"If you accept a limiting belief, then it will become a truth for you."-- Louise Hay
If I am thinking that I have limits, that is pretty stressful for me...I do not feel free to experiment, express, try something new, or push past my apparent boundaries...or get out of my comfort zone. That just feels icky even writing it...so, let's look at this.
What are other words for "limiting beliefs"? How about these: "I can't; I am not good enough; I couldn't possibility; I don't have that talent....and on and on. Again, it doesn't not feel good to even think that way. But if I did, I could re-think it...and get a new feeling, like "I am free to be me!"
My truth is freedom...and it is not stressful for me, it is liberating...it is stressful to start making a list of what I can't do...true or not true. So, when I hear any voice inside me or my words outside of me saying anything like "I can't"..maybe I don't want to, but I have a choice...that is different energy and diminishes the stress. Choice always feels good...especially when I am clear about what's important top me and what I value.
So, what I know for you is that choice is your Truth...and allows you to live without limits.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
The Life Force Within You
There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.--Martha Graham
Another way to look at stress is to think of "it" as a "force"...it is your power building up inside of you waiting to be expressed - preferably in a good way and for the highest good of all. That life force within each and every one of us needs expression...needs to fufill itself..and it is unique to you - we all have a special gift to share with the world. So, why do we hold it back?
What is the fear? That we will not be accepted? That we will disappoint someone? That the gift is not good enough? That we are unsure of what things will happen if we give the gift of ourselves?
I am not sure for you, but I still have my "reasons:" at different times for not sharing my gift...and that force "stresses" me because I don't let it out. I am exploring those reasons..how about you?
I don't want to lose any moments in my life - I chose to express more fully, more and more every day. Rev. Mel
Another way to look at stress is to think of "it" as a "force"...it is your power building up inside of you waiting to be expressed - preferably in a good way and for the highest good of all. That life force within each and every one of us needs expression...needs to fufill itself..and it is unique to you - we all have a special gift to share with the world. So, why do we hold it back?
What is the fear? That we will not be accepted? That we will disappoint someone? That the gift is not good enough? That we are unsure of what things will happen if we give the gift of ourselves?
I am not sure for you, but I still have my "reasons:" at different times for not sharing my gift...and that force "stresses" me because I don't let it out. I am exploring those reasons..how about you?
I don't want to lose any moments in my life - I chose to express more fully, more and more every day. Rev. Mel
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Doing it Better in 2010
Many of us know that we can be better than in 2009...we are now a better version of ourselves...but why? What have we learned? I think learning reduces the stress of "not knowing"...
A colleague of mine, Dr. David Ault, and his blog can give us some clues:
http://drdavidault.blogspot.com/
Did I forgive this year - really forgive? The kind of forgiveness that cracks open my heart, peeling away one more layer of righteous indignation, thus allowing my soul to breathe? The kind of forgiveness that loosens my clinched fists held high at a situation so that I don't enter into the next one with guarded mistrust? The kind of forgiveness that comprehends there is a difference between understanding a behavioral choice and condoning it? If not, then I resolve to be and do better in my forgiving.
Did I stop this year - really stop? The kind of stopping that can't help but make me vulnerable by becoming more familiar with who I am without distraction, smoke screens, excuses or self-imposed numbing? The kind of stopping that turns me, naked, towards my feelings, giving them permission to express? No right or wrong - a stopping that simply lets me hear what I need to hear so that I can live more effectively? If not, then I resolve to be and do better in allowing myself to stop.
Did I seek adventure this year - real adventure? The kind of adventure that requires me to not only take a leap of faith off my cliff of familiarity but actually sends me back to get a running start? The kind of adventure that shakes the dust off my capable but underused wings and gives them an opportunity to catch the gorgeous wind of change? The kind of adventure that knows there is no outside safety net in this physical world, only an internal one? The kind of adventure that shouts, "I choose to live fully!" If not, then I resolve to be and do better in seeking adventure.
Did I seek wellness this year - real wellness? The kind of wellness that requires me to be fully conscious of what I put in my body - the kind of wellness that requires me to practice what I preach when it comes to self-love while understanding that the power to dissolve poor habits starts by simply choosing to change? Wellness that says, "This is the only body you've got. Treat me with respect, praise me daily and honor me as the holy temple that I am?" If not, then I resolve to be and do better in allowing wellness in my life.
Did I play this year - really play? The kind of play that gives value to the heavenly activity of fun - knowing that fun is sacred, that play is the equivalent of work and that during play - renewal and relaxation usher in the newest ideas and the clearest choices for better manifestations? Did I view play as a necessary life function and not a debatable luxury? If not, then I resolve to be and do better in my relationship to playing.
Did I set a goal and see it to completion this year - really complete it? The kind of completion that lets the vibration of satisfaction and confidence in my abilities heal any opposing ideas of not being good enough? Did I honor my life and its sacred purpose by utilizing my time with forward thinking and letting my mistakes be motivators not antagonists? Did I dissolve my insecurities and procrastination by understanding that my untapped genius has but one mode of expression and that is through idea, thought, word and action? If not, then I resolve to be and do better in setting and completing my goals.
Did I open myself up to learn this year - really learn? The kind of learning that entices me to enroll in being a student of life with thirst and enthusiasm? Did I set an intention for uncovering more of my potential, letting divine intellect eat from my plate and stepping deeper into the waters of wisdom? Did I open a book, take a class, study a language, learn an instrument, write a poem, visit another culture? Did I learn to surprise and thrill myself with the infinite capacity I have to master more than I thought I could? If not, then I resolve to be and do better on my personal path of learning.
Did I clean up my relationships this year - really clean them up? The kind of cleaning that requires me to break open the lock, pull back the curtain, throw open the window and start removing the dust of harsh words, grudges, false accusations and misguided choices that have layered my heart? Did I make amends for the fearful ways that disheartened another, for neglecting to honor their point of view? With careful examination, did I communicate my truth, understanding that sometimes all we may be able to do is agree to disagree and to do so without judgement or malice? If not, then I resolve to be and do better on cleaning up my relationships.
Did I share my good this year - really share? The kind of sharing that comes from the pure joy of seeing another succeed, not from what I think they can or will do for me in return? Did I tithe back to where I was spiritually fed, transformed and inspired? Did I practice random acts of kindness and give of my time, talent, and treasure realizing that my good is a part of a never-ending wellspring that cannot run dry -whose source is and always will be the infinite wellspring of the Divine? Did I commit to walking the altruistic path, remembering that every step brings healing and enlightenment to the world? If not, then I resolve to be and do better in my sharing.
Did I pray this year - really pray? The kind of prayer that is spoken not to God but AS God - prayers that affirm rather than beseech, are pregnant with knowing rather than bloated with doubt? Did I make my every day activities a prayer - realizing that every thought I think carries with it the responsibility of an effect on the world? Did I remember how truly powerful my own prayer actually is and that by simply devoting myself to the practice of it, I become the change? Did I remember that my prayer takes what I seek and introduces it to me, the seeker? If not, then I resolve to be and do better with praying.
Did I do all these things because deep down inside I fully understand how precious I am and that each of these sacred practices reminds me how I'm held in the light as a perfect idea? Did I remember that I have been perfectly conceived and am always held in the perfect mind of God as perfect being? Did I know that there is nothing that I can ever say, nothing I can ever do that will separate me from the love of God? If for any reason, I forgot my divinity this year, then I resolve to be and do better in my knowing of it, to fully understand and embody the truth that it is done unto me as I believe. And I believe in the power of Good, for me, for you, for all.
©2004 David Ault
I know that for me, knowing that I can improved reduces my stress, it has a way of erasing what has been and leads me to what can be...a great intention for 201! Happy new year! Rev. Mel
A colleague of mine, Dr. David Ault, and his blog can give us some clues:
http://drdavidault.blogspot.com/
Did I forgive this year - really forgive? The kind of forgiveness that cracks open my heart, peeling away one more layer of righteous indignation, thus allowing my soul to breathe? The kind of forgiveness that loosens my clinched fists held high at a situation so that I don't enter into the next one with guarded mistrust? The kind of forgiveness that comprehends there is a difference between understanding a behavioral choice and condoning it? If not, then I resolve to be and do better in my forgiving.
Did I stop this year - really stop? The kind of stopping that can't help but make me vulnerable by becoming more familiar with who I am without distraction, smoke screens, excuses or self-imposed numbing? The kind of stopping that turns me, naked, towards my feelings, giving them permission to express? No right or wrong - a stopping that simply lets me hear what I need to hear so that I can live more effectively? If not, then I resolve to be and do better in allowing myself to stop.
Did I seek adventure this year - real adventure? The kind of adventure that requires me to not only take a leap of faith off my cliff of familiarity but actually sends me back to get a running start? The kind of adventure that shakes the dust off my capable but underused wings and gives them an opportunity to catch the gorgeous wind of change? The kind of adventure that knows there is no outside safety net in this physical world, only an internal one? The kind of adventure that shouts, "I choose to live fully!" If not, then I resolve to be and do better in seeking adventure.
Did I seek wellness this year - real wellness? The kind of wellness that requires me to be fully conscious of what I put in my body - the kind of wellness that requires me to practice what I preach when it comes to self-love while understanding that the power to dissolve poor habits starts by simply choosing to change? Wellness that says, "This is the only body you've got. Treat me with respect, praise me daily and honor me as the holy temple that I am?" If not, then I resolve to be and do better in allowing wellness in my life.
Did I play this year - really play? The kind of play that gives value to the heavenly activity of fun - knowing that fun is sacred, that play is the equivalent of work and that during play - renewal and relaxation usher in the newest ideas and the clearest choices for better manifestations? Did I view play as a necessary life function and not a debatable luxury? If not, then I resolve to be and do better in my relationship to playing.
Did I set a goal and see it to completion this year - really complete it? The kind of completion that lets the vibration of satisfaction and confidence in my abilities heal any opposing ideas of not being good enough? Did I honor my life and its sacred purpose by utilizing my time with forward thinking and letting my mistakes be motivators not antagonists? Did I dissolve my insecurities and procrastination by understanding that my untapped genius has but one mode of expression and that is through idea, thought, word and action? If not, then I resolve to be and do better in setting and completing my goals.
Did I open myself up to learn this year - really learn? The kind of learning that entices me to enroll in being a student of life with thirst and enthusiasm? Did I set an intention for uncovering more of my potential, letting divine intellect eat from my plate and stepping deeper into the waters of wisdom? Did I open a book, take a class, study a language, learn an instrument, write a poem, visit another culture? Did I learn to surprise and thrill myself with the infinite capacity I have to master more than I thought I could? If not, then I resolve to be and do better on my personal path of learning.
Did I clean up my relationships this year - really clean them up? The kind of cleaning that requires me to break open the lock, pull back the curtain, throw open the window and start removing the dust of harsh words, grudges, false accusations and misguided choices that have layered my heart? Did I make amends for the fearful ways that disheartened another, for neglecting to honor their point of view? With careful examination, did I communicate my truth, understanding that sometimes all we may be able to do is agree to disagree and to do so without judgement or malice? If not, then I resolve to be and do better on cleaning up my relationships.
Did I share my good this year - really share? The kind of sharing that comes from the pure joy of seeing another succeed, not from what I think they can or will do for me in return? Did I tithe back to where I was spiritually fed, transformed and inspired? Did I practice random acts of kindness and give of my time, talent, and treasure realizing that my good is a part of a never-ending wellspring that cannot run dry -whose source is and always will be the infinite wellspring of the Divine? Did I commit to walking the altruistic path, remembering that every step brings healing and enlightenment to the world? If not, then I resolve to be and do better in my sharing.
Did I pray this year - really pray? The kind of prayer that is spoken not to God but AS God - prayers that affirm rather than beseech, are pregnant with knowing rather than bloated with doubt? Did I make my every day activities a prayer - realizing that every thought I think carries with it the responsibility of an effect on the world? Did I remember how truly powerful my own prayer actually is and that by simply devoting myself to the practice of it, I become the change? Did I remember that my prayer takes what I seek and introduces it to me, the seeker? If not, then I resolve to be and do better with praying.
Did I do all these things because deep down inside I fully understand how precious I am and that each of these sacred practices reminds me how I'm held in the light as a perfect idea? Did I remember that I have been perfectly conceived and am always held in the perfect mind of God as perfect being? Did I know that there is nothing that I can ever say, nothing I can ever do that will separate me from the love of God? If for any reason, I forgot my divinity this year, then I resolve to be and do better in my knowing of it, to fully understand and embody the truth that it is done unto me as I believe. And I believe in the power of Good, for me, for you, for all.
©2004 David Ault
I know that for me, knowing that I can improved reduces my stress, it has a way of erasing what has been and leads me to what can be...a great intention for 201! Happy new year! Rev. Mel
Monday, December 21, 2009
Compassion to Relieve Stress
We all want to relax over the Holidays...and one of the best gifts you can give yourself, is compassion...it will relieve stress because to can unchain your heart from the ropes of frustration and anger...here is the process:
1. Step 1: “Just like me, this person is seeking happiness in his/her life.”
2. Step 2: “Just like me, this person is trying to avoid suffering in his/her life.”
3. Step 3: “Just like me, this person has known sadness, loneliness and despair.”
4. Step 4: “Just like me, this person is seeking to fill his/her needs.”
5. Step 5: “Just like me, this person is learning about life.”
It is all perspective, you know? Be like the hawk in the native tradition and see the bigger picture...happy holidays!
1. Step 1: “Just like me, this person is seeking happiness in his/her life.”
2. Step 2: “Just like me, this person is trying to avoid suffering in his/her life.”
3. Step 3: “Just like me, this person has known sadness, loneliness and despair.”
4. Step 4: “Just like me, this person is seeking to fill his/her needs.”
5. Step 5: “Just like me, this person is learning about life.”
It is all perspective, you know? Be like the hawk in the native tradition and see the bigger picture...happy holidays!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
What Don't I Know Here?
Understanding is the ultimate seduction of the mind.-- Stephen Levine
I have always loved this quote…I think being compassionate in this holiday season means that we see with new eyes-pretend that we don’t know - and look again, for the first time-“what don’t I know here?” (my answer is usually "ALOT")
I helped push a guy’s car out of the snow yesterday at UNR…though it looked as though he was ok and did not need help…I then looked again, and guess what? He did and he even made eye contact with me and we connected…I felt good that I took a second look…it was nice to be able to assist, many have done it for me in the past, I am just paying it forward.
Being open and looking to learn can be a very peaceful activity as we look to make sense of the world. Thinking that we know "enough" closes us off to learning more and seeing the bigger picture - a great way to relieve stress...what will you learn about in this holiday season?
Sunday, November 22, 2009
A Stress-Buster! Good Ole' Gratitude
"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." --Melody Beattie
Melody's thought has always been one of my favorite quotes about giving thanks. Today, begins a VERY special week...it is time to get things in perspective. Yes, I see all the stats - unemployment, stock prices, the lines for food, the homeless - I see and hear the pain. I have heard it from people like never before, YET, I know that for me to keep my consciousness high, I re-gain my perspective from gratitude, and it gives me a new look.
I think about about the wonderful experiences I have had in my life that support me - my family upbringing - my parents and how much freedom to learn and explore that I was given. I know my teachers were all perfect - all along the way - grade school and high school - but all the others. My workplaces, my friends, the people who hurt me, those who love me, my dogs, my homes, my vacations, those who come to my classes and teach me....the people I am blessed with in my life today - my partner, Sandy...there is sooooo much and it is what I remind myself this week...
What do I need (vs. want)? I need to know that I am alright, right now...with who I am, what I have, and where I believe I serve this world the best. It is my best live. I am grateful.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and all of your blessings today! Look at them all with your heart and feel it - your heart knows that you are ok.
Melody's thought has always been one of my favorite quotes about giving thanks. Today, begins a VERY special week...it is time to get things in perspective. Yes, I see all the stats - unemployment, stock prices, the lines for food, the homeless - I see and hear the pain. I have heard it from people like never before, YET, I know that for me to keep my consciousness high, I re-gain my perspective from gratitude, and it gives me a new look.
I think about about the wonderful experiences I have had in my life that support me - my family upbringing - my parents and how much freedom to learn and explore that I was given. I know my teachers were all perfect - all along the way - grade school and high school - but all the others. My workplaces, my friends, the people who hurt me, those who love me, my dogs, my homes, my vacations, those who come to my classes and teach me....the people I am blessed with in my life today - my partner, Sandy...there is sooooo much and it is what I remind myself this week...
What do I need (vs. want)? I need to know that I am alright, right now...with who I am, what I have, and where I believe I serve this world the best. It is my best live. I am grateful.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and all of your blessings today! Look at them all with your heart and feel it - your heart knows that you are ok.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Turning Toward the Sun
"Turn your face to the sun, and the shadows will fall behind you."--unknown
As the clocks get turned back for the season...and daylight hours wane, it might become easy to not see the light that is always around us, surrounding us, in us, in others, and in our life.
Yet, in the infinite world in which we live, the sun is always here, there, and everywhere, if we are open enough to see it. It does mean that we have to take back our focus from the "dark", and re-focus on the light in our lives. It means deattaching ourselves from the hypnosis of the dark thing to looking at "what's right". Yes, lift off from the velco thing that seems to have a hold on us, and re-attach our attention to the light.
The good news is that when we do that, we re-energize from something that is draining us of our energy to focus on the life enhancing goodness we can experience from what's right. Chronic stress occurs when we cannot detach what our worries...regardless of their logic or possibility. But when we can have the mental resilience to pull away from those things, face the sun, those dark things will no longer control our energy, our life, our perceptions, and our world....and the shadows will fall behind us....just like when we moved the clocks back.
As the clocks get turned back for the season...and daylight hours wane, it might become easy to not see the light that is always around us, surrounding us, in us, in others, and in our life.
Yet, in the infinite world in which we live, the sun is always here, there, and everywhere, if we are open enough to see it. It does mean that we have to take back our focus from the "dark", and re-focus on the light in our lives. It means deattaching ourselves from the hypnosis of the dark thing to looking at "what's right". Yes, lift off from the velco thing that seems to have a hold on us, and re-attach our attention to the light.
The good news is that when we do that, we re-energize from something that is draining us of our energy to focus on the life enhancing goodness we can experience from what's right. Chronic stress occurs when we cannot detach what our worries...regardless of their logic or possibility. But when we can have the mental resilience to pull away from those things, face the sun, those dark things will no longer control our energy, our life, our perceptions, and our world....and the shadows will fall behind us....just like when we moved the clocks back.
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