Changing Our Paradigms

According to my favorite web site, dictionary.com, a paradigm is, "an example serving as a model or a pattern". Our world is filled with many types of paradigms: social, cultural, and most importantly, personal, and these paradigms become the framework and filters through which we experience the world. Our personal paradigms form the foundations for our belief systems and whether we realize it or not we live our lives according to the paradigms we've created or subscribed to.

For example, many of us have subscribed to the paradigm of what is means to work: to make a living by contributing to society through organized effort based on preconceived structures and business models. We "go to work" for someone - a business, an organization, an existing entity, from which we receive money - a form of reciprocal energy - for the giving of our time and talents, and we use this money to pay for the expenses our lives incur. This paradigm supports our capitalistic western society and has been the foundation for the concept of employment for hundreds of years.

So? You say. What's the big deal? What's wrong with that? There is nothing wrong with anything - but I do find myself wondering why I have subscribed to the western paradigm of work. What about creating a business for myself and receiving money from it? Do I need to work for someone else? Is subscribing to this belief serving me? Did it, perhaps, serve me at one time but is no longer helpful? And am I limiting my potential by continuing to believe this paradigm? In March of 2009, I penned a blog entry about writing a Business Plan for My Life in which I dove into the topic of work and living out your passion.  

As a lifelong learner and seeker of my own interpretation of truth I often seek to challenge the paradigms I'm currently experiencing, whether they are mine or others. Why? Because I can. In my willingness to resist the status quo and seek out my own answers and meaning behind the pre-existing structures and beliefs in my world, I exercise my ability to explore options and "buck" the traditional system - and to experience being truly present. To be willing to challenge what I "know" in lieu of potentially discovering something new about myself - in short, to keep learning.

As Leonardo da Vinci expressed it: "Everything connects to everything else." If my belief systems are, indeed, connected to my experience, then paying attention to the results of my experience will allow me to decide whether changes in my beliefs are necessary. According to the Teachings of Abraham, "a belief is only a thought you keep thinking." If a belief no longer serves you, choose a new thought - create a new belief. You can read more about this from Esther and Jerry Hicks, authors of the Law of Attraction.

So what does this mean? It means that I have the power to choose and change my paradigms. Our power of choice is the greatest gift we can utilize in our entire lifetime. Challenging our paradigms is just one example of taking control of our lives and allowing ourselves to play larger - to step further into our potential. If you are not happy with the results your life is showing you, choose again! Connect with your mind, body and spirit; align your thoughts, feelings and intuition; and activate your power of choice and begin to truly bring more balance to your life. It's your choice.

Happy Spring!

The Ambassador

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