An Interview With Fear

Clutching my thin briefcase, I tentatively entered the large room, which was ornately paneled with dark wood. Four dim-lighted sconces on the front wall were the only source of light. As I stepped forward, I heard the door close behind me, followed by the soft click of a turning key. The room had a high ceiling and an echo-like empty feel to it. I walked forward and stopped in front of an immense oak desk that was centered on a raised platform. A person would have had to climb stairs to sit behind it. I looked up, but I couldn’t see anyone.

“Mr. Doe?” came a resonant voice.

“Yes,” I replied. “John Doe.”

“I understand that you’re here to apply for the position of Fear Specialist.”

“Yes,” I replied.

“What makes you think you’re qualified for the position? We don’t hire just anyone, you know.”

“Well,” I replied, as I attempted to hand my resume upward to the voice above me, if you’ll take a look…”

“Just give me the highlights,” said the voice.

“Well, I’m quite familiar with fear, so I can well relate. When I was four, I was afraid of the boogeyman–so scared that I occasionally peed the bed. When I was eight, I was afraid of getting a few scrapes when I was learning to ride my bike. I cried more than a few times. And when I was a teenager, I was so afraid of being rejected by the in-crowd that I turned against myself to be accepted.”

“Nice,” said the voice, “that’s a good start. But what have you done recently?”

I flipped to the second page of my resume and scanned down the lines. “Well, during the last several years,” I said, “I’ve dwelt upon as much bad news as I possibly can. I’m mesmerized by it. As a result, I’ve endured a lot of fear and a tremendous degree of mental anguish. I’m quite familiar with the coverage of war, terrorism, and violence of various sorts.”

“Very nice,” said the voice. I imagined it smiling, if such could be possible. “You may be just the man we’re seeking.”

Inwardly, I smiled. How I needed the job. I slid my resume back into my briefcase.

“What are you willing to do to fit into our organization?”

“Almost anything,” I said, but as soon as the words exited my mouth I felt a twinge stab through me.

“Bow,” said the voice. It was a command, not a question.

“Pardon me,” I said. “What did you say?”

“I said ‘bow.’ The voice was harsh now. “Do it now, or this interview is over. There are plenty more like you that are eager for an interview.”

Time stood still as the realization of what I was being asked–no told!–to do settled within me. A cold shiver ran down my legs. Was this a nightmare? What price was I willing to pay to get the job? From somewhere deep within me, I felt the warm wellspring of holy power rise within me. It felt glorious, a power that was beyond any fear related to humankind. I need not bow. I would not bow.

A few moments later, as I felt that power surge within my being, I turned my back to the courtroom and marched proudly toward the door. “Come back, come back!” cried the angry voice; but I refused to turn. The door opened easily, and as I stepped toward the light, I felt the building collapse into a heap of ruble. For the first time in years, I knew I was free.

***

Dear Readers: Natural fear that’s meant to protect us from danger is very good indeed; and we’re wise to heed it. But when fear becomes a constant in our lives, it can rob us of so much joy. Abnormal fear is associated with the perspective of the false self–the “person” who we think we are. If fear is attempting to rule your life, perhaps you would benefit from self inquiry. Asking “Who am I?” is a good place to begin. You might also find my YouTube video entitled “Finding Your Way Home” helpful.

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” 🙏🏻🧡

Ride On

I’ve just returned from a 13, 000-kilometer motorcycle trip in which I visited the west coast of Canada and also a few of the States of America. I was away for thirty-three incredible days. It was a great trip, and I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to travel in a way that provides both excitement and joy.

My passion for motorcycling struck me when I was a teenager, and despite a period of over twenty years in which I didn’t ride, my passion returned several years ago. How glad I am that it did! Several friends I know also ride, but we have strikingly dissimilar belief systems when the subject of continued riding in future years comes up. Two people I know have even planned the exact age when they will quit riding–stating reasons such as, “Well, you know that your reflexes get slower as you age,” or “you have to be very sharp when you’re riding on two wheels.” I don’t deny that these statements are true; but both negate that safe riding can still be possible, in part due to benefits that we’ve acquired as we age. We’ll look at the subject from a Law of Attraction viewpoint:

The Law of Attraction basically states that what we think about, we bring about. When we apply this to the subject of safe motorcycling, it, thus, means that if we focus upon the day when we will quit, to be safe, we will actually manifest that as a consequence of our thinking. Our mind, when directed in such a manner, will offer ample evidence as proof of why this should be so. My approach is much different.

Yes, the day will undoubtedly come when I will stop riding, but until that day appears I’m going to focus all of my efforts on staying in the saddle. Why not? I’m going to tell myself that such is possible for as long as possible. The point? It’s definitely not solely about riding a motorcycle! It’s about indulging in and enjoying all of our interests! Golfing, skiing, running? Travel, adventure, passion? I’m saying “Yes!” to all of my interests. Isn’t it wiser to let life determine when the time is right to forgo an interest, and trade that one for yet another? The details will look after themselves. We need not plan for the day when we figuratively park our motorcycle for the last time, or shelve our helmet. In fact doing so, only makes such occur that much sooner!

Why was my trip only 13,000 kilometers long? Simple: Because I started to entertain thoughts (which brought about corresponding actions) that it was time to turn eastward and return to life in Ontario. If I had continued to think about riding in other States–perhaps heading further south–it would have been much longer. This little example applies to so many of our other interests? Why are we not travelling anymore? Because we stopped entertaining the idea that we could or should? Why have we given up on driving, maintaining our own home, or hiking the surrounding parks? Quite often it’s because we stopped thinking that such was possible; long before any physical reason presented that actually inhibited our ability to do so.

In a book entitled In The Flow of Life, the author, Eric Butterworth, tells the account of a businessman named Joseph McDonald, who, despite being eighty years of age, was vibrant, energetic, and doing the same amount of work of employees many years younger. At lunch one day, a young employee politely asked Mr. McDonald his age. Without missing a beat, Joseph replied, “My son, my age is none of my business!” What he was so wisely saying was that his age need not ever be his focus. Must we squeeze ourselves into the stereotypical definitions of someone who is sixty, seventy, eighty and beyond? No! We can let age take care of itself. It will. In the meantime, isn’t it time to be planning our next trip?

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Exchanging Paradigms

Paradigms are a collection of beliefs in the subconscious mind that serve as a mould or blueprint for our life experiences. Many of our paradigms are positive and serve us beneficially; but some are negative and detrimentally affect the quality of our life. It’s easy to understand the importance of exchanging paradigms that aren’t working in our best interests.

How can this be accomplished? The first course of action is to realize they exist. Although it’s true that we cannot directly witness paradigms, we can definitely notice their effects. A useful analogy would be to think of paradigms as the wind–made knowable through a weather vane. We can notice our paradigms by observing how we navigate through life. When we pay attention, we’ll notice that we perform most activities in a predictable and habitual manner. For instance: After a shower, we begin to dry ourselves in a definite pattern–arms, chest, and then lower body? When brushing our teeth, we begin from right to left or top to bottom? When driving our car, we buckle our seat belt immediately or just prior to pulling away? Believe that there’s no such thing as paradigms? Then watch next time as your habits drive you to the same parking space, in the same lot, at your local grocery! These actions are due to the function of paradigms.

In this article, I describe a technique that I borrowed from a hypnotist’s internet presentation. In it, the hypnotist shared that we could conceptualize the subconscious mind as a glass container, perhaps in the shape of a carafe or flask. The flask is full of our subconscious paradigms–both good and bad. Fluid symbolically represents the paradigms contained within the flask.

For the purpose of learning this technique, we may imagine that the flask contains a belief system (paradigm) that’s producing a negative effect regarding a goal we desire to achieve. Perhaps we have a habit of procrastination that’s hindering us from completing our goals in a timely fashion. Next, we may imagine dropping a new and positive belief (conceptualized as a pebble) into the flask every time we perform our tasks on time. Initially this may not appear to make any difference to the amount of volume in the flask. But, when we drop pebble after pebble–day in and day out–our limiting beliefs will be displaced. They’ll simply spill away to darkness where they belong. The key with this method is mindful repetition. When we’re present, we’ll see that it’s actually possible to choose our habits.

So, please take an honest introspective peek. What paradigm needs exchanging? Anger? Defensiveness? Excessive consumption of food or alcohol? Fearfulness? Irritability? Jealousy? Tardiness? Is there a belief that’s preventing you from experiencing a healthier and happier life, or hijacking your degree of success? If you’re aware of a limiting paradigm, now’s the time to symbolically drop that first pebble and take inspired action toward the change you desire.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

It Just “Is”

Today’s article is going to help anyone to create better life experiences. Guaranteed. The method is free, is easy to use, and will bring immediate results. With a little practice, it has the potential to dramatically change the quality of our life. I’m going to use a real-life experience to share my message:

It’s raining today, at least where I live. Grey clouds are hanging over town as though they might stay forever. They won’t. It was under these conditions that I ran some errands this morning. At the checkout of one of the stores I visited, the woman behind the counter glanced out the front window and remarked, “What a crappy day.” I replied, “Well, it’s raining, that’s for sure.” She made another statement about ducks liking this kind of weather.

I realize that such comments are often intended as conversations starters, which is wonderful because it engages people and provides an opportunity to share. Also, I’m not judging the woman as being right or wrong for her dislike of rainy weather; she just made a comment that felt appropriate for her. I would, however, like to offer an alternative way of looking at life.

We who desire to learn more about the Law of Attraction, and how to manifest more effectively, understand that what we’re habitually telling our subconscious mind literally “matters.” We know that positive or negative thought patterns create according to their nature. We realize, too, that underlying programming gives context to everything we experience. In other words, telling ourselves that a rainy day equates to a “crappy day” creates a crappy day. It’s just the way it is. Anyone who lives with a rainy day mentality is inviting negative influences to other aspects of their day. This is logical. The experience has been labeeled, as though carved in stone, with little or no awareness that it could be labelled otherwise.

My message today also relates to freedom. Such freedom is available here and now when we break free of the mind’s incessant need to label. Can we allow life to just be? Could a situation, event, or circumstance just be what it is? The benefits of living in this manner are tremendous, but they’re dependent on our effort. Every time we deliberately practice allowing, we disempower our old limiting programs and invite a brighter life experience. We’ll discover that it’s actually possible to enjoy a rainy day. The air will feel vibrant and fresh, cleansed by the rain that once seemed a curse!

As we dig deeper within, we’ll unearth more labels, which may no longer seem relevant to what’s currently occurring. No one, including me, will deny that certain situations are more challenging, for many labels are deeply ingrained. Still, our new practice holds value. By detaching ourselves from our mind’s habitual narrative, we may also discover our higher self, the witness. From this perspective, we’re grounded in the very core of our Being; rather than upon the shifting sands of effects.

Can you imagine catching yourself the next time you’re about to automatically label this as good or that as bad? The practice has the potential to transform your life. And with just a little observation, you’ll understand that a thought is only creative when empowered with attention. The upshot is that you’ll find yourself consciously attracting more of the good you desire, from within.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Stake Your Claim!

Today while running some errands, I entered into a brief conversation with a young woman who was working at a clinic. When it came time to depart, I said that I hoped that she would have a good day. Her reply was “I will.” In those two words, I realized that she understood the importance of what we’re telling ourselves on a consistent basis. She didn’t say “I hope so,” or “time will tell,” or “what are the chances?” She stated–as though a fact–“I will.”

Deliberate creators realize, either consciously or subconsciously, that certain behaviours create certain results. They know that thoughts lead to feelings, actions, habits, and results. The Law of Attraction, simply defined as like attracts like, is functioning through every aspect of the process of manifestation. Nothing’s left to chance; for deliberate creators don’t believe in chance. An analogy may make this clearer:

Imagine that you knew of a parcel of land, beneath which lay tonnes of un-mined gold. The veins of gold are rich, and crisscross the property close to the surface. It would be easy to mine. Only you know about the land, and the reserve of gold. And now a question: Given that only you are aware of the gold, who could be its rightful owner?

Until you actually claimed it–meaning staked a claim to it–no one could actually own it! Not even you! The point is that we must first claim what is ours, in much the same way that the young woman claimed that she would have a great day! She wasn’t waiting to see if life would give her a great day; she was creating it! She knew it, and she claimed it! We must stake claim to the life that we desire. If it’s greater health that we desire–we must claim it! If it’s greater wealth that we desire–we must claim it! If it’s a business that we desire–we must claim it! We must think it, state it, claim it, act it, and be it!

So, how do we do this? First: Focus; become clear about what you really desire. It’s your life, and your decision. Then: Write your goals down in the present tense, as though they’re already accomplished. Begin with: I Am now……… (You might add: the owner of my first house; in a loving relationship with a wonderful partner; exercising four times each week). Make your goals as specific as possible. If it’s a certain amount of money you desire, claim it in exact figures. If it’s a career you desire, claim it precisely; e.g., a nurse, a lawyer, a plumber, the owner of ‘this type’ of business. And then?

Refer to your goals frequently, and by that I mean at least once a day. When you read them, imagine the experience of that reality; engage as many of your senses as possible. Next, confidently and patiently wait for the intuitive nudges that you’ll receive. When you do, act! Even step counts, for they’re what move you forward. If any of this sounds foolish–or as though you’re denying reality–you might contemplate what’s really foolish: leaving the dreams and talents that are unique to you (your gold) buried for a lifetime! Trust the process. First, though, stake your claim! Your future depends on it.

Dare to dream.

With heartfelt regards,

Art

.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” 🙏🏻🧡

Think2wice

CONSCIOUSNESS, SPIRITUALITY, & LAW OF ATTRACTION

Category: Empowerment

An Interview With Fear

Ride On

Exchanging Paradigms

It Just “Is”

Stake Your Claim!

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