Prosperity in Book Study
When considering adding a book study to your church programming, sometimes cost can be a consideration. How do we find funding for the program? Below are a couple ideas that might get you started.
-Offer enrollment on a "Materials Fee" basis. There is a hard copy of the guide that they receive. This fee can range from $10 to $25, keeping it in a very reasonable range. The added bonus is that the investment will create an increased commitment to attending the program.
-Allow the group leaders to take love offerings at each meeting.
-Add this as one of your free classes for those who tithe, as Rev. Chris Michaels suggested in the most recent Enlightened Leaders presentation.
Funding does not need to be an obstacle. We are creative beings, and the law of circulation is always at work.
Peace,
Larry
www.InspiringConnection.com
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
The Worst & Best
During a road trip, when stress can magnify things, I noticed myself finding judgment of others and feeling justified to point this out. The next day I realized I was pointing at parts of myself.
It's funny how quick I (we?) can be when it comes to finding judgment of negative traits in others. And knowing that those are traits that I can find in myself, I have the opportunity to feel compassion for everyone who demonstrates those traits.
And what about the positive traits that I admire in others? Those are present in me as well, and associating with people who demonstrate those traits will help me to see them in myself, and nurture and cultivate them.
My goal is to seek out those people who I want to add to my circle of influence, and actually take the time to discover their power and attitude.
First and foremost, I must recognize that I am worthy to ask them for a snippet their wisdom.
Comment and/or follow me.
Peace
Larry
It's funny how quick I (we?) can be when it comes to finding judgment of negative traits in others. And knowing that those are traits that I can find in myself, I have the opportunity to feel compassion for everyone who demonstrates those traits.
And what about the positive traits that I admire in others? Those are present in me as well, and associating with people who demonstrate those traits will help me to see them in myself, and nurture and cultivate them.
My goal is to seek out those people who I want to add to my circle of influence, and actually take the time to discover their power and attitude.
First and foremost, I must recognize that I am worthy to ask them for a snippet their wisdom.
Comment and/or follow me.
Peace
Larry
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
A New World
In answering a LinkedIn question: "And it is as if the world is collectively holding its breath, waiting for something. What do you suppose it could be?"
My response was:
From what I've read, and my own intuition, is that this era is an opportunity for spiritual evolution that is available and powerfully present. The potential is cannot be denied. Our power to choose is not inevitable.
As the leading edge of thought and spiritual consciousness expands, this potential can create the momentum to be a global transformation into a new paradigm that relegates materialism in the back seat as a mere playground for our spiritual and social evolution in a physical world.
And if we choose to let this opportunity pass us by, the consequences could be conflict and power struggles.
Our role is to be the change we wish to see in the world, living and acting from a role as contributors to the wellspring of conscious living.
As each of us turns toward a conscious spirituality, if only by tiny degrees or increments, we turn the world into its potential of a shift that is hard to imagine.
Peace,
Larry
Comment or follow? Thank you!
www.inspiringconnection.com
My response was:
From what I've read, and my own intuition, is that this era is an opportunity for spiritual evolution that is available and powerfully present. The potential is cannot be denied. Our power to choose is not inevitable.
As the leading edge of thought and spiritual consciousness expands, this potential can create the momentum to be a global transformation into a new paradigm that relegates materialism in the back seat as a mere playground for our spiritual and social evolution in a physical world.
And if we choose to let this opportunity pass us by, the consequences could be conflict and power struggles.
Our role is to be the change we wish to see in the world, living and acting from a role as contributors to the wellspring of conscious living.
As each of us turns toward a conscious spirituality, if only by tiny degrees or increments, we turn the world into its potential of a shift that is hard to imagine.
Peace,
Larry
Comment or follow? Thank you!
www.inspiringconnection.com
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Be Willing
When I am looking at my potential, and affirming the future results and outcomes that give me joy, I am often intimidated by the responsibility of being in the perfect mindset to make it all happen. The concepts of the Law of Attraction are so powerful, and nailing all the steps and processes sometimes appears daunting.
Getting it right, I realized, is not the biggest step. Having the right affirmation or the right attitude and emotion are not absolutes to 'successful' manifestation.
The other day I was saying some affirmations, and my ability to believe these affirmations was less than 100%. And the credibility of my own affirmation is pretty important as I learned from Terry McBride.
Then I remembered the leading words of Collin Tipping's "Radical Forgiveness" worksheet affirmations: "I am willing. . . "
I realize this opens me up to the potential without requiring me to know the how. It opens up all the potential that I can see or that I cannot see from my limited perspective.
It opens up my potential to the power of the Universe to create with me my higher good, even if I can't see it yet.
It is not mine to nail down the how and when. I am willing, and the Universe steps in with grace and all the potential that is available in this universe. It's time to trust and put my faith in the Universe's constant love for me that supports me 100% all the time.
Comment or follow me...
Peace,
Larry
www.InspirngConnection.com
Getting it right, I realized, is not the biggest step. Having the right affirmation or the right attitude and emotion are not absolutes to 'successful' manifestation.
The other day I was saying some affirmations, and my ability to believe these affirmations was less than 100%. And the credibility of my own affirmation is pretty important as I learned from Terry McBride.
Then I remembered the leading words of Collin Tipping's "Radical Forgiveness" worksheet affirmations: "I am willing. . . "
I realize this opens me up to the potential without requiring me to know the how. It opens up all the potential that I can see or that I cannot see from my limited perspective.
It opens up my potential to the power of the Universe to create with me my higher good, even if I can't see it yet.
It is not mine to nail down the how and when. I am willing, and the Universe steps in with grace and all the potential that is available in this universe. It's time to trust and put my faith in the Universe's constant love for me that supports me 100% all the time.
Comment or follow me...
Peace,
Larry
www.InspirngConnection.com
Friday, November 5, 2010
Make it Easy
Make it Easy
When a minister is considering a new program, there is the major consideration of human capital to be considered. Volunteers are not unlimited, so it makes sense to give them all the tools and training to make it easy.
When approaching a congregant or staff person with the opportunity to bring a book study into your spiritual community, it is important to let that person know exactly how much support they will have. At New Thought Unity, we scheduled a board training in our annual retreat so that nominees would know that they weren't going in blind.
The same is true for small group book studies. Let them know that you have an entire system already prepared for them to plug into your church and your calendar. And the documents are customizable, giving everyone freedom to adjust to your particular needs.
Comments and followers welcome
Peace
Larry
When a minister is considering a new program, there is the major consideration of human capital to be considered. Volunteers are not unlimited, so it makes sense to give them all the tools and training to make it easy.
When approaching a congregant or staff person with the opportunity to bring a book study into your spiritual community, it is important to let that person know exactly how much support they will have. At New Thought Unity, we scheduled a board training in our annual retreat so that nominees would know that they weren't going in blind.
The same is true for small group book studies. Let them know that you have an entire system already prepared for them to plug into your church and your calendar. And the documents are customizable, giving everyone freedom to adjust to your particular needs.
Comments and followers welcome
Peace
Larry
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Gratitude Is Giving
While watching a Deepak Chopra movie last night ("The 7 Spiritual Laws of Success) I barely caught this little tidbit about giving and receiving.
The law of circulation is a principle of this universe, in both the physical and metaphysical realms. What we give comes aback to us. When we hold back, so does the universe.
He said, "Gratitude is a form of giving."
That was the tiny piece that hit me. Our gratitude creates the process of circulation that brings more of what we are grateful for.
Gratitude is an energy that adds to our abundance and keeps the circle turning, adding more to what we already are blessed with.
No wonder it feels so good.
The law of circulation is a principle of this universe, in both the physical and metaphysical realms. What we give comes aback to us. When we hold back, so does the universe.
He said, "Gratitude is a form of giving."
That was the tiny piece that hit me. Our gratitude creates the process of circulation that brings more of what we are grateful for.
Gratitude is an energy that adds to our abundance and keeps the circle turning, adding more to what we already are blessed with.
No wonder it feels so good.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Acceptance
Have you ever had one of those nights where you can't get to sleep? Just wired to the max, mind racing, body not interested in sitting still?
That's where I was last night, a very unusual occasion for me. I usually drop pretty easily after 11.
But last night I felt like I could have gotten up and run a 6K, which would be a major miracle in my current state. I have no idea where this energy was coming from, but I certainly wasn't going to disparage it. I was grateful to experience a heightened level of energy.
But I wasn't getting to sleep in this state. What to do?
Accept.
I had the advantage of feeling gratitude for this remarkable state of energy, so it was a little easier to move to acceptance in this situation. I decided to stop worrying about sleeping, and...
Accept.
I accept this gift of hyperactivity.
And the release of resistance was palpable. I could feel it's release like a 100 pound weight being lifted from my body. The restriction of my chest was suddenly soft and gentle.
Acceptance. Better than NyQuil.
Comment with your experience, I want to hear...
Follow me...
Peace
Larry
That's where I was last night, a very unusual occasion for me. I usually drop pretty easily after 11.
But last night I felt like I could have gotten up and run a 6K, which would be a major miracle in my current state. I have no idea where this energy was coming from, but I certainly wasn't going to disparage it. I was grateful to experience a heightened level of energy.
But I wasn't getting to sleep in this state. What to do?
Accept.
I had the advantage of feeling gratitude for this remarkable state of energy, so it was a little easier to move to acceptance in this situation. I decided to stop worrying about sleeping, and...
Accept.
I accept this gift of hyperactivity.
And the release of resistance was palpable. I could feel it's release like a 100 pound weight being lifted from my body. The restriction of my chest was suddenly soft and gentle.
Acceptance. Better than NyQuil.
Comment with your experience, I want to hear...
Follow me...
Peace
Larry
Monday, October 11, 2010
Compassion (cont.)
What is left? What is our intention when we are expressing compassion?
Perhaps it is knowing that they are whole and perfect just where they are. Recognizing their divinity while they are in the midst of struggle might seem ineffective and inadequate in the face of their plight. When have you tried it? Try it today and let me know how its working for you.
Maybe it's honoring their journey as it takes this path that can feel so painful and appear so unfair. Maybe it's honoring the choices and all the situations and events and people that have brought them to this perfectly imperfect moment.
Maybe it's holding with them their potential that is more than this situation. Maybe it is recognizing the power that they possess to re-create their life in a beautiful way that is totally unique to them.
Compassion isn't about me.
It's about them.
Comment on this blog.
Follow this blog.
Peace
Larry
www.inspiringconnection.com
Perhaps it is knowing that they are whole and perfect just where they are. Recognizing their divinity while they are in the midst of struggle might seem ineffective and inadequate in the face of their plight. When have you tried it? Try it today and let me know how its working for you.
Maybe it's honoring their journey as it takes this path that can feel so painful and appear so unfair. Maybe it's honoring the choices and all the situations and events and people that have brought them to this perfectly imperfect moment.
Maybe it's holding with them their potential that is more than this situation. Maybe it is recognizing the power that they possess to re-create their life in a beautiful way that is totally unique to them.
Compassion isn't about me.
It's about them.
Comment on this blog.
Follow this blog.
Peace
Larry
www.inspiringconnection.com
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Compassion
Spiritual Partnership book study based on Gary Zukav's book has multiple references to compassion. As I've discussed this in a couple of circles, compassion is an often used word that is not clear. It's meaning is a bit illusive.
When we are having compassion for someone;
-It's not feeling what the other person is feeling. That would be sympathy. We can never know what they are feeling. Besides, how does that help them? Does it serve them to jump in with them when they fall down a well?
-It's not feeling sorry for them. That requires a perspective of superiority. it also implies that there is something wrong with them.
-It's not identifying with them and telling them, "Yeah, that happened to me..."
-It's not giving advice and trying to fix them or their situation. They're not broken. They never were.
-It's not taking sides.
What is left? What is our intention when we are feeling compassion?
Continued tomorrow....
Comment, Follow me...
JOY
Larry
When we are having compassion for someone;
-It's not feeling what the other person is feeling. That would be sympathy. We can never know what they are feeling. Besides, how does that help them? Does it serve them to jump in with them when they fall down a well?
-It's not feeling sorry for them. That requires a perspective of superiority. it also implies that there is something wrong with them.
-It's not identifying with them and telling them, "Yeah, that happened to me..."
-It's not giving advice and trying to fix them or their situation. They're not broken. They never were.
-It's not taking sides.
What is left? What is our intention when we are feeling compassion?
Continued tomorrow....
Comment, Follow me...
JOY
Larry
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Unlimited Parts
How often do I look at what I do and criticize? Not enough. Less than them. Comparisons, judgments, perfectionism, etc. Who knows what's going to show up? Am I even aware of these parts?
These parts are all about the physical world. This is a world of limitations.
There are parts of our world that are unlimited. There are parts of me that are unlimited. Parts of you that are unlimited.
I have a choice to look at those unlimited parts and choose them as my motivation and intention. I have a choice to see the potential in myself and accept it as my inheritance to express in any moment.
From that unlimited potential, the limited parts lose their power. I have re-set my intention to one of possibilities.
See it often.
Comment, follow me....
Peace
Larry
These parts are all about the physical world. This is a world of limitations.
There are parts of our world that are unlimited. There are parts of me that are unlimited. Parts of you that are unlimited.
I have a choice to look at those unlimited parts and choose them as my motivation and intention. I have a choice to see the potential in myself and accept it as my inheritance to express in any moment.
From that unlimited potential, the limited parts lose their power. I have re-set my intention to one of possibilities.
See it often.
Comment, follow me....
Peace
Larry
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Switchbacks
Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz talks about the zigzag path that we all take to our goal. Like a sailboat on the sea, it rarely is going directly in a straight line to the destination. It requires many corrections.
Last night I had a dream of climbing a mountain and then seeing a trail map after the fact that showed our path. It wasn't a straight line.
It was a combination of directions, rarely in a direct line with the goal of the pinnacle, numerous switchbacks. Such a great metaphor, and one that I prefer to the sailboat heading across the sea.
Climbing a mountain is hard, and it can wear us out, become dangerous, if we try to take it on without consideration of our limitations or the obstacles. But paying attention to the really steep parts, we can continue to make progress up the mountain by taking a path across the mountain.
It can look like we're not moving toward our destination, our goal. It looks like I am going the other way, and that the goal is slipping out of sight.
When we are patient and constantly moving with the intention of reaching the top, anything is possible.
This is really useful to me so that I can be gentle with myself when progress seems elusive, when the path doesn't seem to be going to the top. I can be more patient knowing that progress isn't only made in the direction of the goal, but in the intention and persistence. Keep moving the feet, keep my eye on the prize.
Comment, Follow me. Thanks!
Peace
Larry
Last night I had a dream of climbing a mountain and then seeing a trail map after the fact that showed our path. It wasn't a straight line.
It was a combination of directions, rarely in a direct line with the goal of the pinnacle, numerous switchbacks. Such a great metaphor, and one that I prefer to the sailboat heading across the sea.
Climbing a mountain is hard, and it can wear us out, become dangerous, if we try to take it on without consideration of our limitations or the obstacles. But paying attention to the really steep parts, we can continue to make progress up the mountain by taking a path across the mountain.
It can look like we're not moving toward our destination, our goal. It looks like I am going the other way, and that the goal is slipping out of sight.
When we are patient and constantly moving with the intention of reaching the top, anything is possible.
This is really useful to me so that I can be gentle with myself when progress seems elusive, when the path doesn't seem to be going to the top. I can be more patient knowing that progress isn't only made in the direction of the goal, but in the intention and persistence. Keep moving the feet, keep my eye on the prize.
Comment, Follow me. Thanks!
Peace
Larry
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Fail Early, Fail Often
As I read "Making Things Happen" by Scott Belsky, I found out that Seth Godin, a prolific author who creates many products, attributes his success to the fact that he "ships". He doesn't wait around to see if an idea is perfect or not, he executes the idea and ships it out to see the results.
The fact is, he fails much more often than he succeeds.
I'm reminded in this lesson of many of us who have a fear of success. There are many things around the fear of success that are intangible.
Could that fear really be fear of failure?
In order to find success, we must risk the possibility of failure. A baseball player fails 70% of the time. A great basketball player misses 50% of his/her three pointers. Seth Godin claims that his failures far outweigh his successes.
What if we approached success with the full knowledge that failure is imminent? What if we looked at failure as inevitable, even desirable. Knowing the percentages, we will encounter success only with a good dose of failure mixed in.
And we can let go of our attachment to our perfection so that failure loses its emotional charge as a bad thing. If failure is actually a badge of honor and a positive attribute that opens the door to success, will we be more likely to embrace opportunities that might result in failure?
It is this change of perspective that will free me from paralysis by analysis. It is the new paradigm of "failure is my friend" that will create the opportunities for my full potential of success.
Comment, follow me.
Peace,
Larry
The fact is, he fails much more often than he succeeds.
I'm reminded in this lesson of many of us who have a fear of success. There are many things around the fear of success that are intangible.
Could that fear really be fear of failure?
In order to find success, we must risk the possibility of failure. A baseball player fails 70% of the time. A great basketball player misses 50% of his/her three pointers. Seth Godin claims that his failures far outweigh his successes.
What if we approached success with the full knowledge that failure is imminent? What if we looked at failure as inevitable, even desirable. Knowing the percentages, we will encounter success only with a good dose of failure mixed in.
And we can let go of our attachment to our perfection so that failure loses its emotional charge as a bad thing. If failure is actually a badge of honor and a positive attribute that opens the door to success, will we be more likely to embrace opportunities that might result in failure?
It is this change of perspective that will free me from paralysis by analysis. It is the new paradigm of "failure is my friend" that will create the opportunities for my full potential of success.
Comment, follow me.
Peace,
Larry
Monday, September 20, 2010
How To Win Friends
I'm working on a live online program using the classic "How To Win Friends And Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. Tim Burgess requested this program to conduct for his clients. This book was written in 1936 and is as relevant today.
Today I am assembling the first two weeks of guides for the actual group discussions. This is always very exciting for me, because it is the time that I intuitively bring together the most insightful quotes from the book, and my intense questions that will be the springboard for the participants to discover their unique wisdom.
As is usually the case, I have more material than is appropriate for the time allotted for each call.
This is an powerful book which I wish I had read when I was 20 years old. I can only imagine the difference it would have made in my life! It is already making a difference in my ability to accomplish things in my life.
Because we can do a little when we work alone, but great things are possible when we work together...
Today I am assembling the first two weeks of guides for the actual group discussions. This is always very exciting for me, because it is the time that I intuitively bring together the most insightful quotes from the book, and my intense questions that will be the springboard for the participants to discover their unique wisdom.
As is usually the case, I have more material than is appropriate for the time allotted for each call.
This is an powerful book which I wish I had read when I was 20 years old. I can only imagine the difference it would have made in my life! It is already making a difference in my ability to accomplish things in my life.
Because we can do a little when we work alone, but great things are possible when we work together...
Monday, September 13, 2010
I got a rock 2.0
After playing with rocks for an afternoon, I was truly content. I had fun. Rocks to me are treasures. I keep stacks of them in my yard, 3 and 4 feet high. I feel wealthy when I have piles of rocks.
I'm guessing that not everyone feels that way about rocks. As a matter of fact, I've heard some people curse them, as they seem to multiply in their yard, only to reach out for an ankle or a mower blade.
Perhaps this is the epitome of looking for the good in things. A rock is meaningless until a human gives it beauty or usefulness or distain.
This is a great opportunity to look at how I see the other rocks in my life. Do I look for the beauty and fun in all the aspects of my life? Is the detritus of my life mentally rejected and discarded as ugly and useless? Or can I find the beuaty of things and situations in a new context?
My rocks only acquire beauty and wealth in the presence of the context that I create for them. I can also accept the negative or positive context that someone else is only too happy to hand me.
My choice....
Peace
Larry
P.S. Leave a comment, follow me, make my day....
I'm guessing that not everyone feels that way about rocks. As a matter of fact, I've heard some people curse them, as they seem to multiply in their yard, only to reach out for an ankle or a mower blade.
Perhaps this is the epitome of looking for the good in things. A rock is meaningless until a human gives it beauty or usefulness or distain.
This is a great opportunity to look at how I see the other rocks in my life. Do I look for the beauty and fun in all the aspects of my life? Is the detritus of my life mentally rejected and discarded as ugly and useless? Or can I find the beuaty of things and situations in a new context?
My rocks only acquire beauty and wealth in the presence of the context that I create for them. I can also accept the negative or positive context that someone else is only too happy to hand me.
My choice....
Peace
Larry
P.S. Leave a comment, follow me, make my day....
I got a rock....
"I got a rock," I said as I got in the car. In my hand was a rock with a hole in it that was at my feet as I finished the stone arch.
I often use that line from Peanuts' "The Great Pumpkin" cartoon wherein Charlie Brown gets a rock at every house when they are Trick-or-treating. He sounds so disappointed, but I love rocks. I can spend hours in a creek playing with rocks, looking at rocks, collecting rocks, skipping rocks.
Today was just such a day. Exploring a tiny little state park in Northern Kentucky that wad gifted by a couple who had enjoyed the beautiful serenity of this patch of peace, I found myself at the shore of the Licking River about 50 miles from its joining the Ohio River.
The dearth of rainfall left many rocks exposed, including a lot of thin large rocks that are ideal for so many fun activities, as mentioned above. So I got a rock to stand on edge, stacked rocks into an arch a la Andy Goldsworthy http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/10013111.html, and as much fun as I can have with a pile of rocks.
The arch was the first one that I had built, ever, and I was so excited to see it still standing after removing all the supporting stones. The arch defied gravity, weight, and assumptions about its construction.
Though Andy always records his work on "film", I was sans digital imagers. On the way to the park we had driven through a downpour, so I left the cell phone in the car.
One of Andy's hallmark is that some of his work is intentionally temporary, which emphasizes the process rather than the product. So leaving the arch and the large standing rocks in the center of the river bed would ensure that their tenacious balance would be quickly eroded by rising waters. The only witness to my creative energy and process would be a few neurons in our brains that would capture a fading image of stone constructs.
Then again, perhaps the image will become more vivid and fantastic with time. My choice....
Leave a comment, "follow" my blog...
See the next blog for the metaphysical meaning....
I often use that line from Peanuts' "The Great Pumpkin" cartoon wherein Charlie Brown gets a rock at every house when they are Trick-or-treating. He sounds so disappointed, but I love rocks. I can spend hours in a creek playing with rocks, looking at rocks, collecting rocks, skipping rocks.
Today was just such a day. Exploring a tiny little state park in Northern Kentucky that wad gifted by a couple who had enjoyed the beautiful serenity of this patch of peace, I found myself at the shore of the Licking River about 50 miles from its joining the Ohio River.
The dearth of rainfall left many rocks exposed, including a lot of thin large rocks that are ideal for so many fun activities, as mentioned above. So I got a rock to stand on edge, stacked rocks into an arch a la Andy Goldsworthy http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/10013111.html, and as much fun as I can have with a pile of rocks.
The arch was the first one that I had built, ever, and I was so excited to see it still standing after removing all the supporting stones. The arch defied gravity, weight, and assumptions about its construction.
Though Andy always records his work on "film", I was sans digital imagers. On the way to the park we had driven through a downpour, so I left the cell phone in the car.
One of Andy's hallmark is that some of his work is intentionally temporary, which emphasizes the process rather than the product. So leaving the arch and the large standing rocks in the center of the river bed would ensure that their tenacious balance would be quickly eroded by rising waters. The only witness to my creative energy and process would be a few neurons in our brains that would capture a fading image of stone constructs.
Then again, perhaps the image will become more vivid and fantastic with time. My choice....
Leave a comment, "follow" my blog...
See the next blog for the metaphysical meaning....
Monday, August 16, 2010
Feel the Pain
"Forgiveness will never fail to free you."
-- Jerrold Mundis
"How do we forgive when we’re angry and hurt?
As a first step, we can be willing to truly feel our anger and hurt. Honouring our feelings by being fully present with them helps to release the feelings themselves."
-HigherAwareness.com
This first step is absolutely critical for forgiveness. Just as important, it allows us to reduce the emotional or drama charge that a memory, person, place, or thought might have for you.
Thoughts trigger our feelings, based on the meanings that we have given to the events surrounding the thought. Without a thought, we have no feelings.
When we have negative feelings around a thought, I usually repress that feeling and stuff the thought away with the feeling still intact. The next time I pull it out, the feelings grow until I stuff it away again.
As the quote above elucidates, we must first honor, recognize, and feel the feelings that we associate with a thought in order for that feeling to dissolve and transform. When we give our feelings this time and attention, they tend to transform into joy. Really. No, really.
But first, we have to separate the feeling from the thought. We must set the thought aside, after naming the feelings that we have around that thought, and allow ourselves to sit with the feeling sans thought.
Easier said than done.
Give it a try. Let go of the thought, and sit with the feeling for a minute.
Next time that thought shows up, it will have less charge hanging on to it. Rinse and repeat.
Please share your thoughts and feelings around this idea.
Larry
www.inspiringconnection.com
www.reflect-connect.com
-- Jerrold Mundis
"How do we forgive when we’re angry and hurt?
As a first step, we can be willing to truly feel our anger and hurt. Honouring our feelings by being fully present with them helps to release the feelings themselves."
-HigherAwareness.com
This first step is absolutely critical for forgiveness. Just as important, it allows us to reduce the emotional or drama charge that a memory, person, place, or thought might have for you.
Thoughts trigger our feelings, based on the meanings that we have given to the events surrounding the thought. Without a thought, we have no feelings.
When we have negative feelings around a thought, I usually repress that feeling and stuff the thought away with the feeling still intact. The next time I pull it out, the feelings grow until I stuff it away again.
As the quote above elucidates, we must first honor, recognize, and feel the feelings that we associate with a thought in order for that feeling to dissolve and transform. When we give our feelings this time and attention, they tend to transform into joy. Really. No, really.
But first, we have to separate the feeling from the thought. We must set the thought aside, after naming the feelings that we have around that thought, and allow ourselves to sit with the feeling sans thought.
Easier said than done.
Give it a try. Let go of the thought, and sit with the feeling for a minute.
Next time that thought shows up, it will have less charge hanging on to it. Rinse and repeat.
Please share your thoughts and feelings around this idea.
Larry
www.inspiringconnection.com
www.reflect-connect.com
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Crisis - or not?
I was reading an article about crisis that cited this definition:
crisis: a decisive or critical moment.
I don't know about you, but crisis always possessed a negative impact in my mind.
It never occurred to me that it would mean a point of decision, or a tipping point.
When I think of the word crisis, I imagine several exclaimation points behind it.
Crisis!!!!
For me it indicated that things are on the verge of absolute disaster, that the balance of the universe was a-kilter, that the peace and calm had been shattered and only bad things could come from this.
But "a decisive or critical moment" might mean that it is a point of opportunity. It might mean that things are coming to a fork in the road,where we are responsible for a choice that will determine the future.
And such points of decision could be in the face of pure joy and peace, couldn't it? Well, no, I can't think of an instance, but if crisis is not about a judgment of the situation, then a fork in the road can show up in any number of forms, people, moods, feelings, thoughts.... Including fun ones.
Does that mean that all chaos presents an opportunity for a decisive moment? What if I looked at all chaotic and challenging moments as a crisis of decision and choice, a critical point to jump on one side of a fence or the other?
Intimidating for me. I'm not big on decisions. I have found that I have a big part of the 7 in the Enneagram that doesn't like to choose because then I would no longer have all the other choices available to me.
Looks like this is a great opportunity to make a decision about what I think a crisis actually is. It's a positive thing, right? I'll keep telling myself that, act on that premise, and see how my life changes with that realization.
What about you? What did the word "crisis" mean to you? What will you do with that now?
Peace & Joy
Larry
www.reflect-connect.com
www.inspiringconnection.com
crisis: a decisive or critical moment.
I don't know about you, but crisis always possessed a negative impact in my mind.
It never occurred to me that it would mean a point of decision, or a tipping point.
When I think of the word crisis, I imagine several exclaimation points behind it.
Crisis!!!!
For me it indicated that things are on the verge of absolute disaster, that the balance of the universe was a-kilter, that the peace and calm had been shattered and only bad things could come from this.
But "a decisive or critical moment" might mean that it is a point of opportunity. It might mean that things are coming to a fork in the road,where we are responsible for a choice that will determine the future.
And such points of decision could be in the face of pure joy and peace, couldn't it? Well, no, I can't think of an instance, but if crisis is not about a judgment of the situation, then a fork in the road can show up in any number of forms, people, moods, feelings, thoughts.... Including fun ones.
Does that mean that all chaos presents an opportunity for a decisive moment? What if I looked at all chaotic and challenging moments as a crisis of decision and choice, a critical point to jump on one side of a fence or the other?
Intimidating for me. I'm not big on decisions. I have found that I have a big part of the 7 in the Enneagram that doesn't like to choose because then I would no longer have all the other choices available to me.
Looks like this is a great opportunity to make a decision about what I think a crisis actually is. It's a positive thing, right? I'll keep telling myself that, act on that premise, and see how my life changes with that realization.
What about you? What did the word "crisis" mean to you? What will you do with that now?
Peace & Joy
Larry
www.reflect-connect.com
www.inspiringconnection.com
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Book Club Introduction
Last night I conducted the Introduction session for the next Book Club series that starts this Wednesday at 8 PM EST.
It is really exciting to know that I am going to be able to connect with so many people without the inconvenience of travel and locations. From the comfort of our homes, we will be connecting on a very real level and discovering our own voice.
My mission is to give people the vehicle to discover their unique wisdom and connect with others on a deep level. My goal is to do that for 500,000 people in 5 years.
The Introduction went very well, we had a great group of people. I'd love it if you were to join us for the series.
It is fascinating and empowering for me to watch myself take on different roles as a leader. As a leader of a new company, I realize how much of my unique perspective is coming through in all aspects of the program. As a leader in the meetings, I realize how important it is for me to lead by example and help people feel comfortable and safe.
And as a leader of myself, I have the opportunity to watch how I am being, and to always choose "authentic" as my modality.
This is where I am meant to be, and I accept the opportunities that the universe keeps throwing at me. There is a constant flow of this abundance, if I choose to turn in that direction and continue to make it all happen and roll to me.
What does it feel like when you step into your leadership?
I'd love to receive your comments!
It is really exciting to know that I am going to be able to connect with so many people without the inconvenience of travel and locations. From the comfort of our homes, we will be connecting on a very real level and discovering our own voice.
My mission is to give people the vehicle to discover their unique wisdom and connect with others on a deep level. My goal is to do that for 500,000 people in 5 years.
The Introduction went very well, we had a great group of people. I'd love it if you were to join us for the series.
It is fascinating and empowering for me to watch myself take on different roles as a leader. As a leader of a new company, I realize how much of my unique perspective is coming through in all aspects of the program. As a leader in the meetings, I realize how important it is for me to lead by example and help people feel comfortable and safe.
And as a leader of myself, I have the opportunity to watch how I am being, and to always choose "authentic" as my modality.
This is where I am meant to be, and I accept the opportunities that the universe keeps throwing at me. There is a constant flow of this abundance, if I choose to turn in that direction and continue to make it all happen and roll to me.
What does it feel like when you step into your leadership?
I'd love to receive your comments!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Competitive Advantage
A video series of "Webisodes" are being broadcast beginning this week featuring Peg Stookey, with me as her guest.
Go here http://bit.ly/aevycY to view the video.
This is the first of 4 weekly Webisodes that discuss the book "Creating Competitive Advantage" by Jaynie L. Smith.
I hope you'll join us in discovering this book that will change your company language and your whole strategic processes.
Click on http://bit.ly/aevycY to view the Webisode
Come back and share your comments with me!
Peace
Larry
Go here http://bit.ly/aevycY to view the video.
This is the first of 4 weekly Webisodes that discuss the book "Creating Competitive Advantage" by Jaynie L. Smith.
I hope you'll join us in discovering this book that will change your company language and your whole strategic processes.
Click on http://bit.ly/aevycY to view the Webisode
Come back and share your comments with me!
Peace
Larry
Monday, July 19, 2010
New Opportunities
I'll be rolling out a new service in the next week, and I would like to relate a conversation that I had this morning with a Training/Development company about the new system.
A powerful Virtual Book Club system has been created and will debut this week that will allow very easy and comfortable access to Book Clubs very soon. This system will connect a number of people on one technology platform so that this group can connect as a whole, and also break out into smaller groups for more in depth discussions.
My passion is about the small group experience using books for the information bank, and how it allows us to discover our own unique wisdom. By being about to verbalize our ideas, we are able to discover our power.
Bob Sutton of ProThink Solutions asked to meet with me this morning to talk about my system and its potential application with his own programs. As we talked about his mission and how he has presented it currently, we saw that my system would give him a powerful process for offering his wealth of knowledge to the general public, as well as in the corporate sector.
We saw many advantages to the Virtual Book Club system for his program.
-Flexible group sizes
-Customized time frames; weekly, biweekly, monthly
-Subscription based for ease of registration
-Hands-on moderation of groups for optimized client experience
-Measurable results for clients
I'm looking forward to working with Bob to develop a program that can provide the benefits of his wealth of knowledge to a new client base.
Peace & JOY
Larry
P.S. Please post comments, questions, feedback...
A powerful Virtual Book Club system has been created and will debut this week that will allow very easy and comfortable access to Book Clubs very soon. This system will connect a number of people on one technology platform so that this group can connect as a whole, and also break out into smaller groups for more in depth discussions.
My passion is about the small group experience using books for the information bank, and how it allows us to discover our own unique wisdom. By being about to verbalize our ideas, we are able to discover our power.
Bob Sutton of ProThink Solutions asked to meet with me this morning to talk about my system and its potential application with his own programs. As we talked about his mission and how he has presented it currently, we saw that my system would give him a powerful process for offering his wealth of knowledge to the general public, as well as in the corporate sector.
We saw many advantages to the Virtual Book Club system for his program.
-Flexible group sizes
-Customized time frames; weekly, biweekly, monthly
-Subscription based for ease of registration
-Hands-on moderation of groups for optimized client experience
-Measurable results for clients
I'm looking forward to working with Bob to develop a program that can provide the benefits of his wealth of knowledge to a new client base.
Peace & JOY
Larry
P.S. Please post comments, questions, feedback...
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Ease Up
As I am working on a book club program for The Happiness Project, I read a single page in the middle of the book entitled "Cut People Slack." As I thought about this, I realized how many layers there are to the idea.
It's complicated
Gretchen Rubin helps us to see that people's lives are far more complicated than they appear from our personal perspective. How many times have I known someone for a while, only to find out that their journey has been a tumultuous or tortured one at times? In the process, they reveal their vulnerability, usually in an offhand, cavalier way that seems to disregard any possible obstacle to the very best in their life. And perhaps I do the same thing, myself.
Their situation is not based on my history.
I think back to how I've approached people as I meet them and begin to learn about them, and I see that I compartmentalize them to fit into all the boxes that I have created for my life. Each tidbit of information, opinion, and feelings are compared to, and matched with, ones that I have experienced. I now have a "reference" point of my own history with which to view what they say or do.
With this set of reference points, I could sidestep the onerous task of admitting that I don't know everything. Yet, in truth, I cannot know their experience, because it is not my experience. Sometimes it's not even close. This ignorance seems to make me uncomfortable, but once it has become clear, I can accept and admire. Or not.
They are constantly changing.
One of the most recent revelations about the people I meet is that this is who they are - now. Then, this is who they are - now. It is constantly changing.
I can only offer this freedom once I have discovered it for myself. When I can see that I am not the same person that I was a year ago, and I can say that this is OK, then I can open my mind to that fact that the person in front of me is in transition. Always.
If I let go of what I had come to know about them up to this moment, I give them the freedom to discover more about themselves. It is through honoring this transition, their transformation, that they are affirmed to continue their journey.
"Forbearance is a form of generosity."
Gretchen uses this sentence to cut people slack who might be in a challenging circumstance that requires otherwise rude or rash behavior. We have no idea why someone is driving erratically, or reaches a flash point for seemingly innocuous events. Their circumstance may be something that we would react to with equal behavior.
But generosity isn't just about identifying with the reaction, or the cause of the reaction. They are doing their best. Just like you and I are. They may have less skills at this, they may have different reference points from which to handle circumstances. Generosity allows for these extremes. Generosity says that I don't have to understand.
Peace
My last thought: peace. Is it really important to know anything, to rationalize anything, to excuse anything? If I want peace, I can let go of all judgment and righteousness. Maybe it's not mine to own. Maybe it's not mine to grade. I can witness. Maybe my simple gift is to witness and be there, to hold for them the OK-ness of who they are in that moment. To cut them some slack when they can't. And I know tomorrow is another day for them. Today, I begin again.
It starts with me. Ease up on yourself, Larry.
Much Love
Larry Watson
InspiringConnection.com
I'd love your comments!!
It's complicated
Gretchen Rubin helps us to see that people's lives are far more complicated than they appear from our personal perspective. How many times have I known someone for a while, only to find out that their journey has been a tumultuous or tortured one at times? In the process, they reveal their vulnerability, usually in an offhand, cavalier way that seems to disregard any possible obstacle to the very best in their life. And perhaps I do the same thing, myself.
Their situation is not based on my history.
I think back to how I've approached people as I meet them and begin to learn about them, and I see that I compartmentalize them to fit into all the boxes that I have created for my life. Each tidbit of information, opinion, and feelings are compared to, and matched with, ones that I have experienced. I now have a "reference" point of my own history with which to view what they say or do.
With this set of reference points, I could sidestep the onerous task of admitting that I don't know everything. Yet, in truth, I cannot know their experience, because it is not my experience. Sometimes it's not even close. This ignorance seems to make me uncomfortable, but once it has become clear, I can accept and admire. Or not.
They are constantly changing.
One of the most recent revelations about the people I meet is that this is who they are - now. Then, this is who they are - now. It is constantly changing.
I can only offer this freedom once I have discovered it for myself. When I can see that I am not the same person that I was a year ago, and I can say that this is OK, then I can open my mind to that fact that the person in front of me is in transition. Always.
If I let go of what I had come to know about them up to this moment, I give them the freedom to discover more about themselves. It is through honoring this transition, their transformation, that they are affirmed to continue their journey.
"Forbearance is a form of generosity."
Gretchen uses this sentence to cut people slack who might be in a challenging circumstance that requires otherwise rude or rash behavior. We have no idea why someone is driving erratically, or reaches a flash point for seemingly innocuous events. Their circumstance may be something that we would react to with equal behavior.
But generosity isn't just about identifying with the reaction, or the cause of the reaction. They are doing their best. Just like you and I are. They may have less skills at this, they may have different reference points from which to handle circumstances. Generosity allows for these extremes. Generosity says that I don't have to understand.
Peace
My last thought: peace. Is it really important to know anything, to rationalize anything, to excuse anything? If I want peace, I can let go of all judgment and righteousness. Maybe it's not mine to own. Maybe it's not mine to grade. I can witness. Maybe my simple gift is to witness and be there, to hold for them the OK-ness of who they are in that moment. To cut them some slack when they can't. And I know tomorrow is another day for them. Today, I begin again.
It starts with me. Ease up on yourself, Larry.
Much Love
Larry Watson
InspiringConnection.com
I'd love your comments!!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Giving or Sacrifice
Does it feel better to say I sacrificed something, or does it feel better to say that I gave something? That's a very important question for me to ask myself.
Martyrdom in this life is frequently an attitude of sacrificing for the sake of a reward. Delayed gratification. When done among my neighbors, it is about expecting that someone notices and gives me a pat on the back, a little leeway, a leg up. When done from a spiritual perspective, maybe I expect some special reward, an extra gold star.
Spirit loves me no matter what, unconditionally, and holds me in grace. What more can I expect? Reward implies that there could possibly be limitations in God's presence.
What if there is no delay? What if the service is the reward? What if we are getting more reward from the act than what we are giving up or sacrificing?
In the recent release "Well Being", it has been researched and discovered that people feel better about their lives when they spend money on others instead of themselves. (Shopping therapy isn't as effective as giving.) People who volunteer feel much better.
"There is nothing BUT self-interest. The only thing that changes is the definition of Self."
Self can be the bottom of Maslow's pyramid. Self can be our highest good. Self can be the God-centered part of us that is only too happy to be realized through service. Self can begin to encompass our fellow man, and the planet.
At that level of Self-interest, it might not feel like a sacrifice. Maybe it feels like love expressing. What is the other word for Love?
Martyrdom in this life is frequently an attitude of sacrificing for the sake of a reward. Delayed gratification. When done among my neighbors, it is about expecting that someone notices and gives me a pat on the back, a little leeway, a leg up. When done from a spiritual perspective, maybe I expect some special reward, an extra gold star.
Spirit loves me no matter what, unconditionally, and holds me in grace. What more can I expect? Reward implies that there could possibly be limitations in God's presence.
What if there is no delay? What if the service is the reward? What if we are getting more reward from the act than what we are giving up or sacrificing?
In the recent release "Well Being", it has been researched and discovered that people feel better about their lives when they spend money on others instead of themselves. (Shopping therapy isn't as effective as giving.) People who volunteer feel much better.
"There is nothing BUT self-interest. The only thing that changes is the definition of Self."
Self can be the bottom of Maslow's pyramid. Self can be our highest good. Self can be the God-centered part of us that is only too happy to be realized through service. Self can begin to encompass our fellow man, and the planet.
At that level of Self-interest, it might not feel like a sacrifice. Maybe it feels like love expressing. What is the other word for Love?
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Being Empty
At the conclusion of a Heart Circle, we have a moment to say something about our experience. I said, "I feel empty."
At the time, it was very hard for me to know what I meant by that. The words seemed so inadequate compared to the experience. In the years since, I have gotten a better grip on the logic, if not the actual experience.
We can go into a room that is completed devoid of furniture, and we can see the space that is in the room. You can measure it, if you like. You can see it, you can walk around and dance and reach to the ceiling.
When the room is crowded with furniture, or even people, it seems like we have no freedom to move around, to dance, to flow freely. There's no space.
Is that true?
Did the space go away? Was it replaced? Or is the space "occupied?"
I would say it is the latter. The space is there whether it is occupied or not. The space is always there. When we remove the furniture, the space is still there.
The metaphysical, emotional, and spiritual potential within our lives is always present. It is the "space" of our lives. I frequently will go out and buy some "furniture" to occupy my space; goals, plans, schedules, history, pain, judgments, identity.
As I place it in my "room," I become accustomed to it and think it is a fixture. I forget about the space that underlies it. I begin to believe that it is more important than the space.
I begin to believe it is permanent.
Emptying the room seems pretty dramatic. Just throw it all out in the hall, in the basement, for the garbage truck. A lofty goal.
What if I just remember the space? What if I remember the immutable forces of this life that do not rely on the furniture to support, or to decorate, to create a "mood?"
What if I can remember the space of love, peace, potential that underlies all the furniture that I have drug into the room?
What if I can dance in the space, regardless of history or identity?
Help me to remember...
At the time, it was very hard for me to know what I meant by that. The words seemed so inadequate compared to the experience. In the years since, I have gotten a better grip on the logic, if not the actual experience.
We can go into a room that is completed devoid of furniture, and we can see the space that is in the room. You can measure it, if you like. You can see it, you can walk around and dance and reach to the ceiling.
When the room is crowded with furniture, or even people, it seems like we have no freedom to move around, to dance, to flow freely. There's no space.
Is that true?
Did the space go away? Was it replaced? Or is the space "occupied?"
I would say it is the latter. The space is there whether it is occupied or not. The space is always there. When we remove the furniture, the space is still there.
The metaphysical, emotional, and spiritual potential within our lives is always present. It is the "space" of our lives. I frequently will go out and buy some "furniture" to occupy my space; goals, plans, schedules, history, pain, judgments, identity.
As I place it in my "room," I become accustomed to it and think it is a fixture. I forget about the space that underlies it. I begin to believe that it is more important than the space.
I begin to believe it is permanent.
Emptying the room seems pretty dramatic. Just throw it all out in the hall, in the basement, for the garbage truck. A lofty goal.
What if I just remember the space? What if I remember the immutable forces of this life that do not rely on the furniture to support, or to decorate, to create a "mood?"
What if I can remember the space of love, peace, potential that underlies all the furniture that I have drug into the room?
What if I can dance in the space, regardless of history or identity?
Help me to remember...
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
A Gratitude Smile
I don't know why I did it. I was fine at the moment, but I wanted more.
I smiled. Not a big grin, just a little smile.
An amazing thing happened. I felt gratitude. Wherever my eyes landed, I felt a sense of appreciation for whatever was in front of me, wherever I turned.
That seemed a little too easy. As the day went on, I would try it in the middle of my MonkeyMind gymnastics, and it worked again. And again.
Such a simple little trick to find in my possession. It feels like a trigger, a button that switches on a whole matrix of gratitude signals with one action. A smile.
Time to make it a habit. What about you? Let me know if it works for you. I'm curious if it's universal, or am I an aberration?
Peace
Larry
I smiled. Not a big grin, just a little smile.
An amazing thing happened. I felt gratitude. Wherever my eyes landed, I felt a sense of appreciation for whatever was in front of me, wherever I turned.
That seemed a little too easy. As the day went on, I would try it in the middle of my MonkeyMind gymnastics, and it worked again. And again.
Such a simple little trick to find in my possession. It feels like a trigger, a button that switches on a whole matrix of gratitude signals with one action. A smile.
Time to make it a habit. What about you? Let me know if it works for you. I'm curious if it's universal, or am I an aberration?
Peace
Larry
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Thoughts are only half the picture
I've been paying more attention to the thoughts that I have and with "whom" I'm having them. What is my imaginary conversation about? What do I need that I am trying to get from the mental conversation?
What if we could take a minute to experience the stuff behind our thoughts, right there in the time that we are chewing on it...
Michael Beckwith points out that we can Talk to ourselves instead of talking to the world. But it's not just the talking that can change. It's the feelings that come with them.
Young children have no trouble being angry with you in one minute, and then sharing their toys with you the next. That's because they live and experience the feelings in that moment. After experiencing those feelings to their full extent, they can let go and release the event that caused them.
There is no resentment ("feel again") because the event no longer has a charge, and there is nothing to feel again.
My goal is to look at my mental conversations as signposts to feel. To step into the feeling of that conversation and see what are the feelings that I bring with it that are waiting to be honored. To express compassion for those feelings of frustration, anger, guilt, as well as the feelings of kindness, love, and joy.
When I stop the mental conversations for a minute, it will be hard to let go of that cast of characters and my judgments of them long enough to look within at my own stuff. I've gotten used to dissociating from myself by looking out there for distraction. And it's a good change.
What if we could take a minute to experience the stuff behind our thoughts, right there in the time that we are chewing on it...
Michael Beckwith points out that we can Talk to ourselves instead of talking to the world. But it's not just the talking that can change. It's the feelings that come with them.
Young children have no trouble being angry with you in one minute, and then sharing their toys with you the next. That's because they live and experience the feelings in that moment. After experiencing those feelings to their full extent, they can let go and release the event that caused them.
There is no resentment ("feel again") because the event no longer has a charge, and there is nothing to feel again.
My goal is to look at my mental conversations as signposts to feel. To step into the feeling of that conversation and see what are the feelings that I bring with it that are waiting to be honored. To express compassion for those feelings of frustration, anger, guilt, as well as the feelings of kindness, love, and joy.
When I stop the mental conversations for a minute, it will be hard to let go of that cast of characters and my judgments of them long enough to look within at my own stuff. I've gotten used to dissociating from myself by looking out there for distraction. And it's a good change.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Dreams
I know so little about dreams. There are so many books and authorities on dreams that I have not looked at, but maybe I don't need to.
There are books to tell you how to dream, the meaning of each and every symbol/object/person in your dreams, how to have lucid dreams, what dreams do for your health.... I'm actually afraid to look at this because I might mess it up. lol.
But one of my belief systems tells me that dreams are here for my well-being. I dream for my health. I dream to try to figure things out, or to bring to the surface the elements of my life that are ready to be "processed".
Even the unpleasant or violent dreams have some role to play. I'm not sure what or how. Maybe that's when I should be reading a book. One day...
But last night I surrendered anxiety to dreaming. I just said, "OK, I am in conflict on this subject, and I let it go to the angels of dreams to sort it out and put my mind at ease." I have to admit, I felt a bit silly at this invocation. I have never done that before. What was I doing? Where did I get this idea? Was it a psychological ploy? Was it prayer? Was it voodoo?
It worked. It seemed to work. I awoke without the anxiety, without the angst of wanting to figure it out, at peace. At relative peace.
Will this work for you? Haven't a clue. I don't even know if it will work for me again. I'm writing it down so that I'll at least remember it next time. Maybe I'll make a list during the day to hand over to the dream angels.
Bring me to my natural state of peace and serenity. Aaaahhhh.....
There are books to tell you how to dream, the meaning of each and every symbol/object/person in your dreams, how to have lucid dreams, what dreams do for your health.... I'm actually afraid to look at this because I might mess it up. lol.
But one of my belief systems tells me that dreams are here for my well-being. I dream for my health. I dream to try to figure things out, or to bring to the surface the elements of my life that are ready to be "processed".
Even the unpleasant or violent dreams have some role to play. I'm not sure what or how. Maybe that's when I should be reading a book. One day...
But last night I surrendered anxiety to dreaming. I just said, "OK, I am in conflict on this subject, and I let it go to the angels of dreams to sort it out and put my mind at ease." I have to admit, I felt a bit silly at this invocation. I have never done that before. What was I doing? Where did I get this idea? Was it a psychological ploy? Was it prayer? Was it voodoo?
It worked. It seemed to work. I awoke without the anxiety, without the angst of wanting to figure it out, at peace. At relative peace.
Will this work for you? Haven't a clue. I don't even know if it will work for me again. I'm writing it down so that I'll at least remember it next time. Maybe I'll make a list during the day to hand over to the dream angels.
Bring me to my natural state of peace and serenity. Aaaahhhh.....
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
What Is Empathy?
At some point, I began to realize that I have a tough time watching gut-wrenching movies or listening to dramatic stories without being flooded with emotions. I thought being sympathetic in this way was a good path to connect with people.
What I've learned since then is that there is a huge difference between sympathy and empathy. While listening to someone's story, trying to identify with the other person's pain is a matter of sympathy. I would put myself in their shoes and see what feelings I would have in that situation. Apparently I was good at finding those feelings and emotions.
Or perhaps we look into our own history to find a similar story, or one that produced similar feelings. My mistake was in assuming that I knew what feelings the other person had actually experienced. Inevitably, by relating what happened to me and how I felt, I sound like I am engaging in brinkmanship so I can feel superior in the depth of my emotions and feelings.
Empathy is about observing and honoring. Listening isn't about how much I can identify with your feelings or story. It's about respecting your feelings and story. It's about honoring your story and feelings.
It's imperative for me to be neutral while you are relating your story in order for me to respect and honor who you are. Because you are not me. I am not you. Neither of us can know the other's experience.
Honoring and respecting each other is the essence of empathy.
What I've learned since then is that there is a huge difference between sympathy and empathy. While listening to someone's story, trying to identify with the other person's pain is a matter of sympathy. I would put myself in their shoes and see what feelings I would have in that situation. Apparently I was good at finding those feelings and emotions.
Or perhaps we look into our own history to find a similar story, or one that produced similar feelings. My mistake was in assuming that I knew what feelings the other person had actually experienced. Inevitably, by relating what happened to me and how I felt, I sound like I am engaging in brinkmanship so I can feel superior in the depth of my emotions and feelings.
Empathy is about observing and honoring. Listening isn't about how much I can identify with your feelings or story. It's about respecting your feelings and story. It's about honoring your story and feelings.
It's imperative for me to be neutral while you are relating your story in order for me to respect and honor who you are. Because you are not me. I am not you. Neither of us can know the other's experience.
Honoring and respecting each other is the essence of empathy.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Venn of the jungle
I don't know about you, but I get a little overwhelmed with all the groups and web pages that I can "belong" to, and I wonder how I can possibly figure out what is most relevant to me. Yes, I can drill down into the niche and find a micro-culture with a focus that is right in line with my thinking.
But I'm more than that. I hope WE're more than that.
The first problem is that we are constantly growing. Either that or you're dieing. And if we're growing, that narrow box is not going to hold us for long.
The second challenge I find is that I am more than that one niche or box, and I have other interests. Yet each focus is stand-alone and myopic.
What if there was a way to incorporate the concept of a venn diagram (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venn_diagram) as a visual and functional way to integrate the different aspects of my life.
I have no idea how this would work. I see a similar process with the adwords that determine the placement of Google and Facebook ads that feed from the trough of profile or search keywords. Yet, those processes actually narrow the field, eliminating the personal interests that are not within the smallest box.
What if the Venn program would give us the mix of people and activities that have similar overlaps to my own?
I suppose this is what Match.com or Harmony.com is doing. That has a common purpose for the participants.
What if it was used in other ways? Can you imagine ways that it could be used? (Yes, I am asking You!)
Well, this could be an amazing piece of social media, if someone were to run with it. Just send me my royalty check every week.
But I'm more than that. I hope WE're more than that.
The first problem is that we are constantly growing. Either that or you're dieing. And if we're growing, that narrow box is not going to hold us for long.
The second challenge I find is that I am more than that one niche or box, and I have other interests. Yet each focus is stand-alone and myopic.
What if there was a way to incorporate the concept of a venn diagram (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venn_diagram) as a visual and functional way to integrate the different aspects of my life.
I have no idea how this would work. I see a similar process with the adwords that determine the placement of Google and Facebook ads that feed from the trough of profile or search keywords. Yet, those processes actually narrow the field, eliminating the personal interests that are not within the smallest box.
What if the Venn program would give us the mix of people and activities that have similar overlaps to my own?
I suppose this is what Match.com or Harmony.com is doing. That has a common purpose for the participants.
What if it was used in other ways? Can you imagine ways that it could be used? (Yes, I am asking You!)
Well, this could be an amazing piece of social media, if someone were to run with it. Just send me my royalty check every week.
Friday, March 26, 2010
I am embracing my practice of Enthusiasm for today from our Spiritual Liberation book study that says "Enthusiasm enables us to choose to go with the flow of life...with full confidence that each circumstance is intended to accelerate our evolution." Really. Even that guy last night who was... Or when so and so said.... Really? So, like, what happens to my victim-story? I just let that go? Really?! (Haha)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Reasons to join a Reflect&Connect Book Series
As we prepare for the launch of our web site for Reflect & Connect (Reflect-Connect.com), I was thinking about how this whole concept of Small Group Book Series might seem a little foreign to some people.
I could talk about how it happens, what goes on, the structure, the books; but that's not the most important part of it. The best part is what you experience.
You see, reading a book is a wonderful way to gather information. The wisest people in the world have written books that can change our lives. They have encapsulated and explained abstract concepts in order to make them accessible to our minds. They give us examples so that we can relate to them.
In the process of reading these books, we could become transformed. But that's not what usually happens.
For a lot of people, myself included, I can read a book; intellectualize a book; understand a book; even be able to regurgitate it upon demand. Yet, how much it changes my actual behavior is not equal to the plethora information that I retained.
Our ability to benefit from information is proportional to the emotional content and connection that we experience.
An emotionally invested speaker who speaks to an audience with enthusiasm and excitement will benefit her audience, whereas a speaker who talks by rote or from a script will rarely leave any beneficial motivation in the hearts and minds of her audience.
The same is true for you. "Verbalizing crystallizes ideas." When you have the opportunity to speak your truth, your wisdom comes forth and the ideas that were like mere maple seeds before will now germinate and grow and become solid wood that you can build a life upon.
And every time someone in your group speaks their own wisdom, you can shift your own thoughts to a new perspective that expands your own ways of thinking. Each time someone speaks, we break down the walls of our own paradigms. And each expression of wisdom and truth is a new seed for you to build upon.
Being a vibrant part of a small group book series will give you the potential to experience your own enthusiasm and your unlimited wisdom. Priceless.
I could talk about how it happens, what goes on, the structure, the books; but that's not the most important part of it. The best part is what you experience.
You see, reading a book is a wonderful way to gather information. The wisest people in the world have written books that can change our lives. They have encapsulated and explained abstract concepts in order to make them accessible to our minds. They give us examples so that we can relate to them.
In the process of reading these books, we could become transformed. But that's not what usually happens.
For a lot of people, myself included, I can read a book; intellectualize a book; understand a book; even be able to regurgitate it upon demand. Yet, how much it changes my actual behavior is not equal to the plethora information that I retained.
Our ability to benefit from information is proportional to the emotional content and connection that we experience.
An emotionally invested speaker who speaks to an audience with enthusiasm and excitement will benefit her audience, whereas a speaker who talks by rote or from a script will rarely leave any beneficial motivation in the hearts and minds of her audience.
The same is true for you. "Verbalizing crystallizes ideas." When you have the opportunity to speak your truth, your wisdom comes forth and the ideas that were like mere maple seeds before will now germinate and grow and become solid wood that you can build a life upon.
And every time someone in your group speaks their own wisdom, you can shift your own thoughts to a new perspective that expands your own ways of thinking. Each time someone speaks, we break down the walls of our own paradigms. And each expression of wisdom and truth is a new seed for you to build upon.
Being a vibrant part of a small group book series will give you the potential to experience your own enthusiasm and your unlimited wisdom. Priceless.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Personality Is A Tool 2
"We can change our personality, but not our basic self. Personality is a tool, and outlet, a focal point of the self that we use in dealing with the world."
Our Real Self is always within, and so much more than we can even conceive of ourselves to be.
Over time, we have chosen our personality as a way to express ourselves, and way too often, to protect ourselves. Most of us, if not all, have found ways to be safe in what seemed like dangerous situations, and they were effective. We wouldn't have developed those habits if they were not effective in some situation.
But that personality trait is not necessarily useful any more, and it may not express our Real Self. Especially if we have used it to protect our Real Self from a perceived danger.
But what if we can choose right now to use our personality as the expression, the outlet, of our Real Self? What if I look at who I really am, the full potential and talents and powers that are within me, as the incentive and model for developing my personality? What if I am no longer a slave to the habits and attitudes that I learned somewhere else? What if personality is a tool for expressing the best within me?
The personality is merely a tool for expressing my authentic self.
Our Real Self is always within, and so much more than we can even conceive of ourselves to be.
Over time, we have chosen our personality as a way to express ourselves, and way too often, to protect ourselves. Most of us, if not all, have found ways to be safe in what seemed like dangerous situations, and they were effective. We wouldn't have developed those habits if they were not effective in some situation.
But that personality trait is not necessarily useful any more, and it may not express our Real Self. Especially if we have used it to protect our Real Self from a perceived danger.
But what if we can choose right now to use our personality as the expression, the outlet, of our Real Self? What if I look at who I really am, the full potential and talents and powers that are within me, as the incentive and model for developing my personality? What if I am no longer a slave to the habits and attitudes that I learned somewhere else? What if personality is a tool for expressing the best within me?
The personality is merely a tool for expressing my authentic self.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Personality Is A Tool
"Most of us are better, wiser, stronger, mor competent right now than we realize. Creating a better self-image does not create new abilities, talents, powers; it releases and utilizes them. -Maxwell Maltz
Creating a better self-image isn't a process of plastering an image over what we are at the core, our Real Self. Creating a better self image is about being willing to see that we are more than our own mind has led us to believe.
We can look at ourselves from the view of where we were and allow ourselves to be fooled into believing this is all that is possible. We can assume that this is the best we can do, unless we recieve additional knowledge and wisdom from outside of ourselves. Or that something or someone can suddenly make us greater.
But all of that is useless without the true potentiality of those gifts existing within us right now. All the power and talent that we could ever possess is the potential that already exists within us. And self-image can be subservient to that potential, if we choose, or it can be our despot.
By creating a better self-image in our minds, we create the conduit for those talents and powers to be released.
Seems like a "chicken and egg" paradox.
But once we see our potential as much greater than we could ever fully empower, then our self-image will naturally expand to reflect that potential..
Creating a better self-image isn't a process of plastering an image over what we are at the core, our Real Self. Creating a better self image is about being willing to see that we are more than our own mind has led us to believe.
We can look at ourselves from the view of where we were and allow ourselves to be fooled into believing this is all that is possible. We can assume that this is the best we can do, unless we recieve additional knowledge and wisdom from outside of ourselves. Or that something or someone can suddenly make us greater.
But all of that is useless without the true potentiality of those gifts existing within us right now. All the power and talent that we could ever possess is the potential that already exists within us. And self-image can be subservient to that potential, if we choose, or it can be our despot.
By creating a better self-image in our minds, we create the conduit for those talents and powers to be released.
Seems like a "chicken and egg" paradox.
But once we see our potential as much greater than we could ever fully empower, then our self-image will naturally expand to reflect that potential..
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Should-Do List
While listening to "Good to Great", the subject of To-Do lists came up. Then the idea of a Stop-Doing list was proposed, a list of the things a company would Not do because it was not moving toward its core objective and core values.
I realized that I was having a similar challenge with my To-Do list.
As I am working, I suddenly remember something that is on my To-Do list, or it's something I want to add to my list, and I then think about it, ruminate over it, obsess about it, and get totally distracted from the task at hand. And so begins the chase.
But the rest of my To-Do list is not a Should-Do list. As a matter of fact, as long as my current task is serving my core values, objectives, and purpose, I know I can let go of the Should-Do list and feel good about where I am.
And that is the key to peace of mind and focus. Am I working on something that is progress to my purpose and core values? If not, it will create stress. If it is, I can rest in the knowledge that I am right where I need to be. A simple formula. Let's see how it works.
Yes, this blog is part of my purpose and core values. I feel good.
I realized that I was having a similar challenge with my To-Do list.
As I am working, I suddenly remember something that is on my To-Do list, or it's something I want to add to my list, and I then think about it, ruminate over it, obsess about it, and get totally distracted from the task at hand. And so begins the chase.
But the rest of my To-Do list is not a Should-Do list. As a matter of fact, as long as my current task is serving my core values, objectives, and purpose, I know I can let go of the Should-Do list and feel good about where I am.
And that is the key to peace of mind and focus. Am I working on something that is progress to my purpose and core values? If not, it will create stress. If it is, I can rest in the knowledge that I am right where I need to be. A simple formula. Let's see how it works.
Yes, this blog is part of my purpose and core values. I feel good.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
I'm on a Mission!
I’m on a mission!
I’m sure you say that all the time. At least, when you’re not figuring out how that next project/budget is going to get done.
I realized a long time ago that my mission is to do my part to make small group ministry a regular part of Unity churches. I know how much of a difference it made when I joined my first book Homestudy at New Thought Unity of Cincinnati. When those seven weeks were completed, I felt that I belonged. Since that day I have always conducted small groups and created book study programs. For more about these, click Here.
My mission has turned into my ministry:
Make it easy and accessible for every church to provide small group book studies.
I just finished reading Tribes by Seth Godin (I highly recommend), and he speaks of making the tribe more connected, tighter, stronger, before making it bigger. Actually, I think “passionate” is how “big” comes about. And people become passionate when they speak their own wisdom. Another author emphasizes, “Verbalization crystalizes ideas.” As enlightening as a talk or lesson can be, congregants don’t get the opportunity on Sundays to discover their own wisdom by speaking.
Tip of the day:
Make it Special.
In my last newsletter tip (Click here) I had talked about the events leading up to the beginning of the small group book study. Each step in the process creates more awareness and excitement about the program, making the “tribe” invested. They don’t want to be left out if the flow of information is relatively constant.
This is never more apparent than during registration for the three weeks prior to the start of the program.
For our first week of registration we had a special announcement from the platform that was a an invitation, an explaination, and a story with which they could connect. The reaction was fantastic: more than half of the openings were filled by the end of that Sunday.
This kind of focus is the best way to ensure that people are empowered and interested in the program. Continuing and building this intense focus will create the momentum for your successful small group book study.
The best way to have successful small group book studies at your church is to let the congregation know that, for these seven weeks, THIS is what the church is about.
A leader not only has a vision; a leader communicates that vision.
Feel free to reply to this email, check out my blog, my web site, or just give me a call. Let me know how I can serve you.
Peace & JOY
Larry Watson
I’m sure you say that all the time. At least, when you’re not figuring out how that next project/budget is going to get done.
I realized a long time ago that my mission is to do my part to make small group ministry a regular part of Unity churches. I know how much of a difference it made when I joined my first book Homestudy at New Thought Unity of Cincinnati. When those seven weeks were completed, I felt that I belonged. Since that day I have always conducted small groups and created book study programs. For more about these, click Here.
My mission has turned into my ministry:
Make it easy and accessible for every church to provide small group book studies.
I just finished reading Tribes by Seth Godin (I highly recommend), and he speaks of making the tribe more connected, tighter, stronger, before making it bigger. Actually, I think “passionate” is how “big” comes about. And people become passionate when they speak their own wisdom. Another author emphasizes, “Verbalization crystalizes ideas.” As enlightening as a talk or lesson can be, congregants don’t get the opportunity on Sundays to discover their own wisdom by speaking.
Tip of the day:
Make it Special.
In my last newsletter tip (Click here) I had talked about the events leading up to the beginning of the small group book study. Each step in the process creates more awareness and excitement about the program, making the “tribe” invested. They don’t want to be left out if the flow of information is relatively constant.
This is never more apparent than during registration for the three weeks prior to the start of the program.
For our first week of registration we had a special announcement from the platform that was a an invitation, an explaination, and a story with which they could connect. The reaction was fantastic: more than half of the openings were filled by the end of that Sunday.
This kind of focus is the best way to ensure that people are empowered and interested in the program. Continuing and building this intense focus will create the momentum for your successful small group book study.
The best way to have successful small group book studies at your church is to let the congregation know that, for these seven weeks, THIS is what the church is about.
A leader not only has a vision; a leader communicates that vision.
Feel free to reply to this email, check out my blog, my web site, or just give me a call. Let me know how I can serve you.
Peace & JOY
Larry Watson
Saturday, January 23, 2010
My Illusion
How do you wake up in the morning? It's an interesting observation to see exactly what kind of mood in which I awake. I haven't figured out the determining factors that contribute to my mood; my level of joy or misery, my optimism or pessimism, my level of acceptance or judgment, or my ability to love and feel loved.
But when I can recognize a lousy mood, I have a choice to change that mood. It's a whole lot easier to wallow in it and allow it to control my activities, not to mention my attitude and joy. But it takes consciousness to recognize it and realize that I have a choice.
When I practice my inner cheerleader, I can tell you, I feel kinda silly. I say, "Do you really think that's going to make a difference?" "I sound like that guy in that comedy sketch..." So be it.
Because it works! I simply say the words of what I AM BEING today, and the transformation begins. "I'm having a fabulous day today." It sounds pretty weak at first. With repetition it gains power and momentum. I add other statements of love, success, worthiness, and suddenly I am BOUNCING out of bed! Let me at it!
Cheesy. New Age-y. Silly.
Doesn't matter. It works. Works for me. Everyone's entitled to their illusions.
Peace & JOY
Larry
But when I can recognize a lousy mood, I have a choice to change that mood. It's a whole lot easier to wallow in it and allow it to control my activities, not to mention my attitude and joy. But it takes consciousness to recognize it and realize that I have a choice.
When I practice my inner cheerleader, I can tell you, I feel kinda silly. I say, "Do you really think that's going to make a difference?" "I sound like that guy in that comedy sketch..." So be it.
Because it works! I simply say the words of what I AM BEING today, and the transformation begins. "I'm having a fabulous day today." It sounds pretty weak at first. With repetition it gains power and momentum. I add other statements of love, success, worthiness, and suddenly I am BOUNCING out of bed! Let me at it!
Cheesy. New Age-y. Silly.
Doesn't matter. It works. Works for me. Everyone's entitled to their illusions.
Peace & JOY
Larry
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Small Group Intensives in Corporate Culture Shift
Working with Inspiring Connection would be a powerful tool for you to create a truly comprehensive culture shift at all levels of the company in addition to a company's prime movers that a consultant leads and.
All too frequently, attempts at culture shift falls to the wayside when there is resistance from the employees who were not initially engaged in the discussion and training. If they are not invested, they are less likely to act. This could result in minimal impact on the client company in the long run, and the culture shift is sometimes abandoned. Inspiring Connection can engage all levels of a company to empower and embrace the program, resulting in;
- 90% reduction in the time required for company wide buy-in: Typical company culture shift takes 3 years from the time of the consultant training through “trickle down” methods. Inspiring Connection creates corporate inteligence in 2 months.
- 80% to 95% cost savings over traditional training and development methods (for mid-level and front line staff) by focusing the training on level C executives, and using Small Group Intensives for the balance of the company.
- Develop peer respect and inter-departmental trust – team building through common purpose and wisdom sharing.
- 100% accuracy of information dissemination (nothing is lost in the translation from top down): By using the original training material for all participants, the burden of accurate information is released from the executive level.
- 100% active participation and engagement for all relevant employees in concepts and practices: hands-on implementation of the materials and real-time feedback engage all employees.
- Create a common knowledge base for all employees: common language gets everyone on the same page, with the least amount of effort.
I am very passionate about the programs that I create and the impact they have on a community. I believe in the power and wisdom that people find in speaking their own wisdom, and the connection and respect they develop hearing their colleagues.
Larry Watson
www.InspiringConnection.com
Send email here for newsletter subscription.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)