Author: R. Arthur Russell

Although I was employed as a Primary Care Paramedic for almost thirty-six years, I also have a keen interest in the study of Consciousness, Spirituality, and the Law of Attraction. I believe that when more persons recognize their True Self, they will be relieved of needless suffering. This is my purpose--to ease suffering and improve the quality of life through the sharing of knowledge. Toward that end, I have just published a book entitled "This Taste of Flesh and Bones" --September, 2020. I also publish articles on a regular basis @think2wice.me

Murphy’s “Law”

Most of us are likely familiar with an adage known as “Murphy’s Law.” The premise behind it is stated as follows: “If anything can go wrong, it will.” Many persons believe that it’s fundamentally true; they may, in fact, cite proof of the law in their daily lives. They’re not surprised to find the wrongness that they’re unwittingly seeking. Let’s examine Murphy’s Law and the Law of Attraction more closely through a day in the life of John:

Monday: It’s a day like any other, at least for John. On the weekend, he noticed an advertisement for a 50% sale at a clothing store that sells his favourite shirts. The store is almost an hour’s drive from his home, but John plans to purchase three or four shirts to make the drive worth his while. His drive, even with Monday traffic, goes smoothly and he arrives late morning. He easily finds the shirt section, but he becomes frustrated when he can’t find the size he desires. He asks a clerk if there are more shirts in the stock room, but she replies, “All that we have are on display.” Without a moment’s hesitation, John thinks, “Hah! Murphy’s Law at work! And after I made a special trip!” On John’s return drive, on a side road about a kilometer from his home, he get’s a flat tire. He eases his car onto the shoulder and prepares to change the flat. When he checks the trunk, however, he discovers that his spare tire is also flat. “Humph! Murphy’s Law, again!” To John, the experience feels so familiar: He expects situations to go wrong…and they do!

What John doesn’t realize is that the apparent validity of Murphy’s Law is dependent on his point of view! Without John, and his habit of negatively labeling experiences, the presence or absence of shirts has no meaning whatsoever! Further, if he hadn’t allowed his frustration to get the better of him, he might have asked the clerk if she knew of other stores, which in this case actually did have shirts left in stock. As for the flat tire, John is lying to himself if he blames it on Murphy’s Law. He has known for weeks that his car’s balding tires needed to be replaced. It’s also worth noting that if the flat tire had occurred on the busier main roads, he would have been at even greater risk of being injured. The fact that the flat tire occurred on a side road could actually be viewed as life going right!

So what may we learn from this fictional account? That Murphy’s So-Called Law could only influence John’s life through his belief in it! According to the law of Attraction, beliefs that are habitually held in mind will be expressed as apparent “reality.” In place of Murphy’s Law–which is actually nothing more than a negative affirmation–we may choose beliefs that serve our greatest good! The following is a sampling of useful affirmations to help us deliberately create positive outcomes:

All of life serves my greatest good!
I act with courage and confidence!
I am stronger than any challenge!
Success is my birthright!
I can because I think I can!

We may learn many truths in our study of the Law of Attraction; one of the greatest being this: Life doesn’t contain end points. How could it? Life is ever changing. Nothing rests. Everything is always in motion. Steps are merely stepping stones to more steps. Had John realized that Murphy’s Law was up to him, he could have chosen to change his mind, move forward in faith (belief), and thereby create a very different outcome. Such is worth remembering the next time we’re tempted to believe in Murphy’s Law or the power of a black cat.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. “Thank You” & “Note to Publishers” 🙏🏻🧡

The Lions’ Den

I doubt if any of us–given the choice of entering a lions’ den of our own volition–would willingly open the gate and stride bravely toward lions pacing back and forth. Such action, we realize, would not be in our best interests. Fortunately, our instincts prevent us from making such a grave error. We know to keep the gate closed and leave those lions alone. Now…if only we were always so wise with our mind:

Think of it. We know that no good may come of it, but time after time we figuratively enter a den no less dangerous than the one mentioned above. It is a den of the mind. Even when we should know better, we often carelessly throw our happiness–even health–to the lions by dwelling on thoughts which cannot–ever–yield anything but suffering. And yet we do it. The lions I’m referring to go by many names: Remorse, Regret, Anger, Aggression, Hatred, Jealousy, Envy, Pride, Greed, Shame, Malevolence. If given the opportunity, these lions not only ravage our present-moment joy but also devour the promise of our future happiness. Such is the lurking threat of those nature of lions.

And how do we open the gate? By giving energy to thoughts which are otherwise powerless. Until we give them focus–perhaps by dwelling on a past regret; or worrying about a future outcome–such thoughts pose little or not threat. When we step into their den, however, we leave ourselves vulnerable to their corresponding effects.

Doubt that our thoughts actually create any real outcomes? If so, we might ask ourselves why corporations spend millions of dollars to advertise. Executives of such corporations realize that if they can attract our attention (and thereby place thoughts in our mind) we’ll be more likely to purchase their products and services. Think: Is not everything from food to clothing, furniture to houses, cars to vacations, so advertised to appeal to our senses? Is there not the promise–either implicit or explicit–that through such a purchase we will benefit immensely? And in politics, is not the same process applied to persuade us to vote for this or that party? If the intention is not to make us think in a certain manner…then why?

We may learn many lessons through our study of the Law of Attraction. One of the most valuable relates to focus. Great minds know the importance of consciously directing their mind. They realize that thoughts that are habitually placed in the mind will ultimately come to pass. Knowing that, they exercise great discretion in their thought processes. In short: They know how to think–deliberately!

Fortunately for us, there’s a world of positive thoughts at our disposal: Love, Joy, Kindness, Compassion, Courage, Empathy, Enthusiasm, Inspiration, Hope, Gratitude, Health, and Generosity…to name but a few. Each, when given focus–and acted upon–will yield corresponding results in our lives. Would we not be wiser to direct our attention to them the next time we’re tempted to enter the Lions’ Den?

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. May it help you in your spiritual journey. 🙏🙏

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

A Change of Attitude

My point in spreading the word about our true Self and the Law of Attraction is to help improve the quality of our lives. This isn’t something that can be done for someone else; as the process is unique for every individual. It involves personal transformation, which–by its very nature–must occur from within. Such change begins with the very thoughts we habitually entertain. While this may seem like hard work, it’s actually good news; for it means that we, not an external force, may govern the quality of our lives. There’s even better news: Such change does not require years; it can occur within minutes.

How can we improve the quality of our lives? Through a change in consciousness. When we change the way we think, we literally changes our lives. For many people, the greatest obstacle in creating a better life is their attachment to negative thought patterns related to painful memories, or deep emotional scars. Their interior dialogue might play similar to this: She did this to me, and I’m never going to forget it! He cheated me in business, and now I’m going to get even by hating him forever! They’ll rue the day they ever messed with me! Such thoughts, unless deliberately changed and reframed, may repeat for a lifetime.

Buddha, who was no slouch in the wisdom department, expressed this so well through the following teaching: Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. Please contemplate this logically with me for a few moments. Does holding anger benefit us in any way? Is any part of our body, mind, or spirit immune to the negative effects of anger, hatred, or revenge? But what, we may ask, is the alternative?

The answer: To change the way we think! And who benefits? All of us. When we figuratively drop the hot coal we’ve been holding the inner transformation begins immediately. Our mind knows, our body knows, and most of all our soul knows. We may drop the hot coal about the person who lied to us; drop the hot coal about the driver who cuts us off in traffic; drop the hot coal about a duplicitous business partner. By doing so, we create a space for the solution, which is love–for ourselves, for others, for all. There’s nothing to be lost, and everything to be gained. Through this practice, we become active, and conscious, participants in creating a better life.

An old expression offers additional wisdom: It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. The logic: Darkness doesn’t disappear by focusing on darkness. Pain doesn’t disappear by focusing on pain. Wrong doesn’t disappear by focusing on wrong. Anger doesn’t disappear by focusing on anger. Our wisest action is to light a candle, which really means to turn away from darkness (our negative emotions) and engage the power of love. It’s in us to give. And when we do, we create the the good life…together.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Edison: Remember This

Thomas A. Edison is attributed with the following quote: When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this–you haven’t. Please contemplate those words with me for a few moments; let them seep deep into your being. In ten words, Edison gave us a great inspirational gift. Let’s take a closer look at how they apply to the Law of Attraction and our lives.

Anyone who studies the Law of Attraction learns this: Our outer circumstances are a reflection of our inner state. If we think that we have lost, then we have lost. Conversely, if we clearly envision our desires as achieved, and work with courage and conviction, they will manifest in our reality. Edison’s quote holds the potential to make a great difference in our lives if only we will apply it.

How could this quote make such positive a difference? Think of it: Imagine that we have started a new business. We have rented a store, filled it with merchandise, and hired three employees. At first, business is brisk; customers are visiting on a regular basis and purchasing our wares. In a few months, however, we examine our overall sales and realize that business is falling offf. We begin to wonder if we will have to lay off one of our employees. Niggling doubts about meeting our bills creep into our mind. To combat the situation, we begin to advertise in new ways. We begin Bargain Day Promotions, hoping to attract more customers. The situation seems dire.

At this point, the quote from Edison may serve us well. When we realize that we’re only at the end of our possibilities if we believe that we are, such may inspire us to reach deeper into our creative capabilities. A solution may be much closer than we realized. It will never be realized, however, if we allow the thought of defeat to sabotage our efforts!

Our inner conviction determines our outer results.

It we apply the wisdom of the quote, it can positively affect every aspect of our lives. Through it, we may be guided to new possibilities, new ways of thinking, and new solutions! We might remember, too, that the brave new world we seek will only be as brave as we are! We determine whether we’re defeated or victorious. And knowing that makes all the difference.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Deliberate Living

Frank is having a difficult day. He realizes it immediately upon waking, after tossing and turning all night. He feels physically and emotionally drained. Within a few minutes, his day gets worse when he steps under the shower before noticing that he’s out of soap. Later, at work, he bumps into Jim and Elaine and immediately feels poor when they share details of their recent trip to Fiji. He knows that his trips to Cuba the previous winter pales by comparison. The icing on Frank’s Day occurs when he notices women in the office flirting with Doug, a new employee, who’s young, athletic, and handsome. By his own definition, Frank is old, overweight, and out of shape. Why, Frank asks himself, must life be such a struggle?

What Frank doesn’t realize is that life isn’t out to get him. Life doesn’t have an agenda to bless some and curse others. It’s an impartial force, operating impersonally. Unbeknownst to Frank, his biggest problem is that he’s unaware that the quality of his life is directly related to the nature of his thoughts about his life. On the day that Frank knows with absolute certainty that his life is terrible, the following is happening outside of his awareness:

When Frank was getting out of bed, a man named George, aged sixty-seven, is waking on a city sidewalk grate, after spending the night shivering in the only clothes he owns. While Frank was muttering about a missing bar of soap, a young African girl named Nale, who has never experienced the luxury of a shower, is desperately missing her mother, who died of AIDS the previous day. Regarding Frank’s trip to Cuba, he’s unaware that the average Cuban earns approximately $25.00 per month. And while Frank was belittling his physique, a man named Richard, who’s been in a wheelchair since a car accident, still dreams of the mobility that Frank takes for granted.

The point of relating such different lives isn’t to make us feel better by contemplating the plight of others. I’ve employed contrast to help awaken us to a new way of thinking about our own lives; to experience the immediate benefits that occur when we govern our attitude. In doing so, we become masters in the art of living. Such is not reserved for a privileged few, and we don’t have to trek to a mountaintop to attain our degree. If we’re willing to welcome our own evolution, via lessons in the trenches of life, every down will yield an up; every detour will lead to a more meaningful destination.

There are tremendous benefits when we “stay in the is-ness of life.” Stress, anxiety, and discomfort arise when we resist life; which is just another way of saying “I want life to be other than it is.” Resistance robs us of the inherent beauty in the present moment. A wiser approach is to align, here and now, with the flow of life. When we do, we’re enabled to experience peace without demanding that life change to suit our needs.

Accepting life in the present moment doesn’t mean foregoing our dreams. In fact, when we’re at peace we become an open conduit to intuitive nudges that will help us fulfill them! Once we truly know what we desire, our task is to remain strong in our faith that the way will be revealed. For those who question whether this can actually help us create a better life, my suggestion is to “try it, and see for yourself.” The process of attracting what we desire begins…in the time it takes to change our thoughts.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Affirmations in Life

Louise Hay, founder of Hay House Publishing and author of several Law of Attraction books, is a firm believer in the use of affirmations. By her definition, an affirmation is any statement that we say or think–whether positive or negative. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines affirmation as follows: Something affirmed; a positive assertion. We, too, may benefit from the use of affirmations.

How do we effectively form and use affirmations? It’s easy, really. Our affirmations must always be phrased positively, and always in the present tense. The powerful influence that affirmations have on the subconscious lies in repetition; so it’s to our advantage to use them frequently. They should be stated in a relaxed and positive manner, without stress. We will also benefit by writing them down and referring to them daily. As an example regarding wealth, we might say: Money comes to me easily and frequently, from known and unknown sources. We would not affirm: I am not poor; for doing so would only give focus to lack and poverty.

For those who are new to the concept of affirmations, the previous sentence regarding money may seem ridiculous. You may think: But I am poor! Do you want me to lie to myself? No; I don’t. I do, however, want to encourage you to tell yourself a new truth, to help you create the life that you desire. Understanding a concept of Law of Attraction teachings will help: What we sense in our apparently outer world–through our five senses–is an effect of past thoughts, feelings, and habits. If we continue to focus on effects, the future that we’ll create will look very much the same! But, when we deliberately control what we’re thinking now, we’re dealing with creation at the level of cause. It may help if we imagine this as seeding the garden of our mind with new desires; rather than watering what has already manifested. With patient persistence, and action based on our new way of being in the world, our results will change. They must.

Why, you might ask, must I phrase affirmations in the positive? Because we create most effectively by focusing on what’s desired while letting that which is undesired wither and fall away. Consider this: Don’t think of a pink elephant. What just came to mind? A pink elephant, of course. Although this example may seem nonsensical, it helps us understand the logic involved when you consider affirming “I am not overweight.” In this example, what would have just entered your mind? Being overweight. For someone who desired to be slim or more fit, such an affirmation would obviously be unwise to program into the mind. The same logic holds true for every aspect of our life.

As you incorporate affirmations into your life, you’ll receive intuitive guidance regarding action required to manifest your desires. Such guidance might take the form of the repeated mention of a book; words of advice from a friend or colleague; or a symbolic message that keeps entering your awareness. Whatever the form, you’ll intuitively know whether taking such actions feels right. When this occurs, it’s imperative to follow through by taking a step. Even a little one! Doing so will make all the difference. And it will strengthen your faith to continue taking step…after step…after step.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Bending Reality

When I was a young boy, I learned–as did most people–that reality was fixed and unyielding. It was just the way it was. The facts were the facts, and there was little that one could do about changing them. My view of the world was largely based upon beliefs that I acquired from family, friends, and teachers. Such holds true for everyone. Now, I realize that reality is far more flexible than I had ever imagined; and that we can change our experience by changing the way we view the world. Doubt this can be true?

The quest to discover the tiniest units of matter has lead to a field of study called Quantum Physics; of which I won’t pretend to possess more than the most basic understanding. I have learned, however, that atoms–which were once believed to be the tiniest bits of matter–consist of even smalled units called protons, electrons, and neutrons; and, further, that atoms are actually 99.999% empty space. When we consider the Double Slit Experiment, which was first performed in 1801 by Thomas Young to determine if light was a particle or a wave, our quest to define reality became even more confusing! The unexpected results revealed that they actually functioned as both. Today science describes this phenomena as Waves of Probability. My point? That even great scientists cannot prove absolutely whether reality is actually as solid as once believed. Let’s take another view of reality, through the analogy of a roller coaster ride:

Sam and Samantha, who are both twelve years of age, decide to go on their first roller coaster ride. They are secured safely side by side, and the ride begins. Up, up, up the roller coaster car ascends, with Sam and Samantha holding tightly to the bar in front of them. At the peak of the first climb, their car rolls along level for a few feet, then plunges down a steep decline before banking left and then right. Two minutes later, the ride comes to a halt; and we see Sam and Samantha as they are helped from the car.

Sam, who had thought that he might love the ride, is actually weak in the knees, pale-faced, and close to vomiting. Samantha, on the other hand, who had been frightened before the ride began, is beaming with excitement. Sam can hardly wait to leave the theme park, but Samantha immediately wants to line up for another ride! Although this example is clearly fictional, we can easily understand that the ride itself is not responsible for such disparate realities. Everyone’s experience of it will be unique. In short, you make the difference!

If we wish to bend reality a little further, let’s look at what should not be possible, especially if we think like the masses. Who would think that reality could include a paraplegic man propelling himself around the world in a wheelchair? Clearly such is impossible…unless you’re Rick Hansen (otherwise known as the Man in Motion), who, beginning in 1985, defied reality by logging 40,000 kilometers over the next twenty-six months! Who would think that reality could include a man born without arms and legs becoming a motivational speaker? Such is clearly impossible…unless you’re Nick Vujicic, who is doing just that, and serving as an inspiration to children, students, and adults. And who would think that reality could include a man making eight passes between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, on a tightrope strung 1350 feet above the ground? Such is clearly impossible…unless you’re Phillipe Petit, who performed that daring feat against reality in 1974.

Beyond these accounts, what else is really possible? There are cases of terminal patients experiencing spontaneous remissions; of people lifting a car off a loved one who would otherwise be crushed to death. My main intention in sharing this article, however, is not to draw attention to what others have done; but to encourage people to contemplate their own unexplored avenues of belief. Is it possible to propel yourself through challenges? Break free of self-imposed limits? Successfully walk the tightrope of your fears?

So, how may we bend our reality? By beginning to contemplate (think about)–as did Rick Hansen, Nick Vujicic, and Phillipe Petit–what’s truly possible. By questioning whether we must accept reality as we know it, or alter it through a change in our beliefs. This life is our ride. It’s also our chance to make the most of ourselves. Perhaps it’s time to open your mind to new possibilities and, thereby, begin the process of redefining reality.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Give Yourself a Chance

Because many of the Law of Attraction books that I’ve suggested reading were written over a hundred years ago, it might be easy to assume there are no noteworthy masters of the subject living today. Such isn’t the case. One of the most insightful teachers has written numberous books, including Manifesting Change, Infinite Possibilities, and Leveraging The Universe. His name: Mike Dooley. He also writes daily Notes From The Universe; one of which served as the inspiration for today’s article. It concludes with these few words:Chances are something you give yourself.

Do those words seem ludicrous? Can we truly give ourselves a chance? Or do you believe–as many do–that chances are external to us, beyond our control, and allotted only to a fortunate few? It would be foolish to deny that people who live in countries with better health care, better education systems, and come from wealthier families don’t have more obvious opportunities. However, history proves that such people often squander the gifts before them, perhaps due to laziness or lack of initiative. It’s often those who come from poverty and poor circumstance who rise and manifest the life they desire! And what is it that makes the difference?

Something within—a something that we might call a fire in the belly and a dream in the heart! An intangible something that drives dreamers to reach for goals even when the masses proclaim “that’s impossible!” A something that drives them to work long hours, make countless sacrifices, learn new skills, pursue new leads, and relentlessly take action even when success isn’t guaranteed! A something that enlivens their faith, in life and in themselves. It is the spirit and vision of the dreamer that determines whether a goal with be achieved and made real. All of us were born with that certain something; whether we act upon it, however, is up to us. The crux of the matter: Chances must be acted upon to hold any value!

By taking a chance, I don’t mean visiting a casino and risking your paycheque on one roll of the dice. Nor do I mean quitting your job–without another source of income–and hoping that your dreams come true. The point of this article is to draw attention to what Mike Dooley so wisely stated: that chances are something we give ourselves. This means that we’re the only one who can say “yes” to opportunity; that no one will wave a magic wand and grant achievement of our dreams! We alone take the chance. Or not. We alone believe in ourselves. Or not. It’s–literally–up to us. Whatever vision we hold dear will remain just that–a vision–unless we take a chance.

Do you have a dream? Have you always wanted to run a marathon but as yet never around the block? If so, give yourself a chance; and begin a walking or running program (if you have the health to do so). Have you always wanted your own business, but been afraid that you don’t possess the necessary skills? If so, give yourself a chance; and learn more by reading books or talking with experts in your field of interest. Have you wanted to to lose weight, quit smoking, or learn a new language? If so, give yourself a chance; and believe that the achievement of such goals is possible! Then–beginning today–take one step (even a small one) toward making your dream come true. Trust. You will receive inspiration; and when you do, it’s your task to take action!

So what is the take-home point of this article? Give…yourself…a…chance! Take a chance! Make a chance! Act on a chance! And believe you’re worth a chance! If you’re fearful, know that you’re not alone. Those who achieve great success also have fears; they just acknowledge them and push through to victory! What’s the worst that might happen? That you might not achieve your goal? Or that your journey to achievement might be longer or tougher than expected? If that’s what you’re thinking, now may be the time to ask yourself another question: What’s the best that might happen? And maybe there’s only one way to know.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Deciding Links

For those of us with goals that burn as brightly as our sun, I offer another quote to help us create more of the results we desire. The quote is yet again from Robert Collier, who was an author, authority on the Law of Attraction, and motivational master. It is this: The strength of a chain doesn’t lie in its strongest link; but in its weakest. It’s easy to imagine a chain–pulled taut under great forces–snapping at a weak point. We, too, have such links.

What are our links? Character traits with the potential to hinder or break the outcomes we desire. For the purposes of this article, I’m going to rename them deciding links, which I believe is more appropriate. The three reasons: 1. The term is positive; whereas weak might imply a wrongness about us, which is not the case. 2. A deciding link–in much the same way as a weak link–often determines whether our efforts will be strong enough to meet with success. 3. A deciding link--at least in my opinion–is a trait that we, on some level, have accepted, either consciously or subconsciously. Great achievers do not accept their traits as fated inheritance; instead they decide how they will be in the world, and thereby create their own destiny.

And how may we discover our deciding links? To my knowledge, there is only one way: through honest introspection. If we’re unwilling to look deeply at ourselves, and remain open to change, our positive desires will almost certainly remain lifeless wishes. The process if not for the faint of heart, for it involves deliberate evolution. It involves choosing to look, rather than turning a blind eye; choosing to be courageous, rather than hiding behind our fears. The following is only a partial list of deciding links:

Indecision: Perhaps the most important link. If we lack the ability to decide what we want, we’ll remain unable to move forward deliberately. I’m not suggesting that we should rush the process. Vague feelings of inward discontent often signal that we desire change; it may just be that we yet don’t know what we truly desire. We might remember that not deciding is actually a decision in itself, one that can keep us mired in the same place, wishing for life to get better of its own accord.
Procrastination: When we delay performing tasks that could be done today, we are consciously or subconsciously delaying the achievement of our goals. An attitude of it-can-wait-until-tomorrow often creates the habit of waiting until never.
Pride: If we’re unwilling–due to ego–to ask for help when required, we sabotage our dreams and goals. There are plenty of people who are willing to help, but we must be willing to ask. We do ourselves a great favour by stepping out from the shadow of ego and asking for assistance.
Disorder: The opposite of discipline, disorder greatly limits our degree of success. We might also think of it as lack of focus or will power. When we are disciplined, we’re able to give ourselves a command and follow a task through to completion. Unlike disorder, discipline paves the way toward achievement.
Indolence: A polite term for laziness, indolence literally takes us nowhere. If we’re unwilling to rise up from the couch of our own indolence and reach for our dreams, we would be wise to realize that a mythical servant is not waiting to hand their achievement to us.
Impatience: Achievement takes time, patience, and persistent effort. Unless we’re willing to work and wait–faithful to what we desire–our greatest vision may well remain a distant mirage.

So there we have a few of our deciding links. There are many more. Every person has his or her own; we are all unique. Often we do not wish to accept such links; for we may view them as flaws, or aspects of ourselves that we would prefer to leave in the dark. However, it is when we bring such links into the light that we may change them. The decision to do so, of course, is up to us.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Good Storytellers

Remember with me now, to when we were little children, perhaps six, seven, or eight years of age. At that time, someone we knew may have told us a ghost story. Listening attentively, we felt our muscles tighten, shivers run down our spine, and our breath tighten as we imagined ghosts in the attic, the creak of doors opening by invisible forces, or a sudden frostiness in darkened halls. In spite of being frightened, we may have soon begged to hear another.

What we didn’t realize at the time, was that our body was creating real reactions to those fictitious ghosts. Now, of course, we know that the ghosts–the ones with eyeballs dangling from empty sockets, severed body parts, and oooohhhh-sounding voices–aren’t real; but at the time we believed they were. And because of that, our hearts beat faster, our eyes dilated, and the rate of our breathing increased. Our bodies reacted as though those ghosts were real. And the point of this article is?

This: That even though the ghost stories are long gone, we’re still telling stories. They’re just different. In fact, we’re telling them to ourselves every day. The stories we tell now most likely revolve around health, wealth, family, careers, and relationships. They also relate to what we imagine is possible or impossible. We’re telling ourselves: I am this, or I am that. I can or I can’t. Life always works out for me, or I was born to lose! I’m unlovable, ugly, and poor; or I’m lovable, beautiful, and rich! And as a consequence of the nature of stories we’re telling we experience correlating positive or negative consequences. For example:

Every time we tell ourselves illness-based stories, our bodies react by matching what we’re telling ourselves–perhaps by delivering more aches and pains, or another health issue to be investigated. The body might deliver the ache first, but we are the ones who add to the story by thinking, “Oh, there’s that ache again. Could it be…?” Conversely, if it’s a health-based story, we have nothing to do but enjoy the harmonious ease with which our body functions. Every time that we tell ourselves a poverty-based story, our subconscious mind delivers a way to fritter away money, turn down a great financial opportunity, or instill another belief that we’re destined to remain poor. A prosperity-based story, of course, functions by motivating us to create the results that match that type of story. It’s just the way this reality works. The sad part is that many people don’t realize that results are directly related to the type of thoughts we entertain. This will make more sense when we realize that it wasn’t real ghosts that frightened us as little children; it was merely the thought of ghosts that created the effects. The point? That thought was, and still is, the power.

Consider this: Do you believe that repeatedly telling yourself “I’m having a crappy day” makes any difference to the quality of your experience? Do you believe that thinking “I’ll never find a wonderful partner” can help you find that great relationship? Do you believe that saying “I’m broke, and I’m always going to be broke” can help you effectively manage your finances? Amidst even the most chaotic and unsettling circumstances, we may tell ourselves the most amazing story and maintain our calm center. Émile Coué, a french psychologist and pharmacist, realized the importance of what we’re habitually telling ourselves. A firm believer in the power of autosuggestion, he coined the well-known expression: Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better.”

So how do we make a better life? By realizing that the type of story we’re telling ourselves can transform our lives! If we want to be scared, we can focus on a fear-based and negative stories. If, however, we desire a wonderful life, we’re wise to make great health, wealth, success, peace, and joy the underlying theme. To empower ourselves even more, we might use wording such as “I am strong, confident, powerful, courageous, and whole.” It’s our book of life. We’re the author. We owe it to ourselves to tell a good story, now. Don’t you think?

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Think2wice

CONSCIOUSNESS, SPIRITUALITY, & LAW OF ATTRACTION

Author: R. Arthur Russell

Murphy’s “Law”

The Lions’ Den

A Change of Attitude

Edison: Remember This

Deliberate Living

Affirmations in Life

Bending Reality

Give Yourself a Chance

Deciding Links

Good Storytellers

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