Arms and Heart Wide Open

Worthiness is a key element to receiving.  Positive affirmations and all the positive thinking in the world cannot bring you what you don't truly believe you are worthy of receiving.  A lack of self-worthiness has the potential to block the acceptance of gifts from the universe and will undermine all else.  This is how powerful belief and emotion are.

There is a great book called:

Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard by Chip and Dan Heath.

http://books.google.com/books/about/Switch.html?id=XmzbeoN-KZ0C

No, I am not getting anything to promote it.

If you don't read another book, read this one!  It's so easy a child can understand it, and it shows how one person CAN make a difference in business, at home, and in the world.  It shows example after example of how the power is within you to make small changes with tremendous impact.  (I have read it twice already and I'm thinking about a third time.) Enough said!

From my own little side of the mountain at this moment, I will tell you that abundance is our divine inheritance, but like most anything else, it is an inside job.  If the world you see reflected on the outer is not in keeping with what you would like then it is within you to change it.  It may not be in the way you think, though.

Most people assume they will triumph if they toil a little harder or if, instead of working 10 hours, they work 14 hours a day.  They push and push and push.  It may produce eventually but is there a better way?

Could success be attained more smoothly by contemplating each major move?  Would it be achieved more easily by relaxing, listening, and paying attention more to that inner voice within you?  YES!  The truth is, at least as I see it so far from my own experiences thus far, is that the sweet victory of accomplishment in any area of your life requires a healthy balance of inner and outer work.  Not too far to one side or the other, and a view of detachment, meaning doing the work but not being attached to the result of that work.  It is to allow for other outcomes that may be better for us in the bigger picture so be flexible!

In summary, all I can say is, we've got this!  We are learning and growing every day; opening ourselves up to all that we deserve and more.  We will assist others along the way, too, because in giving we naturally receive.  By helping each other, we climb the ladder quicker and we become successful together.  You cannot help another without helping yourself, too! Competition is pointless.

Slow and steady wins the race at any leg of the journey.  It is wise to strive only to be better than we were the yesterday and not compare ourselves to others.

What race?  Just having fun!

Next stop....Criteria for Defining Success.

What Does Love Have to do With Success?

Staying active is essential and is one example of love of self because when you truly love yourself you take care of every part of you.  Swimming, hiking, walking...whatever your physical exercise is of choice is vital to all the bodies:  physical, emotional, mental, and Soul.  (It doesn’t have to be an hour at the gym every day:  a leisurely stroll, if you are living a sedentary or even a busy lifestyle, for 1/2 hour every day would be a great start and will build its own momentum.)  

Contemplation Trails at the Temple of ECK, Chanhassen, MN

When there are disturbances that cause pain in the physical body, this becomes more challenging and another opportunity to grow presents itself.  While it is tempting to curl up in bed and pull the covers over one’s head, it is that much more critical to keep moving and to keep showing up.  

Pain in any form is not to be ignored.  It is helpful to ask key questions to aide one along their way.  Some of the questions I might ask are:  what is it trying to telling me about my current state?  What can be done to discover the cause or the root of this, most times, “unwelcome” guest?  Is a change in diet needed?  What small adjustment can be made with maximum benefits?  Is this related to a past event or to something I am doing or not doing now?  

While it is good to have some kind of mental analysis of it, it is every bit as important (if not more) to look at it from a higher viewpoint; this means at least some time spent in silence allowing the questions to float softly through as if observing feathers floating upon a river and then letting them go.  This is easier than trying to block all thoughts from your mind because “the more you resist, the more they persist.”  Meditation is a wonderful tool but for those of us with a more active mind, contemplation (a more active form of meditation) is much more agreeable.  

A chant can be used.  I choose HU, (pronounced hue), which is the highest vibration one can sing. It has had tremendous results for me, although I don’t sing it with the intention to do so, only to open contact between the highest power (whatever you may call that power:  God, Jesus, Allah, divine love, Spirit, etc) and myself.  You can learn more about HU at: http://www.eckankar.org/hu.html.

If you would prefer to sing OM, love, or just focus all of your love upon someone who opens your heart and makes you feel happy than please feel free to do so.  It is a matter of personal choice and what works for you.  Be assured...taking this time every day is a gift that you give to yourself.  

Now what does this have to do with your business/dreams or your journey to a successful new you?  Everything!  When you are feeling good, happy, and relaxed then you are open to all the wonderful opportunities and adventure that life has to offer.  Isn’t that what it’s all about?

Note:  My Etsy store is temporary suspended.  No worries, it'll be up again soon.  Thank you for your patience.