Motorcycling My Way

Motorcycling has been a passion of mine for many years. It not only clears my mind but also makes me feel vibrantly alive–attuned to nature and the present moment. For individuals who desire to learn more about deliberate creation, I believe that the way I ride provides a valuable example of the Law of Attraction in action.

About four years ago, a paramedic colleague asked me if I still rode. I replied yes; that I had recently returned from an 18,000-kilometer trip. He then told me that his last call had been to a motorcycle accident involving a fatality. He shook his head and said the odds were against all motorcyclists. Let’s contemplate what my colleague mentioned about motorcycling. Is it not true that motorists driving cars and trucks die in crashes each year? Must they, too, believe their safety comes down to a roll of the dice? Would so many people venture onto the roads if this were the case? The teachings of the Law of Attraction have led me to very different conclusion:

All of us hold certain beliefs, many of which we’ve adopted without careful scrutiny for validity or truth. Some of them work for us, and some against. It’s just the way it is. With regard to motorcycling, my personal–and absolute–belief is that I will always be safe while riding. This belief is unshakable; I feel it at the core of my being. If I believed that safe riding came down to luck, I would not ride. Ever.

To be effective creators, our beliefs and actions must be congruent; in other words, they must align. If we’re thinking in one manner and yet acting in another, it’s impossible to manifest what we desire. Therefore: I check the condition of my motorcycle prior to every ride. Always. I check my lights, turn and brake signals, oil, tires, and horn. This routine actually serves to prepare me, as much as it relates to checking my bike. Further: Every time I set off to ride, I state an affirmation–silently (if surrounded by people) or aloud (if out on the road) that serves me well. Faithfully I say: “I am a safe, skillful, alert, and excellent rider, and my riding skills improve each day.” Do I believe this mantra magically keeps me safe? No. Here, logically, is how it works:

Through my affirmation, I’m deliberately programming my mind for the results (effects) that I desire. I desire to be safe; to be skillful; to be an alert and excellent rider. And every time I repeat my affirmation, I’m sending my clear intention to The Universe. By doing so, I am by no means suggesting that safe riding will occur by chance–I am willing it to be so. I perform my part by riding in a manner congruent with safety, and The Universe (which is always working for me–not against) fulfills Its role by informing me how to achieve the results I intend.

How does The Universe manage this? Subtly, in ways that I can neither plan nor anticipate. I have absolute faith, however, that The Universe will respond according to my deepest intentions. The way manifests spontaneously. I might be riding an expressway when I intuitively realize that I should pull over for a brief rest or a drink of water and a snack. I might also be prompted to shy away from a vehicle, veer to a different road, or check in early at a motel and call it a day. Unfailingly, I follow these instincts.

The point of this article is not to convince anyone to begin motorcycling; it’s to share an example of the way The Universe communicates. Some people may actually hear a voice, detailing action to take. Others may experience an unshakable knowing. Others, yet, may interpret a mystical meaning from a seemingly routine occurrence. Although the manner varies, the method is always of two-way communication. It applies to all of our intentions–all of the time. If we desire better health, we will be guided. If we desire greater wealth, we will be guided. If we desire assistance with a life challenge, we will intuit a solution.

This life is more magical and mysterious than most individuals may realize. Underlying all of it, however, is order, rhythm, balance, and natural laws. The Law of Attraction is just one of them. We may trust, too, that we will not be forsaken. Far from it. In fact, the more we trust The Universe, the more easily we’re going to ride through life.

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”

Law of Attraction Luggage

Bob is a business man. He’s forty-two, married, and the father of three children. He has worked for the same company in the same city for almost fifteen years. He lives in a nice house in the suburbs. He pays his bills, does as others expect of him, and leads (as Henry David Thoreau so eloquently expressed) a life of quiet desperation. From Monday to Friday, week after week, he drives forty-five kilometers to his office and begins yet another day of tasks that he believes he must perform. And every day, he takes with him one piece of luggage (his mind) in which he carries the following:

If I didn’t have bad luck, I wouldn’t have any luck at all.
Life is never going to get any better!
It’s too late for me to change.
It’s all downhill after forty.
I’m trapped.
Life is hard.

However, one night, after a particularly grueling day at the office, Bob goes to bed early and falls into a deep sleep. In his sleep–in a dream that’s clear, distinct, and real–a voice informs him that if he changes his thinking, his life will change! The voice also tells him that he can set aside the worn out contents of his luggage at any time and that he’s free to think, believe, and act how he wishes! In his new luggage, he excitedly packs the following:

I easily attract great health, great wealth, and great success!
I’m surrounded by endless opportunities!
I’m free–to think, to believe, to act!
I have faith in the goodness of life!
It’s never too late!
Life is on my side!

When Bob awakens the following morning, he feels more alive than he has felt in years. The world seems new and vibrantly alive. He feels awakened to the glorious newness of the day; to a world of opportunity just waiting to be discovered! And fortunately for Bob, that inspiring dream in which he realized his own freedom has stayed with him. In particular, he remembers this: If I change my thinking, my life will change.

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

Mental Eavesdropping

To become more proficient at the deliberate application of the Law of Attraction, it’s vital that we monitor our thinking. By this, I’m not suggesting that we need to know the nature of each and every thought, for such would be impossible; but we must certainly realize the gist of our mind. In this process of mental eavesdropping, we might imagine that we’re a dutiful guard standing watch at the doorway of our mind. Our primary task is to grant entry to positive thoughts; and to deny entry to all negative.

For individuals new to the Law of Attraction, the idea of monitoring our thinking may seem very strange. To achieve the results that we desire, however, the importance of this must be grasped. As Napoleon Hill stated in Think and Grow Rich, most people don’t actually think. They allow their minds to drift in one direction one minute; a different direction the next. This scattered focus leads to haphazard results. Successful creators are able to maintain a relaxed but concentrated focus at will. How, though, do we develop the habit of focusing properly when we experience average 60,000 – 70,000 thoughts per day?

The task of mental eavesdropping, which may at first seem daunting, becomes easier when we understand the role of feelings, which serve as invaluable indicators of our thought patterns. The key is understanding this:The thoughts we think lead to the feelings we experience. Thus, the way we’re feeling reveals the nature of our thoughts. Through the course of a day, we may apply this knowledge effectively by paying attention to how we feel. If we’re feeling good, joyous, and content, such means that everything is on course. If we’re feeling angry, depressed, or frustrated, we’re wise to examine the nature of our thoughts. In most cases, a negative thought pattern will be evident. Perhaps we’re regretful about the past, or fearful about the future. A loved one may have died, or an important relationship concluded. Business may have been slow, or our health been less than optimal.

I’m not suggesting we should become automatons; we are, after all, having a human experience. However, for the sake of manifesting effectively, we’re wise to get our thinking back on track as soon as possible. Although down days are only natural, we don’t have to let them sabotage our future. In this regard, gratitude is a powerful habit, for it can quickly transform our state of mind. Every day, we have so much for which to be grateful: our health, our family, our friendships, our work. And by aligning with our positive nature, we’re also aligning with Source, which is a good place to be!

Dare to dream.

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Down Memory Lane

During the course of a day, it’s not unusual to hear persons of all ages state the following: I have a terrible memory. I’m bad at remembering names. If I didn’t have a bad memory, I wouldn’t have any memory at all! Such statements, which are often stated as fact, are usually nothing more than a bad habit. Do you really believe that your ability to remember is somehow flawed? Those who insist on making such statements are actually creating that reality. The law of attraction is very clear: What we think about we bring about.

The inner narrative that we entertain makes a tremendous difference in the results that we experience. Successful golfers know that they don’t sink the puts by continually telling themselves they can’t; nor do financiers create profit by focusing on losses. The same principle applies to memory. It’s impossible to achieve the results that we desire by concentrating on thoughts of why we can’t! To replace the negative programming you may have acquired, I offer these positive affirmations:

It (the information we desire to recall) will come to me in a minute.
I easily remember names of people with whom I interact.
My memory is sharp, clear, and accurate.
My memory is improving each and every day!
I have an excellent memory!

Will this instantaneously displace years of negative programming? No. But if you begin the practice I’ve described, you’ll definitely witness an improvement. Patience and spaced repetition of the new program is key. Remember, it takes time for our waking-state reality to catch up to new programming. When we allow memory to function in a relaxed state, the desired information will present itself more rapidly. Our memory is one of the most important faculties of our mind. We owe it to ourselves to use it properly. When we do, we’ll discover that it’s our willingly and eager servant. Worth remembering?

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Sweet Glory: Decision

It’s probably safe to assume that most humans desire to set an intention in motion and arrive at the destination that they chose; but before this can happen, we must decide what we desire. And there’s the rub. The weight of decision can feel so heavy; the number of choices so great. Do I want this, or that? Should I go here, or there? Would this career be best, or another? And so we wait, deciding not to decide.

In many cases, fear is what prevents us from making a decision, although we might not recognize it as such. Fear, the trickster, attempts to convince us that the world hinges on one wrong decision. Fear, masquerading as logic, would have us believe that we shouldn’t take a step unless we can foretell every consequence. Fear, the thief of dreams, would have us focus on potential losses instead of the potential gains. Fear, masked as common sense, would inform us that we should wait another day, or another year. And so, we wait, deciding not to decide.

A mind that’s been conditioned to procrastinate making decisions is often haunted by a What If mindset. What if this or that happens? What if my family or friends or neighbours think I’m a fool? What if people laugh or talk behind my back? What if everything doesn’t go as planned? What if I invest all this time, energy, and money and don’t achieve my goal?

What’s the greatest risk of deciding not to decide? Time. Life doesn’t wait for anyone. Days have a habit of turning into weeks; weeks to months; and months to years. The heart of what matters is the journey–how we reach, how we grow, and how we evolve. The good news is that all experiences, not only those labelled right, hold value. The following quote from Amelia Earhart offers great inspiration:

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process, is its own reward.”

With regard to the art of deciding, the following riddle offers a dose of wisdom: Five seagulls are sitting on a dock. One decides to fly off. How many are left? If you answered “four” you might think again, because the answer is “five.” Deciding to fly and “actually” flying are very different. Once we decide upon a desire, it’s imperative to take action. Even little steps are better than no steps at all. Until we act, we’re still sitting on the dock with the fifth seagull. Regarding any of your concerns and worries about making a wrong decision, please consider this: In the end, what really matters is that we flew–not where or how. Is that not truly our sweet glory?

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Time for Change

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting a different result.” That quotation, which is attributed to Albert Einstein, is important for everyone who desires to create deliberate change in their life. Why? Seems obvious, doesn’t it? If we habitually repeat our way of being in the world, isn’t it logical to expect that life will remain fairly similar? Granted, life is always in a state of ebb and flow and changing moment to moment; but as deliberate creators, we desire to be the captain of our ship–our life.

To do so, we must first know what we truly desire. Until an interest becomes a burning passion, it’s unlikely that we’ll make the necessary steps to effect change. In short, our discontent has to become more stimulating than our content. Why? Because humans have the habit of embracing the status quo; it’s part of our safety mechanism. Our subconscious mind would have us believe that if life remains the same that we can let down our guard and relax. We feel that we know what tomorrow will bring!

However: This small way of thinking doesn’t positively serve our evolution. Indeed, there is a time to rest and enjoy the fruits of our labour. But so many of us may reach a point where we long for something more; where we intuitively realize that an ingredient of life is missing. Subtle feelings inform us that it’s time to expand and reach and grow. At such a time, we’re faced with making a choice: to expand in our awareness and live a grander version of ourselves, or shrink back into the old patterns that gave rise to our discontent.

Although the known world may feel comfortable and safe, it’s important to remember this: The known is not the place where we reap the benefits associated with change. To reap those benefits, we must step courageously into the unknown! We must rise higher and higher still and proclaim, “I can, and I will!” Frightening? Scary? Unsettling? Definitely, but when viewed with a positive perspective, the unknown has the potential to make us feel more alive than we’ve felt in years! How, though, do we begin?

By paying attention to the longings in our heart; by taking time to envision what we really want! What dreams–of greater health, of greater wealth, of greater success–do we wish to make tangible and made vibrantly alive in the here and now? We might be wise to remember this: Different thoughts lead to different emotions; and different emotions lead to different actions; and different actions lead to different outcomes! Simple, really. Whether we put this into practice and dream our dream is up to us. Time for change?

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

LOA: Cause and Effect

From Three Magic Words, written by the gifted New Thought author U.S. Andersen, I offer the following quote: Inherent in every cause is its exact result, for effect is nothing but cause moving through space and time. Please read those words again slowly, giving them the contemplation which they deserve. When fully grasped, the concept may be the key through which we unlock understanding of our true nature, and also the means to achieve our goals.

Think: What if we realized our power? What if we knew our true nature, of being so much more than flesh and bones? And what if we realized that every step we made was leading us closer to the realization of our dreams? What if we knew, with unwavering faith, that cause and effect were intimately linked; so much, in fact, that they could be called one? What if we realized that to imagine a desire was as good as creating it whole, complete, and manifest? And, as U.S. Andersen expressed, that only space and time separated us from experiencing its reality here and now?

The concept of cause and effect being one, not two, is not unique. It’s similar to an esoteric teaching called the Principle of Polarity, which states that everything is dual. Right/left; up/down; east/west. This concept may be more easily understood through a familiar example: Heat and cold, it’s taught, are not opposites but poles, or extremes, of one thing called heat; the only difference being that of degree. We are figuratively asked to look at a thermometer and state where heat begins and cold ends, or vice versa. Of course this is impossible, for such is relative.

The implications of this understanding are tremendous. Think: What fears could assail us if we knew the truth of this promise? What mountain could we not scale or move? With U.S. Andersen’s quote in mind, we would know that our goal was already manifest; and that our vision, faith, and persistence is the price we must pay to claim it!

We might also remember this: First cause is always mental. Physical outcome (the effect) is always secondary. Most, if not all, of our worries and problems arise because we assume that our life is a reflection of the outer; when, in fact, circumstances are but a reflection of the inner. It’s from within, where our true nature shines most brightly, that we access the power and potential to decree what will manifest in our life.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Circumstantial Evidence

The vast majority of people are living from the outside in. Meaning? That they’re allowing external circumstances to determine how they think and feel. A good day is one in which experiences fall precisely into place, the way they should, or the day can’t possibly be labelled good. Trip getting out of bed, spill that first cup of coffee, or miss the bus, and many people are convinced that their day is ruined. Little do they realize that they’re creating the results they expect…by the nature of their thoughts! Under such demands, an entire life may fall short of the mark. For instance:

If there are ample signs and symbols of wealth–such as an overflowing bank account, a big house, and several expensive cars in the driveway–people who live this way will feel rich. If there are trophies on their shelves, diplomas on their walls, and an office with a great view, they will feel successful. If they’re surrounded by a loving family, admiring fans, and a multitude of friends they will feel lovable. This way of being seems normal to most; for we’ve been programmed to believe it so. There’s a downside, however: It not only leaves us dependent on outer circumstances–which are changing from moment to moment–but also makes us vulnerable to great suffering when/if the symbols that define false wealth, success, and love are no longer present. In the extreme, it means that if the Cadillac rusts or is stolen, the office with the great view no longer ours, or a spouse or lover leaves, we must feel crushed. The obvious solution for people who live this way is to replace these symbols as quickly as possible. And so the cycle repeats again…and again.

We who are studying the Law of Attraction are advised to live a different way: from the inside out. We’re taught that all change comes from within; that circumstances and effects are but an outer reflection of who we are inwardly. Therefore, if we desire to experience more symbols of wealth, we must trust they will appear when we–first–feel rich within. To people accustomed to viewing the symbols of wealth as the true wealth, this will seem illogical at best. However, if we contemplate what a symbol of wealth actually is–perhaps a hundred dollar bill–we realize that it only holds value because of a shared belief system. The bill or note represents a promise only; and holds little value of its own. Think: Can a bill–the paper, ink, serial number, and seal–truly be wealth?

With these points running through our mind, we may contemplate a few questions about our own value system: Do we think it’s possible to place a value on health? If so, would it be priceless? Would we have much wealth at all if our health failed? And what of family and friends? Can a value be placed on time shared with them? Is it possible to feel wealthy by viewing a sunrise, a thunderstorm, a child’s smile? And what price would we place on holding our children or grandchildren for the first time? Or the last?

For those wondering how we can possibly feel healthy when the evidence reflects disease, I offer this: Concentrating on disease only creates more disease. We may counter this by envisioning ourselves as either healed or experiencing greatly improved health. Through our subconscious mind–which is our link to Universal Intelligence–we will intuit the right path. Surgery, medication, or alternative methods of healing may, indeed, be required; but we may trust that the way will be revealed. The key is to focus on our vision of health–not disease; the solution–not the problem; the positive–not the negative.

There are tremendous benefits related to living this way–the greatest being freedom! We may feel as though we’ve shrugged off the burden of chasing symbols, whose luster is transient at best. That we may still acquire great wealth is certainly possible; but we will never require such symbols to elicit the feeling of being rich. In fact, needing the symbols is the surest way of keeping the symbols distant; for need implies lack. A change in perspective can be a giant step toward liberation. We can have it all–health, wealth, and success. And along the way, we may also realize deeper aspects of our true nature.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

The Begetting of Belief

The Bible, especially Genesis, has a multitude of begets. This man begat that son, who begat another son. And so on, and so on, and so on. As used in the Bible, the term undoubtedly means to sire, or procreate as the father. However, we’re going to apply the second definition from Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary: to produce, especially as an effect or outgrowth. The begetting that’s serves as the subject of this article has nothing to do with fathering, but everything to do with believing; which, as we already realize, leads to the effects that we experience in our lives. Two examples in which we examine how like begets like may help us learn more about our own beliefs and the Law of Attraction. Imagine:

Nathan is an only child, born to wealthy parents who live in New York City. He frequently travels with them to their other residence in California. He knows nothing of want or lack, for everything is handed to him on the proverbial silver platter. He wears the latest style of clothes, attends the best schools; enjoys vacations at the finest holiday destinations. On his seventeenth birthday, he’s given a Mercedes Coupe. He knew his parents would buy it for him; he just knew. In the fall, he’ll begin his first year at Harvard. What beliefs is Nathan inheriting from his parents? And what beliefs will he beget to his children? That to be so entitled is only normal? On the other hand:

Ebele is the last child born to impoverished parents who live in Ethiopia. She and her five siblings live in a small hut. Her bed consists of a framework of branches filled with straw. What meager food her family has is cooked on a small stove in the center of the hut. The village in which she lives has no electricity. There’s no running water, either; she and her two sisters have to make daily trips to a river two miles away. Clothes are always hand-me-downs, stitched and stitched yet again for maximum wear. Formal education is out of the question for Ebele; for only boys of the village are allowed to attend school. A female’s fate is to become a mother. What beliefs is Ebele inheriting from her parents? And what beliefs will she beget to her children? That to be so impoverished is only normal?

On a personal level, we may ask what beliefs we have inherited. And what beliefs will we beget to our children. Beliefs that we have blindly accepted as gospel truth. Beliefs which scream this is the way the world is–accept, accept, accept! Beliefs, which, unless questioned and challenged for their validity, will perpetuate through generation after generation! Beliefs, about anything and everything, which took root within us and are now bearing their fruit.

And what truly is a belief? Nothing more than a collection of thoughts. We think this way about this matter; we think that way about that subject. And how we think–whether good or bad, or positive or negative–begets corresponding results. That which seems impossible will remain so as long as possible isn’t entertained. If our beliefs serve and empower us, we have nothing to do but continue what we’re doing. If our beliefs limit the quality of our life, however, what then? We can change our beliefs. Isn’t it time to beget the best days of our life?

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Think2wice

CONSCIOUSNESS, SPIRITUALITY, & LAW OF ATTRACTION

Motorcycling My Way

Law of Attraction Luggage

Self-Fulfilling Prophecies

Mental Eavesdropping

Down Memory Lane

Sweet Glory: Decision

Time for Change

LOA: Cause and Effect

Circumstantial Evidence

The Begetting of Belief

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