It’s Time

It's Time2

Dear Friends/Readers,

I’d like to thank you for your positive comments regarding the articles I’ve published since beginning this blog January 17, 2016. It now feels as though it’s time to take a break, at least for now. For over a year and a half, I’ve published an article every five days. I believe that I’ve covered the basics of the Law of Attraction, and I don’t wish to become repetitive.

My journey of writing this blog has only served to reinforce my belief in the Law of Attraction. I believed that ideas for new articles would come…and come they did! Even I was surprised by the nature of some of them. There are several examples of this, but one in particular is my favourite: Caveman Wisdom (press here if you’d like to read it). The best part of writing this blog was being of service and finding a meaningful way to give. Source deserves all of the credit; I was only the instrument used to transform the ideas into the printed word.

This isn’t the end of my writing. I’ll be working on new projects that inspire and motivate me to express myself through the written word. Using this blog, I may, in fact, publish a novella I wrote in 2015 entitled The Couch on Queen Street. 

For those who are interested, my articles will remain available to review online. I hope that you’ve been encouraged–even if only in a small way–to continue to reach for your dreams and make them come true. I wish everyone great health, wealth, success, and happiness.

With heartfelt regards,

Art

 

 

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Breaking The Mold

Pablo The Brickmaker5

Imagine this: Pablo The Brickmaker has a mold for bricks that is this long, this wide, and this high. He’s been using it for years. As long as he mixes the clay in the same manner, fills the mold in the same manner, and subjects the bricks to the same temperature for the same amount of time, he gets the same results. Always. His success at making bricks is founded upon the application of this knowledge. The process is as predictable as night following day, and day the night.

The point? That, likewise, the results we experience are shaped by the subconscious paradigms (or molds) that we’ve formed or acquired during the course of our life. From Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, a definition of paradigm: example, pattern, especially an outstandingly clear or typical archetype. Subconscious patterns are basically a collection of beliefs that we hold to be true. Whether these beliefs are actually true is irrelevant to the subconscious mind; for it always blindly accepts the information it receives. It does this twenty-four hours a day, without rest, every day of our life. If we habitually repeat I’m an idiot, it’s highly unlikely that we’ll ever receive the highest marks in the class. If we habitually repeat I’m such a klutz, it’s, likewise, unlikely that we’ll become the most coordinated athlete. And we shouldn’t be surprised to find ourselves overweight if we’re habitually thinking and saying I’m so fat. The mental pattern is formed first; the physical manifestation appears afterward.

So, how do we change our results? By deliberately changing our subconscious patterns. We do this by displacing negative beliefs with positive ones; limiting with empowering.  And: It’s vitally important to affirm what we desire; not what we don’t. We must be clear with our thinking. For example: Saying I’m not overweight, is not the same as stating I’m at a perfect weight for my height. In the first case, we’re actually drawing attention to what we don’t desire to manifest; thereby making the existing pattern stronger. We must also realize that it’s not enough that we know certain knowledge; we must apply it! Until we do, the results that manifest will–according to law–remain the same. How could they not? Would that not be akin to asking a corn seed to bear a potato? Or a pea seed to yield a cabbage? Our results will change when we change our paradigms, not before. This basically means that we must think in a different way; speak in a different way; and act in a different way. A worthwhile pursuit? If doubtful, we could ask Pablo what he’d have to do to create a different brick.

Dare to dream.

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2017 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. To view my ebook entitled Hold That Thought, please press here.

“Thank You” & Note to Publishers

Perfectly Imperfect

Perfectly Imperfect

Our study of the Law of Attraction is done for one basic reason: To improve our skill at deliberate creation. Most individuals seem dependent on Fate, that cruel master who delivers a good life to some…but not to most. We, however, yearn to be free; to create according to our own desires. With this in mind, we govern our thoughts, words, and actions. We trust that we will be guided. And so…

We apply ourselves earnestly. We water our goal daily, as though tending to an intangible seed. We read books and study; learn from mentors who’ve been successful in a similar field; take action based on intuitive guidance. At some point, however, we may stumble over a trait that’s common to many individuals: the desire for perfection.

Here’s the rub: Although the desire to perform flawlessly may seem harmless, or even noble, such a mindset may actually prevent us from ever achieving our goal! Why? Because whether we know it or not, fear is often intimately linked to the desire for perfection. Behind the scenes, our ego may be lurking, whispering: What if people laugh at my efforts? What if I face ridicule, rejection, or failure? What if, what if, what if? And related to this nature of thinking are two consequences: (A) It may prevent us from ever beginning a project (under the guise of being rational); or (B) ever releasing our creative works out into the world. The reason: To keep us comfortably–and supposedly–safe in the shadows.

The good news? Perspective, and the knowledge that we are free to choose it! When we cast off our insane need for perfection–while still maintaining the desire to perform to the best of our current ability–we take giant steps forward! We come into our own sense of power and person!  We also connect with a deeper way of being in the world; one that courageously states “This is my effort! Like it, dislike it! Accept it, or reject it!” We’re able to see beyond our fears related to acceptance, to what truly matters: that we ever tried in the first place! That alone puts us ahead of the crowd! Find one person who has always been successful first time, every time, and we will most likely have found a liar.

We, however, may be honest with ourselves and true to our vision. We may feel the fear and step through it. We may risk being vulnerable to grasp the reward awaiting us! And if we’re concerned about what others think, we may rest assured in this: Chances are they won’t even notice. They’re probably more concerned about what we’re thinking about them.

Dare to dream.

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2017 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. To view my ebook entitled Hold That Thought, please press here.

“Thank You” & Note to Publishers

Ashes

Ashes4

There’s an Eskimo Proverb that goes as follows: Yesterday is ashes. Tomorrow is green wood. Only today does the fire burn brightly. In a few short words, the proverb offers wisdom that–when applied–can improve our point of attraction now. And with a good point of attraction (predominant perspective or attitude) we’re going to attract better experiences. That doesn’t mean maybe; that doesn’t mean possibly; that doesn’t mean perhaps. That means we most certainly will! It’s universal law.

One of the key teachings regarding the Law of Attraction is that all of us–in some way or another–may unintentionally disallow the good we seek by viewing the world through a perspective that doesn’t serve our best interests. When we don’t see clearly, we may miss opportunities to mine golden experiences right here and now. One of the ways we do this is by focusing on either the past or the future. “This and this and this was wrong in the past; and that and that and that is going to be wrong in the future!” The proverb, however, serves as a potent reminder of the truth: Only today does the fire burn brightly! Only now matters. And only in the present moment do we connect fully and vibrantly with power. The thoughts we engage in the living moments of our lives are, indeed, creating our future experiences.

So what does this mean? It means that whatever we experience–perhaps divorce, the end of a career, a financial loss–becomes ashes the moment it’s experienced. The experience only continues if we mentally carry those ashes forward. The same is true of positive experiences. Repercussions of either may reverberate for some time, but the actual events are over. In short, we are always creating. The decision of what we create–be it joy, misery, or a degree somewhere between the two–is up to us. And here, another expression offers great truth: Pain is inevitable; suffering is an option. We suffer when we resist what has been created in any moment.

Are we to give up on any future goals and just float around like ducks in water, waiting to bump into whatever drifts our way? No, not at all. We are co-creators and we’re meant to create; but from a balanced perspective that reflects an understanding of what’s truly important in life. We’re also wise to drop our concerns about the past, for it’s senseless to worry about that which cannot be changed; and equally as pointless to forfeit today’s richness by fretting over an imagined future!

Regarding actual ashes: Good friends of mine recently shared an account that holds great value. It relates to an elderly aunt of theirs, and the death of her longtime partner. He had died about three months prior; his body cremated. They told me that during a visit with her they watched as she surreptitiously spread her partner’s ashes in a location that had held special meaning for both of them. His ashes had been contained in a cardboard box lined with plastic. Their account reminded me of the Eskimo Proverb. I thought: All that we fret about, stew about, worry about, lose sleep about; are anxious or angry about–all of it will be reduced to this: ashes.

Is this–to know that we will undoubtedly die–cause to be maudlin? No, not at all, at least from my perspective. To know that dust will, indeed, return again to dust provides us even more reason to live–fully, joyously, and gratefully in the moment! Aware of this, we may ask ourselves what gold surrounds us here and now. Is it not waiting to be mined by individuals who possess the right attitude? Are we fortunate enough to have family, friends, bread, water, a roof over our head? And certainly not least: Love? Does love not hold the greatest value of all? Truly knowing this–not just parroting the words–has the potential to change our life for the better; and not at some distant point in time. Now.

Dare to dream.

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2017 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. To view my ebook entitled Hold That Thought, please press here.

“Thank You” & Note to Publishers

Preemptive Strikes

Preemptive Strike

Most of us, unfortunately, will have heard the term preemptive strike, usually in the context of war. From Wikipedia, its basic definition is as follows: A surprise attack launched with the stated intention of countering an anticipated enemy offensive. The premise is that the first to strike will gain advantage, likely by catching the enemy off guard or unprepared.

As this relates to the Law of Attraction, a preemptive strike is not against an enemy but against ourselves and our goals! In many cases, such action reveals hidden fear or a subconscious belief in unworthiness rather than any real reason why our goals can’t be achieved! This covert operation is often habitual, a mechanism related to memories of past goals attempted without success. It works thus: Instead of allowing our goal to manifest, through intuitive guidance toward action required, we unconsciously defeat it with our negative thinking. Once again, this type of mentality offers proof that we bring about what we think about! It is destructive in nature, not constructive. This is the strike; the attack against our own aspirations.

Why, though, would our mind attack a goal that could potentially enrich our life? Because a new goal requires us to shift out of our comfort zone, and that can be a terrifying experience! In fact, many motivational speakers claim that if a goal doesn’t scare us a little that it’s probably not big enough! When the mind strikes down a goal, we may temporarily feel some relief, just to have the matter settled. However, in the quiet hours of the soul we realize what’s being sacrificed.

Regarding preemptive strikes in war, who would know the best action to be taken? This, however, is certain regarding the achievement of our goals: Unless we remain open to possibilities, we doom our dreams. The mind that’s launching preemptive strikes would have us believe that it’s being of benefit; that it’s protecting us from painful future experiences. But such a mentality negates the value of lessons learned from attempting in the first place! It’s actually sabotaging our dreams before they’ve been given a chance.

How do we counter these attacks if they occur? By recognizing them for the enemy they are! By questioning their validity and, if appropriate, refusing to accept that our goal can’t be achieved just because we don’t know the way now! Such requires patience, persistence, insight, faith, and action! The subconscious will undoubtedly attempt to convince us to be realistic; to accept that some people are lucky and some not. The truth, however, is that luck has nothing to do with it.

Dare to dream.

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2017 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. To view my ebook entitled Hold That Thought, please press here.

“Thank You” & Note to Publishers

Applied Willpower

Willpower

Wallace D. Wattles (1860 – 1911) was a New Thought author who wrote many books on the subject of the Law of Attraction. In The Science of Getting Rich, he devoted an entire chapter to sharing his opinions about the proper use of willpower. His views are logical and helpful for everyone who desires to apply the Law of Attraction more effectively.

When the subject of willpower arises, the thought of New Year’s Eve might immediately spring to mind. We might think of the countless resolutions that are made…and often soon broken. We might also picture a struggle or battle; one in which we physically force ourselves to reach for a pinnacle that symbolizes success.

For some individuals, the use of willpower also includes the misguided notion of manipulating others through deceit and duplicity. Of this, Wallace Wattles is very clear. He states that mental coercion through the use of willpower is no less wrong than physical coercion. He also states that our willpower is not to be used outwardly, upon effects that already exist. We are to use it inwardly, at the level of cause. According to him, the purpose of applied willpower is to change who we are, at the core of our Being. And as we already realize, when we change within, the world without must also change.

How do we properly use willpower? By exercising our power to choose right thoughts. In any given situation, right nature thoughts create right–or better—results. We, ourselves, possess the power to choose how we think and feel. With a clearer perspective, we may consciously and consistently engage better thoughts; thereby creating better outcomes. The key, of course, is to put these teachings into practice.

Dare to dream.

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2017 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. To view my ebook entitled Hold That Thought, please press here.

“Thank You” & Note to Publishers

 

Be Strong

Be Strong

How simple it may sound, to be strong. And how annoying it may be, especially if stated by individuals who appear to be sitting on top of the world, seemingly removed from any trials and tribulations. Such advice may seem trite, useless, hollow, and worthless. It isn’t. Let’s contemplate this further through a brief detour into personal history:

A year ago, I had another knee surgery. Nothing major: the second tear to the meniscus of my right knee. It should be fine, but that wasn’t what my thoughts were telling me during the first few days post surgery, when my knee was sore and difficult to bend. And my thoughts didn’t serve me well when I recalled the surgeon’s words as he showed me photos taken within my knee: “And here’s what we didn’t want to see.” He was referring to arthritis, I assume, or definitely wear and tear.

The point of this article is not a pity party about one guy’s knee. The purpose is to offer real life strategies grounded in the effective use of thought. While the mind–that great trickster–would have us believe there’s something useful behind weak and fearful thoughts, we must ignore it. We must turn it off, as though a tap dripping acid on our head. Instead, we must turn on thoughts that empower us toward the results we desire achieved. In my case, that meant ignoring “What if this ends my career? What if the pain continues? What if I need a knee replacement?” and focusing on thoughts that served my highest good. The goodness appears when we learn to think effectively.

The late Wayne Dyer (1940 – 2015) expressed this simply and succinctly: The law of floatation was not discovered by contemplating the sinking of things. Meaning: We cannot possibly achieve what we desire by thinking about what we don’t! Ernest Holmes (1887 – 1960), who was a New Thought writer, teacher, and leader, expressed this in a different manner through the following quote: No soul can demonstrate two things at the same time if one contradicts the other. There is no way except to let go of all that you do not wish to come into your experience, and, in mind, take all that you do wish. If we don’t desire to spend our lives wallowing in weakness, we must first be stronger and more determined. This builds the character that helps us navigate through the storms of life.

How may we apply this to co-create real and lasting results? By focusing on empowering thoughts–perhaps through affirmations such as I am strong, or I am getting better each and every day–despite facing the most trying circumstances. This means overcoming the temptation to focus on our troubles–perhaps health issues, business struggles, marriage woes, or the death of a loved one. Weak and fearful thoughts can never create strength! When we break the habit of worrying upon weakness, our own natural strength will rise within us. We were born with it. It’s an essential aspect of our true nature.

Dare to dream.

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2017 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. To view my ebook entitled Hold That Thought, please press here.

“Thank You” & Note to Publishers