Creating Positive Change -- There Is No Beginning Too Small
Have you ever had the feeling while reading a newspaper, listening to a lecture, or sitting around a dinner table talking with friends about current events, that “Something ought to be done about that”? Or perhaps you have felt appalled by an injustice of some sad event and thought, “What is to be done?” Some events, especially those at the global level, seem insurmountable -- poverty, injustice, and environmental degradation, for example. And even in our local communities, we seem beset with problems -- destructive behavior, a lack education in the arts, cruelty to animals -- that may make us feel upset. Such shock or sadness about the state of the world or even everyday problems signals our recognition that things can be otherwise. Differences can be made. Hope persists. Recognizing a problem and feeling that things can change is the beginning of change itself. If you have had this experience, you can be part of the change; you can dream and develop a vision and a plan of action. Gandhi wrote that “we must be the change we wish to see,” and I agree. He meant, I think, that we must embody the change itself, but I would add that we must dare to dream of change for the sake of the world. In this short article, I would like to share with you how I came to believe this idea. I hope the story will be helpful to you as you address issues that upset and concern you in your community and in the world. Briefly, here is what happened to me: Back in 1987, I began to dream of creating an organization that would help women around the world be strengthened and empowered. The idea became a passion, and I worked with others to put together The Global Fund for Women, which grew from the seed of an idea to a fully developed organization, now about twenty years old and the largest foundation in the world working to support the human rights of women. In other words, from a dream came the reality. In the course of developing The Global Fund for Women, I came to know that the way an organization does its work is more important than what it does. I also learned that there can be some definable steps toward effecting change. First you must dare to dream of positive change and then clarify that vision. Try to be as clear as possible about what you hope to do and why. As you dream of creating a program or an organization that will “change the world” at whatever level you may wish to work, people may suggest that you are being “unrealistically idealistic.” Never mind; that may be a good thing. Major change seldom occurs without seemingly “unrealistic” ideas. Your dream will act to galvanize others. My dream of getting money directly into the hands of grass-roots women around the world in respectful, trusting, and flexible ways inspired a good number of people. My experience urges you to let yourself dream and then clarify the vision. Very soon, however, our dreams must be turned into reality if we want to see real change. Here is a quote from the Baha’I writer, Abdu’l-Baha, which I like very much: “What profit is there in agreeing that universal friendship is good, and talking of the solidarity of the human race as a grand ideal? Unless these thoughts are translated into the world of action, they are useless. The wrong in the world continues to exist just because people talk only of their ideals and do not strive to put them into practice.” In other words, as you seek to make change, you need to take very specific actions to give reality to your dreams. I found that a good beginning is to meet with others, even two or three friends, and talk about your vision for change. Begin to write down your ideas. Decide to meet again to figure out how to proceed. Take on different responsibilities for the program or organization -- deciding when, how often, and where you will meet and what specific programs you will undertake. One or two of your friends will begin to think about writing a brochure or a statement of the vision and purpose of your enterprise. Another will begin to think of sources of money, including your own donations, if your activities are going to require funds (for publications, advertising, travel, or whatever). Begin as volunteers until you truly find that you need to hire people to run the project. Most important, be clear about your vision and purpose. If people say that your dream is too big or that it “can’t be done,” try not to be brought down by such negative thoughts. Instead, address the central issue that they raise and think positively about whether or how to address their criticisms; it may be necessary to avoid negative people for a while. Giving reality to a dream can be hard work, and one doesn’t want to be burdened with negativism. Make a note of constructive criticism for future reference; in the beginning, your ideas for change need to be nurtured. At this time of beginnings, think not only of what you want to do but the way you want to do it: what is the nature of the program or organization that you want to build? Do you want it to be an “idea factory”? If so, be sure to seek out people very different from yourself to ensure that they will bring in perspectives that you will not think of. Do you want it to be a calm and gentle place? If so, think of ways that your group can set in place processes that allow people to feel safe and calm. Are you working on issues of social justice? If so, make sure that your everyday practices in the group recognize and respect differences and that the day-to-day work practices are based on respect, trust, and compassion. The medium is the message: the way you do your work is more important than what you do. I suppose that these thoughts on the very beginning of change may seem very simple. They are. But they will get you started to create change. There is no beginning too small.
Based on the book Paradigm Found. (June 2006;$14.95US; 1-57731-533-2)Copyright © 2006 by Anne Firth Murray. Reprinted with permission of New World Library, Novato, CA. www.newworldlibrary.com or 800/972-6657 ext. 52. Anne Firth Murray, the founding president of The Global Fund for Women, serves on the boards and advisory groups of several social change organizations and is a consulting professor at Stanford University. Her website is www.paradigmfound.org.
The Oneness Blessing (Part Five)
The "Oneness Blessing" continues but for how long. Have we received any benefit from them? Where do we go next? My sister and I have now received eight Deekshas. Our friend Kathy who usually accompanies us has received six. None of us are walking on water yet nor have there been any great revelations come into our lives. The one noticeable aspect of the Deeksha has been the calming in our lives. That may or may not be an advantage and it really depends on how much one enjoys the chaos in their lives. We have all agreed that it is welcomed. Kathy and my sister love our new blessing giver, Shiraz. Linda likes to listen to him talk and Kathy feels wonderful after the blessing. Linda still wants to go to India and learn how to give the blessing as she feels it will enhance her Reiki training and the experience of her clients. I have no such aspirations and the reason for these series of reports is to just give my readers my own personal experience of the blessing. Sometimes changes are subtle, so anything that I report may seem insignificant in the short term, however, in the bigger picture they may lead to massive changes in my life. Although I went into this arrangement with great expectations for meaningful change, I have tried to stay objective and dispassionate so that I am not creating things that I can attach to the Deeksha. It may not be possible to remain objective and expect change in something as subjective as the blessing. I think we have to let go with acceptance to reap the greatest benefits. Millions of dollars and thousands of man hours have been poured into the Oneness University and the blessing. People are spending thousands of dollars to attend just so that they can give the blessing, so I believe there must be something to it. I have read in the book "The Oneness Blessing" of well known people from all walks of life including professional people and celebrities, who have received the training. But is it a 21 day holiday or escape or just an exercise in the latest thing. Why does one have to spend $10,000 or more to go to India to receive the blessing? We have asked that question and I am not sure I like the answer. It is the couple who started the university Sri Bhagavati Sametha and Sri Ghagavate Namaha who alone possess the power of the oneness blessing to give it to others. Now, in truth they may be the centre or have a concentration of this power that is beneficial, but I get nervous when any individual or individuals are set up as exclusive. It's not that my concern is a definitive warning, but more of a caution. Like many, I would like to find answers to life's burning questions and solutions to every day issues from one source. Experience has taught me there is no one solution and the centre for the answers lies within each and every one of us for our own unique answers. The Deeksha is a physical experience. If it sets you free to move on and explore other options then it will have very special physical implications in a life of conscious transformation. It is simply another step along your journey of a thousand steps. If it creates dependency, then it is to be avoided. Any valuable faith, religion, or belief system must set you free to move away from it. Evolution, transformation, and growth occurs only after you have experienced all there is in the box and have moved out. I am not an expert on the "Oneness Blessing," and I remain open to it and the benefits it may impart on me. I am not going to be making regular pilgrimages to my blessing giver accept as I feel the urge to do so. I have my 9th Deeksha scheduled for today and I have decided not to have any beer afterwards. We have made an appointment with Angella only and her husband will not be included. I believe it is important to try several different blessing givers under different circumstances. Each giver and every circumstance should bring different experiences to you. You don't really want to build a co-dependency with anyone. You can always go back to a previous giver as we are doing today and it is a good idea to do that every so often. You will be surprised how different the experience will be with the previous giver after you have been with someone else. Remember, life begins on the edge and it cannot exist in a box-that is why they bury you in one.
Roy E. Klienwachter is a resident of British Columbia, Canada. A published author, a student of NLP, New Age Light Worker, Teacher and Phenomenologist. Roy's books and articles are thought provoking, and designed to empower your imagination, and take you to places you would never have thought of. Claim your copy of Roy's new book at: http://www.yourlifewasnevermeanttobeastruggle.com Visit Roy at: http://www.klienwachter.com
Conquer your habits-----Conquer your world
There is nothing more powerful in the life of a person than their personal habits. Your habits decide the destiny of your life,what you do and how you do it .Your personality,your character is the sum of your habits. If you try to slip away from work or if you try to avoid any work as far as possible ,or if you overspend regularly ,these habits will be to your detriment in your personal as well as in your business life. People who regularly work long hours,or are more thrifty in their spending do not find it a hardship. The power of habit has established this as part of themselves.. They do it without thinking negatively. The same applies to people who have the habit of working intelligently and who habitually encourage their staff members or fellow workers. Your habits also play a large part in your personal relationships .How often we exercise,what we eat and what we do with our spare time .If you are the victim of bad habits it is time to conquer your habit and get rid of them. The moment you conquer a bad habit,new and more useful habits start to appear .These are your greatest allies. Once they are established,it is relatively easy to keep them going.. The power of habit is in the way every habit maintains itself. Their is no need to re-invent it daily -or at all. Try and make your nervous system your ally instead of your enemy .You must make automatic and habitual as many useful habits as you can. A habit is only good if it supports a goal that will be beneficial to you or your family or your community. Habit is defined as “the intersection of knowledge,skill and desire”.If that is what habit is ,it sounds like a good recipe to get started on as soon as possible. You need knowledge when starting out. If you start a business or work for somebody else you need skill,and you must have the desire to succeed. Together this is a powerful combination. GK Chesterton put it very well when he said”I do not believe in a fate that falls on men,however they act, but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act”. Your fate is in your own hands and useful habits are going to help you win.They support action ---and by taking conquering action this is what is going to take you where you need to go
John Muller is a retired entrepeneur living on the east coast of South Africa. http://ezymoney745.ultreality.hop.clickbank.net
Basic Law of Attraction Concepts
Basic Law of Attraction Concepts If there is a secret in the universe that can bring you good things, it could be the Law of Attraction. This can bring you happiness, wealth, and physical well-being. You only have to know how to apply it. A few basic concepts of the Law of Attraction can help you on your way. One of the concepts central to the Law of Attraction is that the things you think become reality. The things you think are energy, just as the entire universe is energy. As you ponder your reality, or simply let thoughts run through your mind, you are shaping your reality. You do this by means of the Law of Attraction. The energy you send out collects with like energy. Then, the universe responds to your feelings by returning the energy back to you. This happens for good or bad feelings. Another basic concept is that it is too difficult to monitor every one of some 60,000 thoughts you have every day. The goal, instead, should be to foster a feeling of happiness, gratitude, and well-being. This will go further than trying to change every thought individually. Feelings are important to the Law of Attraction. One assumption of users of the Law of Attraction is that life is meant to be joyous and fulfilling. Many people feel that their lives can be no more than difficult work situations, unhappy relationships, poor health, and a mountain of debt. Unless these people change their attitudes, they can never know the abundance they can get through the Law of Attraction. There can never be a lack of anything that you want if you follow the Law of Attraction. This is another concept of the movement. It means that there is enough for everyone to have what they want. This is especially true because some people want certain things and other people want something else. According to the Law of Attraction, what you want is always possible. One concept of the Law of Attraction can be stated as something like, "what you get is what you see." What this means in this case is that when you see a result, you will vibrate with energy based on that result. If you see good, you will send out good energy. This energy will return to you in the form of more positive results. So, if you want positive results, you need to find a way to see the good in situations. This is how the Law of Attraction works. If you see good, more good will return to you. The concept of asking for particular things is a part of the Law of Attraction. When you command the universe to give you what you want, you can get it. To do this, you must believe in it. Then, you must accept it as if you had already gotten it. Then you will find the Law of Attraction bringing all kinds of good things your way. The Law of Attraction is at once both simple and complex. You must only ask and receive. Yet, to do that in confidence, you must work to restructure your whole way of thinking. To do this it is good to study the concepts of the Law of Attraction.
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The Law of Attraction and the Secret Science of Getting Rich
The Law of Attraction reveals The Secret to Everything you've ever wanted. Ever since the world found out about the Law of Attraction through the phenomenon of the movie, people from every corner of the globe have been asking Bob Proctor for more.
Millions of people are already using the Law of Attraction to make their lives successful. It's no longer a secret, but a household term that is rightfully being given the attention it deserves.Anybody can learn how to use the "Law of Attraction" to create whatever one wants in life - be it money, love or happiness - and generate abundance.
Everything that's coming into your life you are attracting into your life. And it's attracted by virtue of the images you're holding in your mind. It's what you're thinking. Whatever is going on in your mind you are attracting to you. If you don't like the results in your life, you need to change your thoughts. That's ALL that the Law of Attraction is about. But If the Law of Attraction is as simple as that, why aren’t more people wealthy, even gratified about the state their lives are in?
The Answer is a Simple One.There is an Exact Science to Applying the Law of Attraction to Build the Life You Seek. This Exact Science is called The Science of Getting Rich. The Law of Attraction as explained in "The Secret" movie, and even in much greater detail in The Science of Getting Rich Program, will teach you whatever it is that you may want or need to manifest in your life.
The Science of Getting Rich was first introduced in 1910 when Wallace D. Wattles released his book by the same title that was the inspiration for the film "The Secret". What is the Science of Getting Rich about? Well in the words of Wallace D. Wattles, "The ownership of money and property comes as a result of doing things in a certain way. Those who do things in this certain way, whether on purpose or accidentally, get rich. Therefore, any man or woman who learns how to do things in this certain way will eventually get rich." The Secret Science of Getting Rich Seminar is all about teaching you how to do things in this "certain" way to create wealth.
In the Science of Getting Rich seminar - Bob Proctor and Jack Canfield, two of the teachers in the secret, will personally guide you to develop the mind-set of the wealthy. Bob Proctor and Jack Canfield have taken this Science into a Whole New Era. This is what everybody have been waiting for,Exact Instruction on How To Work with The Law of Attraction! Anybody can now start from today to replace what you don't want by Attracting what you DO WANT. Here is now a step-by-step instructions showing you how to begin applying the Law of Attraction in your daily life -- How to move beyond the theory into action.
Article by Robert Chen Get 7 Free Lessons from the Teachers featured in "The Secret" http://www.theofficialsgrseminar.com
Positive Thinking Doesn’t Work
Recently, a client told me about a conversation she had with her brother. She shared the personal transformation work she was doing with him and how it was helping her business. He responded with, “You know…this positive thinking stuff doesn’t work.” And then he went on to say that no matter how “positive” he had thought in his past, he still experienced limitations in his career.
My reaction was to feel sorry for this poor man who obviously doesn’t “get it”. I discussed it with my client and we completed our call. The next day, I had an epiphany as I realized that my client’s brother was absolutely right. “Positive” thinking doesn’t work. And, not only does positive thinking NOT cause transformation but it could actually be a root cause of people living life in a vicious cycle. The act of thinking positive to overcome negative thoughts adds a layer of confusion to a person - taking them further away from personal clarity which is one of the keys to manifesting what you desire. And in turn, positive thought to overcome negative thought leads to positive action to overcome negative action causing a person to take two steps forward and three steps back not leading to anything but frustration, irritation, stress and more confusion.
Many people are looking to the Law of Attraction as the answer to fulfilling their desires. The Law of Attraction says that by thinking positive you create a positive vibration and attract positive things in your life. What most people don’t realize is that if you are thinking a positive thought to overcome a negative thought or are trying to change your life out of need or fear, your efforts are cancelled out. Your mind weeds through all of this effort and puts out a vibration aligned with the source, which is fear and thoughts about what you don’t want. In addition, most people aren’t prepared for the fact that when you try to change undesired thoughts and break free from what your mind has determined a safe and familiar place, your so called negative or non-desired thoughts get louder and louder. People like my client’s brother can’t take the self-induced mental abuse and give up trying to improve their thoughts.
So, what DOES work if positive thinking DOES NOT? The real secret is connecting with your desires in a way that they are not something you think, they are actually who you are and a foundation for how you live. So how do you connect with your desires? Shifting from thinking to creating is the key. During the act of creating there is no place for positive or negative thoughts. Creating connects you with your desires and puts your mind to work in a different way. Creating propels you forward and negative/positive thought patterns fall away. When you are creating, you naturally connect with your inner self so your mind is active but it is free of pre-conditioned thought.
Positive thinking does serve a purpose. Revealing your positive thoughts can reveal your negative thoughts and revealing your negative thoughts can reveal your fears and revealing your fears can reveal your desires and revealing your desires can provide the foundation for shifting from the unproductive negative/positive thinking cycle to creating. By revealing these layers of thought, you welcome them rather than resist them allowing you to let go and create something new. The more you shift to creating the more your thoughts will follow what you are creating -replacing the vicious cycle with manifestation of your desires.
Here’s a three-step process for shifting from the negative/positive thinking cycle to creating a life that fulfills your desires:
Step 1: Let your thoughts reveal your fears.
You can start by writing down either your common negative thoughts or positive ones �" knowing that most positive thoughts are tied to or intended to overcome negative thoughts. Don’t judge them or even try to understand them, just write them down. Read your thoughts and ask yourself, “Because I think this, what am I afraid of? Write the answer down. These are your fears.
Step 2: Let your fears reveal your desires.
Now read your fears and ask yourself, “If I wasn’t afraid of this, what is it I would want?” The answer to this question is what you desire and what you want to create in your life. Spend some time with this and try to pinpoint 3-5 key desires. Allow yourself to expand on your desires and describe in detail what you really want.
Step 3: Create from your desires.
Sit quietly and take at least 10 deep breaths. See yourself in a safe place and imagine that you are all that exists. See yourself stripped down of all that you have. Let your business, obligations, goals, to-do list, house, kids, pets and everything else other than you go. Let them drift away from you allowing you to be quiet within yourself. All that is left is you and the infinite potential to create anything you desire. You have the power to create a new life from nothing. Let yourself feel your body. Then ask yourself, “What are my deepest desires?” What is it I really want? What do I want right now? When you awake from your meditation, begin with the words “I am” and write down what it is you heard, saw and felt in this meditation. Continue writing in present tense and create now what it is you want to experience in your future.
You can access this aspect of yourself anytime to create your life from this point forward. And, you can use this technique as often as you like. Soon it will become habit to create what you desire every day.
© 2007 Bring U to Life, Inc. For more information on how to create the life you desire, visit www.bringUtolife.com.
© 2007 Bring U to Life, Inc. For more information on how to create the life you desire, visit www.bringUtolife.com.
What do you mean, Impossible?
On our mindset. I believe it affects everything we do, including our attitude towards financial planning. Impossible is Just a Word. Everyone, at some point of his or her life, has dreamed of being somebody special, somebody big. Who hasn't fantasized about being the one who hits the game-winning homer? Who hasn't dreamed of being the homecoming queen? And how many times have we dreamed of being rich, or successful, or financially independent? Often, we dream big dreams and have great aspirations. Unfortunately, our dreams remain just that �" dreams. And our aspirations easily collect dust in our attic. This is a sad turn of events in our life. Instead of experiencing exciting adventures in self actualization, we get caught up in the humdrum of living from day-to-day just barely existing. But you know what? Life could be so much better, if only we learned to aim higher. The most common problem to setting goals is the word impossible. Most people get hung up thinking I can't do this. It's too hard. It's too impossible. No one can do this. However, if everyone thought that, there would be no inventions, no innovations, and no breakthroughs in human accomplishment. Remember that scientists were baffled when they took a look at the humble bumblebee. Theoretically, they said, it was impossible for the bumblebee to fly. Unfortunately for the bumble, bee no one has told it so. So fly it does. On the other hand, some people suffer from dreaming totally outrageous dreams and not acting on them. The result? Broken dreams, and tattered aspirations. If you limit yourself with self-doubt, and self-limiting assumptions, you will never be able to break past what you deem impossible. If you reach too far out into the sky without working towards your goal, you will find yourself clinging on to the impossible dream. If your advice financial planning facts are out-of-date, how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don't let important advice financial planning information slip by you. Try this exercise. Take a piece of paper and write down some goals in your life. Under one header, list down things ‘you know you can do’. Under another header, write the things ‘you might be able to do.’ And under one more, list the things that that are ‘impossible for you to do.’ Now look at all the headers strive every day to accomplish the goals that are under things ‘you know you can do’. Check them when you are able to accomplish them. As you slowly are able to check all of your goals under that heading, try accomplishing the goals under the other header-the one that reads ‘you might be able to do.’ As of the items you wrote under things I could do are accomplished, you can move the goals that are under things that are ‘impossible for you to do’ to the list of things ‘you might be able to do.’ As you iterate through this process, you will find out that the goals you thought were impossible become easier to accomplish. And the impossible begin to seem possible after all. You see, the technique here is not to limit your imagination. It is to aim high, and start working towards that goal little by little. However, it also is unwise to set a goal that is truly unrealistic. Those who just dream towards a goal without working hard end up disappointed and disillusioned. On the other hand, if you told someone a hundred years ago that it was possible for man to be on the moon, they would laugh at you. If you had told them that you could send mail from here to the other side of the world in a few seconds, they would say you were out of your mind. But, through sheer desire and perseverance, these impossible dreams are now realities. Thomas Edison once said that genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Nothing could be truer. For one to accomplish his or her dreams, there has to be had work and discipline. But take note that that 1% has to be a think -big dream, and not some easily accomplished one. Ask any gym rat and he or she will tell you that there can be no gains unless you are put out of your comfort zone. Remember the saying, “No pain, no gain”? That is as true as it can be. So dream on, friend! Don’t get caught up with your perceived limitations. Think big and work hard to attain those dreams. As you step up the ladder of progress, you will just about find out that the impossible has just become a little bit more possible. There's a lot to understand about advice on other stuff, including financial planning. We were able to provide you with some of the facts above, but there is still plenty more to write about in subsequent articles.
Andrew Chan has extensive years of experience in the training and life insurance industry. Visit http://learning-focus.com for more info.
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