Spiritual Counselor, Ordained Minister A Course in Miracles Group Leader, Ceremony Officiant
Monday, July 26, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
The Law of Cause and Effect
From the 12 Kaws of Karma:
- The Great Law. “As you sow, so shall you reap”. This is also known as the law of cause and effect. Whatever we put out in the Universe is what comes back to us. If what we want is Happiness, Peace, Love and Friendship…..then we should be Happy, Peaceful, Loving and a True Friend.
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For most of my life, I’ve known about the Great Law. But just lately, by studying A Course in Miracles, and also working with the coach training program of You University and understanding that Life is a School, is that I am becoming clearer that this Great Law is about CAUSE AND EFFECT.
This revelation really made me aware that I am not a victim of life…but more so a creator of my circumstances as a result of my belief system, my thought habits, my choices. All of a sudden, my mindset has started to shift from complaining and feeling a victim of what’s out there, to asking myself: did I create this? Why? What do I need to learn about myself through this person or situation? I’m realizing it’s all about me, not them. I’m responsible. As a result, I feel I have grown and am much more empowered and strong, and happier too.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
12 LAWS OF KARMA
1. THE GREAT LAW
"As you sow, so shall you reap". This is also known as the "Law of Cause and Effect" Whatever we put out in the Universe is what comes back to us. If what we want is Happiness, Peace, Love and Friendship...Then we should BE Happy, Peaceful, Loving and a True Friend.
2. THE LAW OF CREATION
Life doesn't just HAPPEN, it requires our participation. We are one with the Universe, both inside and out. Whatever surrounds us gives us clues to our inner state. BE yourself, and surround yourself with what you want to have present in your Life.
3. THE LAW OF HUMILITY
What you refuse to accept will continue for you. If what we see is an enemy, or someone with a character trait that we find to be negative, then we ourselves are not focused on a higher level of existence.
4. THE LAW OF GROWTH
"Wherever you go, there you are". For us to GROW in Spirit, it is we who must change - and not the people, places or things around us. The only given we have in our lives is OURSELVES and that is the only factor we have control over. When we change who and what we are within our heart our life follows suit and changes too.
5. THE LAW OF RESPONSIBILITY
Whenever there is something wrong in my life, there is something wrong in me. We mirror what surrounds us - and what surrounds us mirrors us; this is a Universal Truth. We must take responsibility what is in our life.
6. THE LAW OF CONNECTION
Even if something we do seems inconsequential, it is very important that it gets done as everything in the Universe is connected. Each step leads to the next step, and so forth and so on. Someone must do the initial work to get a job done. Neither the first step nor the last are of greater significance, As they were both needed to accomplish the task. Past - Present – Future. They are all connected...
7. THE LAW OF FOCUS
You can not think of two things at the same time. When our focus is on Spiritual Values, it is impossible for us to have lower thoughts such as greed or anger.
8. THE LAW OF GIVING AND HOSPITALITY
If you believe something to be true, then sometime in your life you will be called upon to demonstrate that particular truth. Here is where we put what we CLAIM that we have learned, into actual PRACTICE.
9. THE LAW OF HERE AND NOW
Looking backward to examine what was, prevents us from being totally in the HERE AND NOW. Old thoughts, old patterns of behavior, old dreams...Prevent us from having new ones.
10. THE LAW OF CHANGE
History repeats itself until we learn the lessons that we need to change our path.
11. THE LAW OF PATIENCE AND REWARD
All Rewards require initial toil. Rewards of lasting value require patient and persistent toil. True joy follows doing what we're suppose to be doing, and waiting for the reward to come in on it's own time.
12. THE LAW OF SIGNIFICANCE AND INSPIRATION
You get back from something whatever YOU have put into it. The true value of something is a direct result of the energy and intent that is put into it. Every personal contribution is also a contribution to the Whole. Lack luster contributions have no impact on the Whole, nor do they work to diminish it. Loving contributions bring life to, and inspire, the Whole.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
I Am Where I'm Supposed to Be
Every morning I get up, have my coffee, turn on my computer at home, check my emails, read all sorts of inspirational messages, journals, and articles. I respond to some of these and also write my own. At this time of my day, I also take time to organize my space, and to pray, meditate and just be with myself in quiet mode.
My computer desk is right in front of my bedroom window (for now, my office is in a shared space with the rest of my bedroom)…..I feel so content, so at ease, so happy with this lifestyle. I can see the sky and hear an airplane flying in the distance (a sound that produces always a freeing sensation in me).
I spend many hours of my day on the computer. I work on building my Life Coaching practice and study You University (my coach training and self-development program); I am creating connections on different social media sites and I am learning so much. And I’m home. I don’t have to get dressed in stuffy clothes, or get into my lovely Toyota (I have a loving relationship with my car…it’s been great to me) and drive for an hour to spend 8 hours sitting in front of someone else’s computer doing what someone else wants me to do.
As I am here, reading, writing, feeling fulfilled, many thoughts enter my mind. I’d call them “reality check” thoughts (I’m an idealist….so I don’t look at reality checks that gracefully). “You can’t do this forever, you need to get grounded and look for a job, you’re not making any income doing what you’re doing, think about when you will be on your own (I live with my elderly father at this time), there’s nobody who will take care of you, you need money, you need a secure (?) job, you need insurance,” etc., and the “what ifs” are rolling on and on.
I get uneasy and start to doubt myself at this point. But, I reach into my “faith in God” place that’s always with me. In that place I remember that I’ve always been taken care of. I’ve never lacked absolutely anything. I’ve been provided for just at the right time with just the right things.
I feel I am at a place in my life that feels just right. I could say I have an uncertain future….but who doesn’t? I plan to keep this way of living, I intend to have my own home just as I desire it where I can work from and enjoy. I trust that I am on the correct path, doing what I need to do, being where I am supposed to be.
The “reality checks” are always there and they serve their purpose for me. And so is the “faith in God” place. I prefer hanging out in the latter.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Life is a School
I am learning so many new things. There's a limitless world and universe out there. I didn't know this. I see now there are so many doors I can knock on, so much to learn, my growth can be infinite, unless I block it. What I mean is, for a long time I felt stuck. I felt stuck in the country I was living in, stuck in a spiritual community, stuck in my job/career.
From feeling stuck I got the courage to make huge changes. But, the changes didn't get me to where I thought I wanted to be. I was feeling stuck again. And then I felt anxious, and I felt there was something wrong with me. Could it be I didn't really know what I wanted?
From all this, Life itself, God, began providing gentle answers to my questions (because I never stopped asking). I was meeting people (my life coach, spiritually like-minded people), healing relationships, getting the help and support I needed for my anxiety and depression....all this was moving and guiding me to the place where I am right now. There is nothing, not one thing, in this path of mine, that I would change.
There's a difference now to how I perceive the stuckness. Before, it created frustration and complaining. Ongoing. My life now, it's not perfect (it never will be, that doesn't exist). It's interesting, though. It's been really hard at times. But, I have learned so much.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Life Coach
This past week, two people have asked me about life coaching.
My father's dogs' veterinarian, who asked me what I do for a living, was one of them. I answered almost by default that I'm an administrative professional....then, I remembered, I’m not doing that anymore. I told him I was now building my life coaching business. Here came the question: and what is life coaching?
I realized I didn’t have a skit or a special line to respond with. I started to explain to the doctor in my own words. Oh, he raved that he has a sister that does that or something similar and she's fabulously successful. So, I realized I had done a good job at explaining myself (and he knew what life coaching was, just didn’t know it was called that).
My friend Vivian, who I went out with yesterday for a drink and good conversation, asked me how having a life coach had improved my life. I thought for a few seconds and I started talking away with Vivian. At that instant, I realized how much my life had changed:
- I had worked at facing and finally healing many issues that haunted me for years;
- How my relationships were changing;
- How much happier and at peace I feel;
- I trust myself so much more that I’m following my dream to be a life coach.
Then, I was surprised at how much Maia, my life coach for the past two plus years, has motivated and influenced me towards growth and self-discovery. I spoke with confidence and naturalness.
I'm very happy to be where I am at in life. I'm growing and accepting life and myself; I see each day as a new learning experience. I am confident I am just where I am supposed to be and this is what I am creating.
So, are you curious about what I answered the veterinarian? My role as a life coach is to assist my clients in seeing their truth, help them face and resolve the issues from their present or past that are blocking them from creating and living the life they want. I hold them accountable to their commitments; I mirror back to them what they need to see but may not want to see. I empower them. Having a life coach and being a life coach have made an huge difference in my life.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Have You Cried Lately?
Crying is an outlet, a physical expression or manifestation of our feelings. I cry when I’m hurt. I cry when I’m sad. I cry when I’m angry or frustrated. I cry when I’m nostalgic. I cry when I’m joyous. I cry when I’m in love. Sometimes I cry when I make love. I cry when I feel love. I cry when I hold one of my granddaughters. I cry when I connect deeply with someone.
Have you cried lately? Do you know that crying is one of the best ways of releasing bottled up emotions? Just like laughter is. But, that’s another post.
While I meditated this morning, I saw myself as a little girl, curled up, afraid, like a prisoner. In this vision, my little girl was approached by my Real Self, a loving, grown up being. My Real Self gave my little girl permission to uncurl, to sit up. She told her she needn’t be afraid anymore. She assured her she was not alone. My Real Self glowed and was not totally solid, but more flowing. Come, I’m here, I sit with you. It’s ok. Let me listen to all you have to say. Release your shame. My Real Self reminded my little girl that my mother did the best she could. She reminded me that my mother did love me, and she was being her own best. As you can see here, I identify with my little girl. Still. I felt my Real Self inviting me to continue my metamorphosis process. Now is the time. It is time to break through the cocoon of fear and shame, and fly like the colorful butterfly that I truly am. My Real Self is with me on this path.
I cried. I processed many emotions during this meditation. I released a lot of sadness fear. All feelings. I feel lighter, better, clearer. I’ve carried all this stuff around all my life. I am processing, releasing. Self acceptance, along with all that that means. All the lessons that life has taught me. I look back and see them now. What I saw as shame and mistakes and labeled with pain and suffering are clearer to me today. This has been my unique path. It’s ok to feel. So, today I cried. And I was here for myself. It was a very good cry!!!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Being Present
I love movies and always have. I learn a lot from movies. There’s always a message or lesson that the producer wants to communicate….just like art.
This morning, I decided to wash my car. I put it off for a while. It’s not a chore I like to do, really. I have to get all the stuff together I need to wash it, unscrew the hose from one faucet in the back yard and bring it to the front and screw it on to the other faucet. Then the hose gets all tangled and the water won’t come out….you know. Frustrating.
Just thinking about it makes me roll my eyes. But, I went to the task at hand. As I wet the car, then started to wash it with the sponge in my hand, dripping sweat from all over (me, not the car), I remembered the movie Karate Kid.
One of the first lessons for the student was to wax a car….slowly, thoroughly, one stroke at a time. Karate Kid was anxious and impatient for his first karate lesson. What the hell had this car waxing to do with learning martial arts?
I felt like Karate Kid washing my car. I was thinking….let me do this really fast and get it over with. I have so much to do on the computer….I felt stressed and anxious. So, I understood that if I FOCUS on washing the car, which is the task at hand, and do it with PRESENCE, it might be enjoyable. This was the lesson behind the car waxing. Focus, BE PRESENT, I control my mind not the other way around.
Needless to say, the car looked much, much cleaner and shinier than all the other times I had washed it. No missed spots, and I even took the time to wipe it dry. And, I put some Armor All on the tire thing. I had this feeling of accomplishment and peace. I put everything I had used away, too….with no rush. I’m doing it, I’m being it. Present. Patient.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Social Networking and more....
Sometimes hear that little voice whispering inside me: what are you doing? You need to be looking for a JOB already. You have bills to pay. What if this or that happens? What if....what if....what if....the regular doubts and fears.
Still, I continue investing my time, my energy, my creativity and my work to All About Life Coaching and You University! I am in love with what we can do through this site and our personal development coaching program. I am involved with the business while simultaneously going through the You University program myself, so I know first hand that this program is true and has substance.
I am also very blessed to be part of a unique team of women that are investing all of themselves too to make this program/business a success. We are all committed and open with each other. We can share just about everything with each other. Our first example is Maia herself; she's my life coach, and founder of You University. She's opened the door of opportunity for us to own our own business and to create a purposeful and satisfying career.
There is no sense of competition among us. There's love and honesty and full support. We communicate constantly on the internet and by phone too.
What an opportunity!!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Creating My Reality
Working for over 25 years in office settings in the corporate world, meaning....commuting to the same place, driving the same route, sitting @ the same desk and cubicle from 8:30 to 5:00, seeing the same people every single day, doing routine tasks....I am so over this now.
For many years I dreamed of having my own business, working from home, setting my own schedule, opening the gates of my creativity to flow and express myself in new ways. Purposeful and fulfilling work using my unique talents and abilities. That's what I want!!!
Finally, a few weeks ago I was laid off from work. At this precise time in my life, I have no debts, my kids are grown, I live with my elderly father and pay no rent. Synchronicity? Coincidence?
No....I see it as a new opportunity in my life to realize this desire in my heart. I didn't provoke the lay off, but I did have something to do with creating this situation just at this precise time.
I have a choice to start freaking out, worry about my future, my financial situation, etc. That's not what I choose to focus on. I believe I am on the right path living out my purpose. It takes faith in myself and in God to trust this process. It takes commitment to keep on going and learning so many new business concepts that I have little or no knowledge of. But I'm growing. I'm creating my reality, I'm learning, I'm becoming a new Me. I am proud of myself.