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

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” 🙏🏻🧡

Self-Fulfilling Prophecies

The title of this article definitely has something to do with the Law of Attraction–everything, in fact! It’s not just a lame expression; it’s true. And it definitely applies to the purpose of this blog, which is to help Beings recognize their true nature and help empower them to bring their best visions to “reality.”

There are several core components to the Law of Attraction, but the most important one is this: What we habitually think about we bring about. Period. The same is true of our words, beliefs, and habits; for all of these form our character, which, in turn, becomes our destiny.

For anyone who doubts the truth that thoughts–either entertained or acted on through words, actions, or habits–actually return like results, please consider this: Have you ever known a time when behaving angrily brought anything but anger in return? Such situations usually escalate, unless someone involved is wise enough to respond with silence, words of understanding, or loving compassion. Angry actions usually yield angry actions in return. This isn’t accidental, because nothing is left to chance.

If the example seems logical, please also consider this: What if all of our habitual thoughts, words, and actions returned to us as experiences in reality? Would a sane person ever focus on disease, poverty, or failure? Would a sane person ever speak or act with those in mind? Wouldn’t doing so just prove that we, as creators, desired to bring such to life? And wouldn’t the impersonal Power behind all of life respond by giving us that for which we asked? The old saying is true: What goes around, comes around.

Once we accept the truth of the Law of Attraction, we realize that we’re experiencing our own prophecies. Life reflects our way of Being. Without this mirror, we couldn’t possibly evolve. Through our experiences, we learn whether our thoughts are serving us positively…or not. And as we gain a clearer understanding, we may thoughtfully and deliberately use the Law of Attraction in our favour. It’s in our best interest to do so.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

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

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

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” 🙏🏻🧡

The LOA Whisperer

Psssst. Psssssst! Hey you, are you listening? That’s right, I’m talking to you. I thought I’d check in and see how you’re doing with the Law of Attraction–deliberately, that is. I realize that you’re relatively new to the teachings, and I wanted you to know that you’re not alone. I’m here for you.

Are you putting the teachings–namely that we bring about what we think about–into practice? Are you finding it easier to choose the nature of your thoughts? How about last week, or yesterday, when that guy cut you off in traffic? Were you able to stay strong and focused, realizing that it just is what it is? Did you use the experience to empower yourself? If not, keep the faith. And what about at that recent party, when people were gossiping and talking negatively about the state of the world? Were you able to remain detached, and choose to focus on all the good that’s occurring? Are you responding more, and reacting less? That’s a huge step; for it proves that you’ve made space for the power of choice. Are you beginning to realize that you can accept or reject any train of thoughts? And how about your vision for your future? Are you deliberately taking a few minutes each day to look at your written goals and visualize them as existing now?

If you’re finding it challenging, please be patient. Selectively choosing your thoughts gets much easier as you make it a habit. The idea of controlling your thoughts may seem difficult at first, but when you begin to see positive results–in your state of health, wealth, and success–it becomes much easier. It’s all about positive momentum. I’ve got two tips that are going to make manifesting positive change in your life much easier:

Tip One: Willpower. Most people believe that the use of willpower relates to work, namely working harder and longer, followed by increasing effort. These people believe that you have to force life, at the physical level. That’s the hard way; basically like pushing boulders up hill, day after day. You might ask Sisyphus, of Greek mythology, about that! The most powerful and effective use of the will is related to our thinking. When we use willpower this way, two things happen: The first is that we introduce change at the level of cause (because we know that positive thoughts lead to positive feelings, actions, habits, and results). The second is that we assume our rightful position as Spirit above thoughts. Our thoughts are intended to serve us; not the other way around! If our thoughts are using us we need to change that hierarchy; and the sooner the better!

Tip Two: Love. When we realize the importance of love, especially self-love, we begin to make giant strides in what we’re deliberately manifesting. Let’s look at an example: When we love ourselves enough to care about the state of our health, we’ll deliberately choose health-related thoughts because we realize that thoughts aligned with health lead to positive habits that lead to positive actions and, in turn, positive results! The same logic applies to our wealth, relationships, and degree of success in other aspects of our life.

I’m going to go for now, but I’ll be back. Keep doing what you’re doing. You’re gaining in strength and insight. I believe in you, and I know that you can effect the positive change that you desire. You know how to do it: one..thought…at…a…time.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Do “Something”

I remember a period of my life when I held a very different set of beliefs. During that time, if I didn’t know where a step might lead I didn’t take it. This desperate need to know was due to a fear-based paradigm; which, we remember, is a deeply-held collection of beliefs operating in the subconscious. It kept me limited for years. By living that way, I missed out on a tremendous number of opportunities. The good news is that way anymore. If you can relate, I hope this post will help you move beyond your fears and capitalize on the opportunities that surround you.

Now, I better understand the psychology involved. I behaved that way because I was very afraid. Why? Because, one wrong action might figuratively lead me to water that was over my head. I might find myself in a situation that would frighten me, embarrass me, or reveal a weakness. Such thinking is from the ego; the false little self that’s deeply concerned with how it appears to others.

Can you learn from my life lesson? Is it time for you to change your focus and concentrate on what might be gained by saying “yes” to an opportunity, instead of what might be lost? Will the world truly come to an end if an action you take doesn’t lead precisely where you assumed that it would? And isn’t there the chance–a Great Chance–that an opportunity taken might lead you in the direction of your dreams?

Such daring steps lead us forward and nurture a much different belief system. They help us believe in ourselves, our power, and our inherent strength. Through them, we build faith in our abilities; faith that we’re stronger than any challenge; faith that we’re moving closer to the life we secretly desire.

Consider this: Would the sky actually fall if you write that novel you’ve been yearning to write? Likewise, would dark clouds immediately appear on the horizon if you began to paint, sing, build, or dance? The answer, of course, is “No.” By taking action you would be displaying faith in yourself. Do yourself a favour: Be brave enough to do something. Today.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Big Dreams

Robert Collier, who was a successful New Thought author, once wrote: “Big things are only little things put together.” The simplicity of this statement might appear ludicrous, but there’s actually magic behind it.

That short passage is from his famous book entitled The Secret of the Ages. The insight came to him one day when he was watching a sixteen-storey building being constructed. He states that one morning as he stood watching the construction he heard the shrill sound of a whistle and watched as a derrick lowered a platform from great height. When it reached the ground, a workman fastened a chain around the center of a steel beam. The whistle sounded again, and Robert watched as the girder rose to great height where other workers fastened it into place with bolts, adding to the structure.

We can apply this simple point to our goals, which may seem impossibly big and challenging when viewed in their totality. But that’s not how great structures–or great goals–are achieved. They’re accomplished one step at a time; the way that one steel beam added to the tall building that Robert described. The people who accomplish such great feats do so with intense passion and unwavering focus. They also exhibit great patience, but not the type that leads to procrastination. They realize that projects come together in the right fashion in the right time. Doubt–if ever it should knock at the door to their mind–is quickly replaced by a positive focus that enables them to move forward. These great men and women realize that the mind is an excellent servant but a terrible master!

As you’re contemplating your goal, take a look for the proof of this type of thinking. There are many great accomplishments now taking place. Think nano technology; think exploration of space; think computer technology. History is also full of great examples: think Great Wall of China; think Ford; think Marconi; think Wright Brothers; think Bell. What might seem easy from our point of view took Patience, Dedication, and Will. Big things are only little things put together. What one beam will you add–today–to the goal that you’re building? If you know it, do it now.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Think2wice

CONSCIOUSNESS, SPIRITUALITY, & LAW OF ATTRACTION

Category: Law of Attraction

Ride On

Self-Fulfilling Prophecies

Murphy’s “Law”

Bending Reality

Stake Your Claim!

The LOA Whisperer

Do “Something”

Big Dreams

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