Observations in Co-Creation

Oh, how I remember the days–when I doubted that I had created the experiences that had occurred in my life. Sure, I reasoned that I had created the good in my life; but how could I possibly have created the bad…and the ugly too? I could not accept this until my study of the Law of Attraction led me further along the mystical path. Then it became clear. Perhaps it’s now your turn. Let’s see if the logic makes sense to you, as it did for me.

To reach that turning point, please contemplate one aspect of your life. It might relate to where you live; your current career; or the partner with whom you share your life. Can you–with just a little introspection–accept responsibility for a result that manifest in the past? If so, can you step a little further into the introspection tunnel and admit “I created that”?” Is it by accident that you live in your present home and location? Or did your thinking play an integral role. Is it by accident that you married your spouse? Or did your thinking also lead to that? And of your career, were you dropped into it by Fate? Or did your thinking–perhaps through childhood daydreaming–place you in your current field of employment?

If you can logically trace the breadcrumb trail of thought–to action–to result in one aspect of your life, you’re in the position of power to create deliberately again. First: Decide what you desire. Make the vision strong, clear, vibrant, and impelling. Second: Believe, believe, believe. Visualize each and every day; making sure to imbue your visualizations with emotion. Feel the aliveness of your vision by engaging all of your senses. Third: Receive through action. When you feel the intuitive nudges to act, step through the door that leads to your desired future and dare to act; even if such action involves facing your fears. When you do, you”ll behold your dream made real.

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”

Place Your Reservation

Imagine with me, if you will, that you walk into a fast food restaurant and approach the woman behind the counter. You look her in the eye and innocently say, “Yes, my last name is Smith and I have a reservation for two, at seven thirty. My friend and I would like a table with a view.” What type of response do you think you would receive? Imagine with me, also, that you visit the beautiful state of Utah. However, instead of appreciating the beauty of it’s amazing vistas and rock formations, that you’re disappointed because you can’t reserve a hotel room with a view of the Pacific! And–you’re probably asking yourself–the point of this?

The point relates to an axiom of the Principle of Correspondence in the Kybalion, a book of ancient wisdom. It states: As Above, so Below; As Below, so Above. Meaning? It means that there is correspondence–or correlation–among the planes of being and life. The three planes– The Physical, Mental, and Spiritual–are not actual planes but arbitrary divisions or degrees in the scale of life. Such divisions are not hard and fast but shade in and out of one another. The Principle of Correspondence is important to understand, for with it, we can–and will–manifest more effectively.

What does this mean, practically? It means that to manifest more effectively we must align ourselves spiritually, mentally, and physically. In the spiritual: We must habitually be whatever we desire. In the mental: we must habitually think of what we desire. In the physical, we must habitually act in ways that reflect what we desire. The three states must align–or correspond–before we’ll experience the manifestation.

Using the analogy of the reservations from the first paragraph, that means that we cannot manifest prosperity by being, thinking, and acting poor. That means that we cannot enjoy health by being, thinking, and acting sick. That means that we cannot enjoy success by being, thinking, and acting failure. To be, think, and act in ways that contradict what we desire–does not make sense; in the same way that seeking a view of the Pacific from Utah does not make sense. You just can’t get that from there.

So, what do we desire? Is it great health, increased wealth, wonderful relationships, or more success? If so, it’s time to place our reservations. How to you do this? Through the powers of our imagination–first. Be it, think it, act it! We must imagine what we desire, and concentrate with patient and detached persistence. By doing so, we’re placing our reservation with the Universe. After that, we have only to remain strong in our faith, and then act upon our intuitive nudges. Law will bring what we desire.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Risking Life

All successful men and women are willing to do this to achieve their goals; and we can guess what that is by the title of this article. That’s right: Risk! That doesn’t mean these brave souls just jump at whatever desires catch their attention. It does, however, mean they were willing to take the risk of following their dreams.

The greatest risk that successful people take is stepping out of their comfort zones. They’re willing to leave the supposed safety and comfort associated with the old version of their little self–the one that hadn’t achieved the goals they desired–and risk stepping into the brave new version. In doing so, they not only face the potential negative reactions of friends, family, and acquaintances; but also the consequences that might arise from attempting to achieve their goal. Ultimately they’re willing to risk losing their known way of being in the world to step into the unknown. They realize that only in the unknown–and a new way of being in the world–can they receive what the The Universe has to offer.

Did these brave men and women actually risk failure? No, not at all; for the only true risk is not attempting to achieve our desires. As the saying goes: Don’t die with the music still inside of you! Is risking easy? Are there going to be sleepless nights when we might wonder “What the heck am I doing“? Yes, absolutely; but that–in truth–is part of the excitement! The more often we step outside of our comfort zone, the more comfortable we become doing so! Such is just a skill set, like any other; and we can learn to live that way. That’s what successful people do. So can we. When we reflect upon our life, we’ll realize that we’ve done it before…many times. Perhaps we just need to be reminded that we can do it again. Go for it, my fellow beings—I believe in you!

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Ashes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Preemptive Strikes

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

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

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

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

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

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Applied Willpower

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

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

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

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

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Be Strong

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

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

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

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

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

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

The Richness of Life

Who of us doesn’t want a rich life? Is that not, in itself, one of the main reasons why we desire to create deliberately? We want this, that, or another thing–be that a possession, the feeling of love, more success, greater health, increased wealth–and we usually want such because we live with the mistaken belief that these will make us happy. By living in this manner, we unknowingly place ourselves at the mercy of our own ignorance, for we live as we perceive. We are the ones who ultimately decide just what holds meaning and value.

What if, however, we were given wakeup calls–or reminders–that have the potential to transform our experiences and also deepen our appreciation for the richness that is inherent in life as it is? Everyone who lives long enough will experience such reminders. I know I have. Of course, it’s also true that we may be oblivious to them. Today’s wakeup call arrived as news that my neighbour who shone as an example of a wonderful human being has died. Unassuming, quiet, honest, kind, a gentleman and a gentle person–these terms described him well. For the purpose of this article, I will refer to him as Richard, for he deserves his privacy in death just as much as he valued it in life.

Given some of the conversations we shared, I think Richard would have agreed with the following: That we are immersed in a society–at least in the Western world–in which we honour things, degrees, achievements, money, fame, and prizes to an outlandish and unhealthy extent. Daily, we are bombarded with messages implying that if we purchase this or strive toward that we will be happier. Such distractions may initially yield a sense of happiness, but that happiness usually fades or fails us to some degree or another. In our private moments of the soul, we may repeatedly experience a subtle and unsettling feeling of discontent: “Why is this new house, car, or relationship, stock dividends, mountain climbed, first-place finish, or trip to the moon not making me happy?”

As we mature and evolve, we may consider ourselves fortunate if we awaken to the answer, which is simple yet profound: Because those things can’t. When we mistake symbols of wealth or achievement as the source of true joy, we will always lose. Not once or twice, but always. Until we learn the lesson, we will continue to experience the subtle or even painful suffering of the soul. The good news? That there is nothing we have to do, chase, or deliberately create to inherit the true richness of life. As the saying states: The sun shines on all of us.

So what, we may ask, is the true source of joy, and where can it be found? In simple but glorious moments of life itself. Such is often hidden in plain view: In the gleeful laughs of children playing in a yard; in our breath; the beat of our heart; a freshening rain; the smell of newly-mowed hay; the holding of hands; the flight of a soaring eagle; the funny walk of seagulls scrounging for scraps; a starry night; sunrise and sunset. We may also find it in wonderful individuals such as my neighbour, now transitioned to life much greater, who gave of his time to share in our short but meaningful visits. May he rest in peace. And may all of us appreciate the true richness of life that surrounds us…right here, right now.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

The Way of Trust

All of us bring attitudes to the situations of our life. Some situations we may label as good; some we may label as bad; some perhaps a mixture of both. Whatever the case, it’s unavoidable that we will bring our habitual thoughts and feelings with us. However, for the sake of manifesting the best of life, let’s share a perspective that may help us greatly.

We dream of the way we’d like life to be. We want this, that, or the other thing. We want a relationship to be just so; our career to happen this way but not that; travel to unfold according to our expectations; and solutions to arrive on our schedule. Alas, this is often not the case. Life surprises us, shocks us, knocks us, confuses us, and downright rebels against our most valiant efforts. However…

What if we adjusted ourselves–and our beliefs–to life; rather than expecting life to adjust to us. Would there be a benefit? Could we actually find ourselves flowing with the tide of life, rather than against it? The undeniable and unequivocal answer is yes! Could we arrive at a state of Being–deep within ourselves–in which we accept every moment as it is? And could we adopt the belief that life is always working in our favour, even if at first glance it appears otherwise?

Think: As life is always changing, is it safe to say that we never truly arrive? Is not every moment merely a stepping stone to the next? Can a supposed arrival ever truly be static? And with this knowledge, may we conclude that the outcome we have desired–which has not yet appeared–doesn’t have to be labelled as disappointment? Could the fulfillment of our desire still be on its way? Or could that which didn’t occur, still turn out to be for the best? And could we, thus, learn invaluable lessons?

To live in this manner is to live by the way of trust. We may believe that whatever happens in life–the loss of a recent relationship; the end of a business venture; an unexpected displacement from the workplace–is in our best interest. From our limited and small perspective, we so often assume that we know best. The truth, however, is that life’s detours often yield the best results…and the greatest joy!

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

To Think Deliberately

Eckhart Tolle is well known as one of the most influential spiritual teachers of our time. In the last several years, he has risen to prominence not only for his books–which include The Power of Now and A New Earth–but also for his television appearances and spiritual seminars. Although he has much to offer us on the discovery trail to our deeper nature, he is also skilled at teaching us the art of deliberate thinking. It’s for this reason that I include him in this article.

Regarding the subject of deliberate thinking, many individuals may question whether such is, indeed, possible. Undoubtedly that’s because most people have neither attempted nor practiced it. For these people, thoughts just occur as they may, most often randomly and repetitively. Consequently, their lives are a reflection of thought processes that lack intention.

Some experts believe that we cannot possibly know what our next thoughts will be; that we are not, in fact, capable of producing them. This may or may not be true; but through deliberate effort, we can at least attune ourselves to the nature of thoughts we receive. In one presentation, Eckhart likened the process to the following:

Imagine that we are sitting on a park bench. We have no particular agenda in mind except to enjoy time in nature. A few minutes pass but then a dog runs into our field of vision. It sniffs the ground in one location; paws the earth at a second; stops to urinate at a third. The dog goes on and on. In this example, the dog–of course–is analogous to our thinking process. Must we follow that dog–and focus on it exclusively–merely because it entered our field of vision? If our answer is yes, we are training ourselves to be the subject–not master–of every other dog (thought) that enters our mind. Negative and ugly dogs undoubtedly lead to more thoughts of a similar nature, connected as though by an invisible leash. Fortunately, however, the same is true of positive thoughts.

What does this mean in practical terms? That we may choose not to follow painful thoughts related to our ex spouse, business deals that went wrong, or financial worries that would keep us awake at night. That we may choose not to focus on relationship thoughts–be they platonic, romantic, or familial–that would cause us stress, worry, or concern. We are not being negligent when we choose not to do so; we are nurturing a better state of mind and preserving our sanity. And we may remind ourselves just who gives importance, relevance, and meaning to all of our thoughts and experiences. Do they come labelled as Win, Lose or Place apart from our own thoughts toward them? Of course, not! We are the scepter holders of opinion.

With practice, we may train ourselves to follow the thoughts we wish to entertain. Thus we become the master. There will also be times when we may choose not to think; to remain, instead, in the bliss of present awareness without engaging the thinking process. We may also liken thinking to our arms or legs: Just because we have them, must they always be in motion? No, they may be at rest…as may our thinking. If we have nothing good to think, we may choose not to engage negative thinking just to fill time. Such, in fact, will benefit us greatly.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”

Think2wice

CONSCIOUSNESS, SPIRITUALITY, & LAW OF ATTRACTION

Tag: Deliberate Creation

Observations in Co-Creation

Place Your Reservation

Risking Life

Ashes

Preemptive Strikes

Applied Willpower

Be Strong

The Richness of Life

The Way of Trust

To Think Deliberately

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