to tolerate delay, realizing that it only adds unnecessary pain. As a result, the mind becomes increasingly sensitive to what it would once have regarded as very minor intrusions of discomfort." I think that those two passages can electrify you without a studied explanation. Especially for those who struggle with trying to live their purpose/passion, while finding themselves separated from doing so by worldly demands. I find myself truly aligned with these two passages because I have (and still am to be honest) experiencing that tolerance of pain, having to concern myself with those worldly responsibilities that don't necessarily lift my spirit. Even as recent as last month where I turned my back on something that I knew would only cause me to go backwards in my journey. While I didn't handle that situation as best as I could, I couldn't ignore the calling that there had to be a better way out of my current situation that didn't require me to go back into my old situation. With that said, we have to hold on to our visions with the faith that they propel us into our truths. In a sense, a vision is a kernel to life. Without one... I could only imagine...
IV. Healing as Release from Fear
[Page 42]
"Only the mind can create because spirit has already been created, and the body is a learning device for the mind. Learning devices are not lessons in themselves. Thier purpose is merely to facilitate learning. The worst a faulty use of a learning device can do is to fail to facilitate learning. It has no power in itself to introduce actual learning errors. The body, if properly understood, shares the invulnerability of the Atonement to two-edged application. This is not because the body is a miracle, but because it is not inherently open to misinterpretation. The body is merely part of your experience in the physical world. Its abilities can be and frequently are overevaluated. However, it is almost impossible to deny its existence in this world."
How often do we hear that we create our life/experiences via our thoughts--our minds? Often enough. With that creation of circumstances does your body go out to experience what your mind has created. While I've always been familiar with this philosophy, and try to utilize it myself, I've never seen it described in the context of how your body does the learning that your mind creates.
VI. Fear and Conflict
[Page 49]
"Fear is always a sign of strain, arising whenever what you want conflicts with what you do. This situation arises in two ways: First, you can choose to do conflicting things, either simultaneously or successively. This produces conflict behavior, which is intolerable to you because the part of the mind that wants to do something else is outraged. Second, you can behave as you think you should, but without entirely wanting to do so. This produces consistent behavior, but entails great strain. In both cases, the mind and the behavior are out of accord, resulting in a situation in which you are doing what you do not wholly want to do. This arouses a sense of coercion that usually produces rage, and projection is likely to follow. Whenever there is fear, it is because you have not made up your mind. Your mind is therefore split, and your behavior inevitably becomes erratic. Correcting at the behavioral level can shift the error from the first to the second type, but will not obliterate the fear."
After my morning reading, this passage struck me the most. It beat to me like no other. Almost like a beacon to my current concerns. This is probably where I'm at the most right now. Merging my way out of the dilemma illustrated in the passage. I won't shed the details, but this passage's truth is that profound for me at this moment.
So are you familiar with A Course in Miracles? What are your thoughts on it, or the passages? Could you relate to any of them, finding yourself muddled in your own thoughts while searching for clarity? Comment and share your thoughts below.