Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Winter - by Walter de la Mare


Clouded with snow
The cold winds blow,
And shrill on leafless bough
The robin with its burning breast
Alone sings now.

The rayless sun,
Day's journey done,
Sheds its last ebbing light
On fields in leagues of beauty spread
Unearthly white.

Thick draws the dark,
And spark by spark,
The frost-fires kindle, and soon
Over that sea of frozen foam
Floats the white moon. 
 
Happy Holidays.
  

Monday, December 6, 2010

In The Zone? How Do You Know?

As we approach the end of 2010 I've started to reflect upon the events of the past year and take time to ponder how often I felt in alignment - you know, those periods where I was "in the Zone"... feeling happy, centered, balanced, and high on life. Throughout the year I'd experienced times of great joy, but also a few speed bumps along the road. Moments when I wasn't feeling so happy - times where I was out of alignment - are quite easy to recall. It's not difficult to know when you're not feeling good. It's painful. In hindsight, however, many of those moments have turned out to be the best opportunities for insight and learning.

So what about the happy moments? How do I recognize when I am in the Zone? I pondered that question until I realized that my best moments were when I was paying attention to the results of my attitude. It was all in the feedback - those times when my positive attitude and cheerful disposition were affecting people and circumstances around me. The energy of my well-being was causing a rippling effect in my immediate environment and (what I used to consider) "unusual" things would begin to occur. "Unusual?" you say? Indeed. Well, at least at a point in my experience where these events still appeared unusual, but that was because I hadn't been paying attention long enough to notice the effects of my attitude before.

With that in mind, here is my list of "Top Ten Ways To Know That You're In The Zone"... er, well, that I'm in the Zone, but perhaps these insights will resonate with you as well:
  1. Time is Fluid
    Remember moments when you feel like time is standing still? An "eternal moment"? Or perhaps you were hanging out with a good friend, on a vacation, or playing with your cousin as a child, and you suddenly realized three days had passed?! Suddenly the clock is meaningless. Chronological time is skewed. Why is that? Because you were in a state of flow. You were in the Zone.

  2. Music Matches Your Mood
    You're listening to the radio or your iPod and one of your favorite songs starts playing, but suddenly you hear more than just a melody - you hear the words in a way you didn't notice before. They seem to be about what you are experiencing. They are speaking to you. This is especially cool when a tune you've been singing for years suddenly contains a new message - a message just for you. You are given a reminder that song lyrics are poetry to music. Huzzah!

  3. You Become A Magnet
    Your vibration is strong. And everyone has a vibration that is unique and powerful. When you are in the Zone, feelings of happiness and joy will flow out of you like a radio broadcast sending waves of Goodwill to everyone and everything around you. Law of Attraction is responding to your frequency and delivers things in response to your feelings (by the way, this is always happening). If you pay attention to this process, you will remember that you are, truly, the creator of your reality.

  4. Things Come (and Go) Your Way
    When you are in the Zone and Law of Attraction is bringing you those things you want and desire, your day is full of green lights, friendly people, and parking spaces. Your continued feelings of happiness and joy create "like" responses. Like attracts like!

  5. Happiness Is Easy
    Being in the Zone is being happy. And being happy is the most important thing we can do to maintain our good health and good relationships. Happiness is a natural state of being. Being in the Zone is a natural and normal response to accepting and allowing things to be "as they are". Relax, breathe, and allow. Life is good.

  6. You're "Out of Your Mind"... and It Feels Nice
    Our minds are a useful tool for solving problems, analyzing information, recalling facts and figures, and making decisions. But true happiness doesn't come from thinking. When you're in the Zone, heart and soul are driving the car. Give your mind a well-deserved rest! Let it take a nap in the back seat for a while - you can always wake it up at the next pit stop (or not... :o)

  7. You Begin Within
    The creative process does not occur from the outside in (that is the "reactive" process... move the "c"). When you are in the Zone your motivation comes from within. Now you are using your energy to create your experience based on how you feel - and that is working from the inside out. And that is the essence of the creative process.

  8. Problems Become Opportunities
    Remember what it feels like when you're having a good day? "Oops, my pencil broke. But, hey look - now I have two!" When you're in the Zone, happiness takes over. What may previously been considered a problem is now an opportunity, challenge, or advantage. Either way, it's easily overcome. Remember: it all starts (and ends) with your attitude.

  9. Senses Are Heightened
    Remember the feeling of being in love? Suddenly everything is wonderful - food tastes better, music sounds clearer, colors appear richer and more pronounced. Being in the Zone can trigger the same responses of well-being that love does, for it is love which you are feeling - love that comes from connection to Source energy. Connecting with yourself is re-connecting to love within you - being in the/z "One".

  10. _________________________________________________
    (This space intentionally left blank)
    What is it for you? How do you notice when you're in the Zone? What do you choose to do/say/be/choose which keeps you happy, balanced and centered? Remember it always is, truly, your choice.

Putting yourself into a feeling of happiness and balance will always serve you. Choose to get in the Zone today and experience the benefits!

Happy Holidays.

The Ambassador