Mind: Teacher, Creature or Companion?

"It's mind over matter." "Do you mind?" "Make up your mind!" "Oh, never mind..." Just think about how frequently "mind" enters our daily conversations. Our minds are an integral part of our three-part being: Mind, Body and Spirit. We often associate mind with our head, thought, and logic. But despite the form in which we imagine our minds to take, let's take a closer look at a few of the different roles our minds play. You mind?

The mind is an amazing and complex teacher. It re-minds us when we’ve forgotten facts or figures and helps us through a challenging intellectual conundrum, whether it’s an academic test or the birthdays of our family members. It causes us to think when we need to make a decision, and uses our previous experiences as a references in order to make a sound decision. It keeps a record of everything we’ve ever thought, said, and done, giving us the gift of contrast (“been there; done that”). It sends us signals that something might be awry and we need to pay attention to it. It is the reflective and supportive adviser – helping us weigh the pros and cons from changing our internet service provider to changing our views about the importance of diet and exercise. It’s with us every day, every hour, every minute, and doesn’t like to be shut off. But once in a while it will allow us to be out of it – maybe for a minute, an hour, or a day – and then when we reunite it's like plugging back in and booting-up.

The mind is an amazing and complex creature. It creeps around and waits for the opportunity to jump out and scare us, or when we’re not looking it sneaks over and steals the cookie off our plate. It walks around with a mirror and tries to make us look into it so it can tease and ridicule us about our appearance, our attitudes, or our behaviors. It is the constant critic carrying around a big fat history book of everything we’ve ever thought, said, and done – and then takes those ideas, words, and actions - twists them, misinterprets them, and uses them against us like a court of law where we are guilty until proven innocent. It has a pocket voice recorder and plays back every negative word that every person has said to us that “sticks” like those little thorn bristles we get all over our socks when we run through a dry field (damn things are always hard to pull off and they poke you. Ouch!) It keeps us up at night, wakes us up with a headache in the morning, and just won’t stop running. And we’re tired of chasing it. Sometimes we’d rather be without it. It controls our manners when we’ve been scolded and is told to "never be” when something has been disregarded. It makes us feel crazy and out of control. It causes us to spiral downward.

The mind is an amazing and complex companion. It is there when we need to remember where we parked the car in the stadium parking lot, or re-minds us who we really are if we forget. It’s there to provide a history of everything we’ve ever thought, said, and done, and re-minds us about our progress and how far we’ve come. It plays back the recordings of anyone who’s ever thanked us, praised us, or shouted our name as we raced toward the finish line. It allows us to take a moment to pause and reflect upon a fond memory triggered by a beautiful song or the smell of fresh-baked cookies. It’s there to help us stay calm amidst a crisis, or speak a kind word to a friend in need. It’s our constant friend, confidant, and partner. And it always answers when we call. It’s there to motivate, encourage, and inspire us, and becomes the coach urging us to hang in there and just keep swimming. It reminds us that it’s okay to make mistakes, and it forgives us every time – no exception. It loves and accepts us as we are. It is our best friend and our family. It holds us when we are alone and reminds us that everything will be okay.

Question: Is your mind the Teacher, Creature or Companion today? Depending on the situation it could be one, two, or all three – but the most important fact is that it’s our choice. We are not a part of our minds; our minds are a part of us. And we have been given the power to choose how our minds work for and with us. When our minds are working for us in a positive and supportive way, we can better connect with our bodies and spirits to bring more alignment and consistency to our lives. That’s the secret to finding more balance!

Today, become aware of your thoughts, the role of your mind, and remember you have the power of choice. Then, choose wisely… for it is, truly, “all in your mind”.

Namaste,

The Ambassador

It Begins With You

Relationships are one of the most important aspects of our lives. Our relationships help us define who we are and who we strive to become. They mirror our strongest feelings about ourselves and show us where we need to grow. Therefore, the first, and most important, relationship we need to develop is with ourselves. All other relationships - family, friends, coworkers, romantic partners - stem from this self love.

True love for oneself comes with the acceptance that all we have experienced and currently are experiencing is a necessary part of our own personal evolution. It also comes from a constant commitment to healing and repairing those parts of our lives where there is still pain, anger, or lack of resolution - which are all based in fear. The purpose of fear is to remind us where we need to place focus in our lives. Feelings such as self-doubt and impatience are clear indicators that we are having a difficult time balancing our priorities with our intentions, and the first person we will blame for that is ourselves. And that is painful. We blame ourselves for "not doing it right", for missing out on a great opportunity, or for repeating the same mistakes. Although these feelings appear to be legitimate they are based in our fears and we may feel powerless to change them.

Fortunately, a key to assist us through these feelings is surrender. Not surrender in the form of quitting, but surrender as a means of releasing our need to: 1) control everything that is happening to us; and 2) releasing our need to know what is going to happen next. In other words, staying present. Being truly present is, in itself, an enormous task especially when we are busy. But being present opens us to the feelings of love and acceptance.

Another support is that we have two helping hands - trust and faith. And the most powerful forms of those two amazing allies - trust and faith in ourselves. Trust in yourself says, "There's nothing I have to have, nothing I have to do, and nothing I have to be, except exactly what I'm being right now." (compliments of Neale Donald Walsch in Conversations with God). We can only expect ourselves to show up each day, take things as they come, and do the best with the knowledge and information that we've been given. Loving yourself releases you from doing or being anything other what who and what you are right now. The rest of life is just "what it is". Faith says, "I was made for a purpose and that purpose is being fulfilled in every moment of my being." This state of being provides the basis for patience - the ability to know that we are in alignment with all that we are requesting in every moment whether it shows up right away or not. There is a divine timing to all things and our trust and faith allows us to accept that reality with gratitude.

Remembering we are divine beings and believing we are perfectly aligned with our purpose in each and every moment - even when the moment may be challenging - gives us the opportunity to be in alignment - to breathe, relax, and center ourselves. When we are in alignment, the miracles we’ve personally requested will come to us. Then we will feel our own personal power. Then God and the Universe can work with and through us. Then, and only then, can we experience true self love.

Namaste,

The Ambassador

Hibernation

"There's nothing I have to have, there's nothing I have to do, and there's nothing I have to be, except exactly what I'm being right now."

Conversations With God, Book Three - Neale Donald Walsch

In The Zone

"Wow – what an amazing film!” My first words after seeing the powerful and visually stunning film, Avatar, in 3D. The movie was so powerful on many levels—working through physical, emotional and spiritual planes. I was totally engaged. In fact, it took me about 30 minutes to come back to my “reality”.

That feeling of engagement is when you are connected to the energy inside you—the feeling of being fully present and balanced... whether induced by a film, book, or even just a conversation with a good friend or loved one. When you are engaged you are immersed. Being in this state is often termed concentration, but it can also be considered bliss, flow, or what is commonly referred to as being “in the zone”. You do it all the time, but you probably didn’t consciously realize it.

Now you can choose to be engaged in negative or positive energy. Connecting with negative feelings will bring more negative energy, so rather than ignore negative things simply acknowledge them but refuse to play. Avoid negativity by turning your focus to those things (and people!) that are positive and nourishing. Keep your zone clear!

So let’s focus on positive zones. What types are there? If you happen to be drawing, painting, writing, or building something you might be in the Creative Zone. So what about some of the others?

·       Cleaning Zone: How many times do you get the inspiration to clean and suddenly find yourself cleaning a closet, rearranging an entire room, or scrubbing the crusted food off your stovetop? It may help you to be inspired by playing your favorite music or wearing your favorite shirt, but you are definitely engaged in the activity. Suddenly, cleaning is fun and you’re being productive at the same time. Bonus!

·       Reading Zone: You happen to pick up a book, magazine, or newspaper, and you are suddenly drawn into the story or articles. You can feel the emotions, identify with the people/characters, and almost feel the environment surrounding the events of which you are reading. The words seem to transform your current state of consciousness and you "lose yourself". This temporary escape can be fascinating and help you to take a much-needed break. Try it!

·       Spiritual Zone: Often referred to as a state of meditation or deep relaxation, you can detach from your physical and mental forms (body & mind) in order to reconnect with your soul (spirit). In this zone ideas come and go freely, and there is no judgment—it’s all good. With practice it’s quite easy to enter this zone through Deep Breathing, Yoga, Tai Chi, Rebirthing, Guided Meditation, Hypnosis, or Bodywork (including massage, Reiki, and healing touch). Being in the spiritual zone helps put your energy back into alignment, and alignment assist you with your passion and purpose.

·       Physical Zone: Have you ever been completely unmotivated to perform a certain task (i.e., mow the lawn), but once you got off your rear, started moving, and “just did it” you realized your body’s natural energy started to increase? As your blood warms your muscles you naturally begin to emit more energy and you start becoming “energized”. Pretty soon you have forgotten about everything except for mowing that lawn! It’s awesome. Exercise also induces this state of flow, especially when you add your favorite music :o) Remember: when you respond to your body, your body responds to you.

·       Musical Zone: Have you ever been swept away by tranquil classical music or instantly transported back in time by listening to a song? Then you've experience the Musical Zone. Music connects with the spiritual energy inside us and helps to create whatever feeling you need at the moment. In fact, melody and words can transform your mood and take you to a "different" place. It's very powerful.

Now there are other zones but my point is that entering into the zone—any zone—can stimulate your creativity, energize you, and refuel your tank. The most important thing is to get in the zone! Allow yourself to be immersed and feel the positive charge it can bring. And, above all else, have FUN.

Make it a great day,

The Ambassador

Goals or Intentions - What's the Difference?

At the beginning of each new year I always take time to sit down and list my goals for the upcoming year. These goals usually include a mix of career, personal, and family items - and they all contain an "amount" of some sort along with a time frame within which I want to accomplish the goal. For example, one of my goals for 2010 is to eliminate my personal inventory by 50% (reduce, reuse, recycle) by June 1st. This goal will help me follow my own advice and get organized, and by setting this goal with a specific date suddenly makes it measurable. You can do this, too! It's a great way to know what to focus on for the upcoming year.

Now, goal setting was the perfect activity for my mind, but once I had completed my "10 Goals for 2010", my spirit wanted to follow that action by creating intentions. What's the difference? I'm glad you asked. While my favorite web site, Dictionary.com, defines a goal as, "The purpose toward which an endeavor is directed; an objective," intention is defined as, "the end or object intended; purpose." The mind creates an objective; the spirit creates a purpose. Similar, yet unique in their own ways. For example, one of my intentions for 2010 is that I will create more deep and meaningful relationships with others - old friends and new ones. I then added more detail to my intention by describing the types of relationships I want to create and what the result will be from those relationships, but not so much in chronological time (like my goals), but in spiritual time (when they manifest). Plus, at the end of each intention I add, "...this or something better," reminding me that my intentions are adding to the creative momentum that my life takes which could very well lead me to even better things! So it goes.

Another important aspect of setting intentions is to make them for yourself. Whereas goals may include the cooperation and support of others to reach, intentions are "intended" to be for your own growth and development - they cause a change internally. By paying attention to your inner self you make the important personal investment in your own growth and development. Let others be free to create for themselves!

So why did I find it so important to perform both goal and intention-setting activities this year? Because I am practicing the art of the balance factor - engaging my mind, body and my spirit - allowing me to access my deepest truths and assist me in making the best (and highest) possible choices. It's a wonderful growing experience and I always learn more by trying new things!

This week, try setting goals and intentions for yourself in 2010 and make this year a time of transformation, resolution and creative manifestation. Why not? It all begins with you.

Be Well,

The Ambassador

Peace on Earth

Let there be peace on earth,
and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth,
the peace that was meant to be.

With God as our Father,
brothers *(and sisters) all are we,
Let me walk with my *(family),
in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me,
let this be the moment now.
With every step I take,
let this be my solemn vow,

To take each moment and live each moment
in peace, eternally.
Let there be peace on earth,
and let it begin with me.

Words by Jill Jackson & Sy Miller, circa 1955
* (modified by Michael, circa 2007 :o)

What It Is

Visiting Hawaii again last week helped me put a lot of things back into alignment in my life. I find that each time I am in a place of quiet and beauty with less distractions I turn down the volume on the outside of my life and turn the volume up on the inside. Helpful, indeed!

As I pondered on many aspects of my life I did a lot of writing. One of the main reasons which I love to observe, study and write about balance is because there are so many times in my life where the concept of balance is so discoverable - it shows itself to me in my daily attitudes, actions and words. So one day I decided to write more about what it means to truly be in balance (or in "alignment") with the energy or rhythm of life. Indulge me for a moment as I share with you my perspective about this particular topic from my journaling:

Everything is and always is exactly as it should be. There are no wrong moments. All that exists “behind the scenes” of our every day dramas is well and balanced at all times. What is perceived as being “out of balance” is only when you are out of alignment with the flow (of all that is). There is a constant stream of energy always flowing, you are just not always tapped into it; thus, when you experience this disconnect you’ll find it difficult to maintain balance. The discrepancy between being in the flow and being out of it creates conflict. Fear pushes us out of the stream whereas love can pull us back in.

Relationships also push you out or pull you back into the stream. You will truly be amazed when you finally understand the influence that others have on your sense of balance. Choose wisely where you direct your energies for wherever you choose to pay attention (people, places, and events), your energy goes. Those sources which can give back to you or reflect your own positive energy will serve you whereas those which drain you will not. Believing you can alter or manipulate this process is futile for it is already the course of nature; it is already in motion. Therefore, relationships in which you believe you can truly alter events by your own actions will most likely fail. If you believe you can change somebody else’s behavior, you will learn that it is not possible. You can influence others, but you cannot change them—they, like you, choose to change themselves. You can choose to be a positive influence by acting in kind, but you cannot influence anyone positively if you are not acting in the same energy. Giving is also receiving and vice-versa; we are all connected.

The gift of patience is allowance. If you are truly connected to the flow of all that is, you will allow everything and everyone to be as it is or who they are without resistance. True allowance does not have judgment—either you are in a spirit of acceptance or you are not. Choosing to accept what “is” keeps you in alignment whereas judgment pushes you out, for judgment stems from fear. Love, the opposite of fear, joins; fear divides. This doesn’t mean that you cannot help to influence people and events to bring about a more favorable outcome, but in the end you still need to learn how to accept everything as it is and everyone as they are—this is the key to maintaining internal balance. If you can maintain even keel on the inside it will be reflected on the outside of your life as well.

Happy Holidays!

The Ambassador